Sensory Processing challenges

You have likely noticed a child who seems overly sensitive to noise, bright or overstimulating environments, certain clothing or who appears clumsy, constantly on the move or prone to meltdowns? These behaviours can sometimes be linked to sensory processing differences.

Parents often notice signs early in infancy or as a toddlers when undertaking daily tasks. Children may struggle with fine motor tasks such as holding a spoon, dressing themselves (doing up buttons, zips etc.), may strongly resist certain textures of clothes, wearing shoes, resist  having their hair washed or brushing their teeth.

Parents often notice signs early in infancy or as a toddlers when undertaking daily tasks. Children may struggle with fine motor tasks such as holding a spoon, dressing themselves (doing up buttons, zips etc.), may strongly resist certain textures of clothes, wearing shoes, resist  having their hair washed or brushing their teeth.

Sensory processing involves how our brains receive, organise and respond to information from our senses. Some children may be hypersensitive (sensory avoiders), feeling overwhelmed by sensory input such as loud sounds, bright lights, overstimulating environments, strong smells, food textures or uncomfortable clothing textures. Common behaviours may include crying, tantrums or meltdowns, refusal to undertake certain tasks , withdrawal from social situations or contexts to avoid sensory overload. Hypersensitive children may also be unable to sense the amount of force they apply when putting things down (slam things), tear the page when using an eraser etc. , , may avoid hugs or cuddles, be fearful on playgrounds and may be oversensitive to background noises that others may not notice.  

Others may be hyposensitive (sensory seekers), actively seeking sensory experiences by touching everything, bumping into things, constantly moving, rocking on chairs or seeking physical activity like running, jumping or constant movement. Common behaviours may also include fidgeting, lack of awareness of personal space, unusually high or low pain thresholds, chewing, biting or mouthing non food items such as shirt fronts.  Hyposensitive children may also display behaviours that are not generally socially acceptable such as constant touching, invade others personal space, may not understand their own strength, enjoy deep pressure or bear hugs and enjoy rough play. 

While we commonly think about the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell, there are also two important internal senses that we may not be aware of that impact a child's sensory processing:

Proprioception (Sense of Body Awareness)

This sense tells us about our body's movement and position in space as we engage within our environment. Information is sent through muscles, joints and ligaments to the brain. Children with proprioceptive challenges may seem clumsy, bump into things, use too much or too little force or constantly seek movement through running, jumping, climbing and constant movement.

Vestibular Sense (Balance and Movement)

This sense helps with balance, coordination and movement in relation to the head and body's position in space with the vestibular apparatus sending messages to the brain.  Difficulties in this area may affect skills such as riding a bike, standing on one foot, have trouble on stairs, difficulty participating in sports, feeling insecure when moving through their environment or expressing a fear of heights.

Retained Reflexes

Another factor that can influence sensory integration and processing is the presence of retained or underdeveloped reflexes. When certain reflexes remain active beyond the first 12 months, they can impact sensory processing, balance, coordination, attention, emotional regulation and learning. Children with retained reflexes may appear overly sensitive to sensory inputs, constantly seek movement, struggle with posture and coordination or find it difficult to sit still and focus, demonstrating hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity as described above. Because retained reflexes can affect how the brain and body communicate, they may contribute to some of the sensory challenges children can experience in undertaking everyday tasks including learning  at school.