Sensory Help Now

In October, Sensory Awareness Month reminds us of the significance of sensory processing in our children's lives. This article aims to shed light on the practical aspects of sensory processing—what it entails, how it impacts daily functioning, and its implications for our children's health and well-being.

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how our brains receive, organise, and interpret information from our senses. It also affects how we react to sensory input. The senses include sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as well as the vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive senses responsible for balance, spatial orientation, body awareness and signals from inside our body, such as hunger. You can learn more about these eight senses here. While sensory processing happens seamlessly and unconsciously for most children, some may face challenges.

When Sensory Processing Differences Become Challenging

Sensory processing is important in everything we need to do daily, such as getting dressed, eating, moving around, socialising, learning and working. We all experience sensory processing differences, but some people's differences can make participating in everyday activities more challenging. When sensory processing differences make it hard for your child to handle sensory information, and make sense of it in order to participate in everyday activities, we refer to sensory processing challenges. These sensory processing challenges can affect how your child or teen prefers to spend their time and what they feel able to do on a day-to-day basis. You can find out more about the different types of sensory processing challenges here.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Sensory Processing Challenges?

Figuring out if certain behaviours are connected to your child's sensory needs and how this affects their everyday activities can be challenging. Here are a few examples of behaviours in children and teens that could be linked to differences in how they process sensory input:

Sensitivity to Noise: Your child covers their ears, becomes easily overwhelmed, or reacts strongly to loud or sudden noises like a hand dryer. They may cry, become anxious, or try to escape from the noise.

Avoidance of Certain Textures: Your child refuses to touch or wear certain fabrics, avoids messy play, or becomes upset when their hands or feet get dirty.

Strong Clothing Preferences: Your child may be extremely sensitive to certain clothing labels, seams, or textures, leading to discomfort or irritation. They may prefer specific types of clothing or refuse to wear certain items (often socks) altogether.

Picky Eating: Your child has strong aversions to certain textures, smells, or tastes of food, limiting their diet to a narrow range of preferred foods.

Intolerance to Bright Lights: Your child squints, covers their eyes, or avoids bright lights. They may prefer dimly lit environments or wear sunglasses indoors.

Overwhelm in Crowded Places: Your child becomes anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed in busy or crowded environments such as shopping centres, parties, or school assemblies. They might find using public transportation challenging for the same reason.

Difficulty With Transitions: Your child struggles with transitioning from one activity or place to another, becoming upset, resistant, or disoriented during these transitions.

Sensory Seeking Behaviours: Your child constantly seeks sensory input by touching, jumping, spinning, or crashing into objects. They may have difficulty staying still or engaging in quiet activities.

Poor Balance and Coordination: Your child may have difficulty with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, leading to clumsiness, frequent falls, or bumping into objects.

Difficulties With Planning and Organising: Your child may have difficulty coming up with ideas or plans, and something quite simple might be hard for them to organise.

Sensory Meltdowns: Your kid may have intense reactions or meltdowns triggered by sensory overload, which can include crying, screaming, or having difficulty calming down.

This is not an exhaustive list, but do any of these behaviours sound familiar? How your child or teen copes with their sensory processing difference also very much depends on their resources at the moment. For example, are they already over-stimulated, hungry, or exhausted from dealing with the demands of the day? Let's also state loud and clear that behaviours aren't the sum of your creative, unique, vibrant, loving child.

Impact of Sensory Processing on Everyday Life

Sensory processing challenges are more common than you might think. Because sensory processing challenges can co-occur with diagnoses including autism, ADHD, OCD, genetic syndromes and learning disabilities, as well as with no other diagnosis at all, it's difficult to put an exact figure on the prevalence. A 2009 study, found that one in every six children has sensory processing issues that make it hard to learn and function in school. Other studies have confirmed sensory processing challenges are more common in autistic children and children with special education needs, and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Let's have a look at just some of the possible impacts of sensory processing differences on a child's daily life:

Emotions: Children grappling with sensory processing challenges may exhibit emotional dysregulation. Certain sensory stimuli can overwhelm them, leading to anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. Recognising these triggers is important in empowering your child to manage their reactions.

Learning and Development: Sensory processing influences a child's capacity to learn and grow. When children feel comfortable and focused, they are more engaged in educational activities and better equipped to acquire new skills. Conversely, sensory processing challenges can impact their ability to focus and feel in the right state to learn.

Social Interaction: Sensory processing challenges can affect a child's social interactions. For example, a child sensitive to touch may avoid physical contact, impacting their relationships with peers and family members. Acknowledging these sensory needs can foster better social connections.

Physical Abilities: Sensory processing issues can have implications for a child's physical skills. For instance, those struggling with proprioception may experience coordination and balance issues. 

Mental Health: Sensory processing difficulties may also impact a child's mental health. Frequent sensory overload can contribute to anxiety or depression. Supporting children in managing their sensory experiences can positively influence their emotional well-being.

Self-esteem and Confidence: Children facing sensory processing challenges may grapple with feelings of being different or isolated. This can affect their self-esteem and confidence. By recognising their sensory needs and providing appropriate support, you can help bolster their self-esteem and promote a positive self-image.

You may find it useful to have a look at our "Day in the Life of" case studies, which follow 10-year-old Ben and 16-year-old Rose, discovering how their sensory processing differences impact their daily life.

It's important to emphasise that we all have a unique sensory processing profile, and everyone has sensory needs. Have a look at this article about the positive sides of diversity in sensory processing.

How Can Parents and Caregivers Help?

Education: Begin by educating yourself about sensory processing. Noticing your child's sensory needs is crucial for offering appropriate support. Have a look at these free courses for parents and carers: 

• Understanding Sensory Processing and Integration in Children
• Understanding Sensory Processing and Integration in Teenagers and Young Adults

Seek Professional Guidance: If you suspect your child is dealing with sensory challenges, consider consulting a therapist with expertise qualified in sensory integration (SI) theory and practice. They can determine the issue and provide strategies for managing sensory differences if appropriate. Find out more about how to access sensory integration therapy here.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Make practical adjustments at home and school to create an environment that accommodates your child's unique sensory needs. An SI-trained therapist will be able to help you and your child figure out the most effective changes.

Develop Sensory Strategies: Collaborate with professionals to create sensory strategies tailored to your child's needs. These strategies can help your child cope with sensory overload or sensory-seeking behaviours. You can have instant access to a suite of courses informing you about various strategies for sleep, after-school meltdowns, toileting challenges, introducing new foods, dressing difficulties, etc., with a free membership to Sensory Help Now.

Open Communication: Encourage open communication with your child and develop your own listening skills. Help them express their sensory experiences and feelings, and involve them in developing strategies to manage their sensory challenges.

Advocate for your child and empower them to advocate for themselves: Teach your child to notice and understand their own sensory needs and what actions they can take to meet their needs. Our team of sensory integration-trained therapists will answer parent and carer comments in the free Sensory Help Now forum within three working days. 

Conclusion

Sensory processing is an essential aspect of child development that profoundly affects their daily lives, health, and well-being. With support from a qualified professional, you can better understand any challenges your child is experiencing due to their sensory processing differences. There are practical steps that you can take and teach your child to better meet their unique sensory needs. And there are changes you can make to the home and school environment to better support your child's sensory needs.