Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders

Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders
 Information Provided by Jamie Pence, OTR,
Head of Occupational Therapy Services,
Quest Therapeutic Camps of Southern California

Sensory integration is a normal, neurological, developmental process which begins in the womb and continues throughout one's life. Sensory processing is the process by which our brain takes in sensory input and interprets that information for functional use.

When talking about typical sensory processing, a productive, normal and "adaptive response" happens as our neurological system takes in sensory information. The brain then organizes the information and allows the body to use it within the environment in order to achieve goal-directed actions.

We receive and perceive sensory input through various sensory stimuli including sights, sounds, touch, tastes, smells and movement. Difficulty taking in or interpreting sensory information can lead to impaired daily functioning, strain within social and family relationships, behavioral challenges, difficulty regulating emotions, low self-esteem and challenges in learning. When children’s central nervous systems are ineffective in processing sensory information, they have a hard time functioning in daily life. They may look typical and have superior intelligence, but may be awkward and clumsy, fearful and withdrawn, or hostile and aggressive. Sensory processing difficulties can affect how children learn and move as well as how they behave, play and make friends, and feel about themselves.

Stanley Greenspan, author of "The Challenging Child" (1995) provides a useful illustration in helping us understand what it feels like to have a sensory processing disorder. He explains, "Imagine driving a car that isn't working well. When you step on the gas the car sometimes lurches forward and sometimes doesn't respond. When you blow the horn it sounds blaring. The brakes sometimes slow the car, but not always. The blinkers work occasionally, the steering is erratic, and the speedometer is inaccurate. You are engaged in a constant struggle to keep the car on the road, and it is difficult to concentrate on anything else."  This metaphor can help people without sensory processing difficulties understand the daily challenges of those who do.

Children with sensory processing difficulties may be oversensitive or undersensitive to touch, movement, sights, smells and sounds. Also, they may have difficulty with body awareness and knowing where their body is in space. They often appear clumsy or awkward and may struggle coordinating motor tasks as well as regulating and organizing their behavior.

We all have sensory preferences and it only becomes a disorder when it significantly impacts one or more areas of a child's daily life. The great news is that sensory integration activities are unbelievably fun!  They are a necessary part of development for any child, whether they have a sensory processing disorder or not. Treatment activities include messy play (painting, floam, slime), heavy muscle work (jumping, hanging, crashing, tug-of-war) and movement activities (swinging, spinning games, scooterboards). Nearly all play addresses one or more areas of sensory processing and the possibilities are endless.
Sensory diets are just one of the many sensory processing treatment approaches. Just as our bodies need food evenly spaced throughout the day, so too do our bodies need a variety of activities to keep them operating at an optimal level of arousal. Sensory diets are usually developed for individuals who need a large amount of sensory input throughout the day; however, they can be helpful for anyone who needs to be "woken" up during the day.

The therapeutic camp environment provides a natural setting for sensory integration to occur. The camp experience is designed to provide games and activities that incorporate a variety of sensations and that encourage children with sensory processing difficulties to confront their challenges in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

Information in this article compiled from the sensory processing disorder website (www.sensory-processing-disorder.com)