Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is about how our nervous system receives and organises information from all our senses which allows us to understand and give meaning to what we experience and allows us to respond and behave accordingly. We continually respond to sensory information from our bodies and our environment.
Sensory integration is like a puzzle. When all the pieces come together, we can use our sensory information successfully to perform functional activities. For example imagine being on a swing. We experience the sensation from the position of your body sitting on the seat, feet pushing off the ground, sustaining momentum by moving your legs back and forward, and our body moving in rhythm to this; the rope in our hands and wind in our face. This activity is a whole-body experience. Our life is a multisensory experience. All sensory systems are linked and work together, allowing us to navigate daily life.
Our senses are:
- Touch
- Taste
- Smell
- Hearing
- Vision
- Proprioception
- Vestibular
- Interoception
When information from our senses does not come together, children may have problems coordinating their movements and can be more accident-prone. They may struggle to maintain attention and following instructions at school. Functional skills such as dressing, using cutlery or eating new foods can be challenging and result in frequent meltdowns. Children who struggle to process sensory information may show signs of stress and anxiety as they try to navigate their daily life. Responses to sensory information are variable depending on our mood and environment.
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