We use sensory processing to perceive the world around us by using our brain and body to collect and respond to sensory information in the environment (e.g., sounds, smells, feelings, tastes, etc.) and even within ourselves. If your child has a diagnosis like autism or sensory processing disorder, he or she may face challenges or breakdowns in collecting and responding to this information. Luckily, occupational therapy works to target sensory integration and help children more effectively navigate and respond to their environment. Here’s more information about the senses and sensory integration therapy.

What Are the Senses?

In addition to the five well-known senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling), there are other ones that are people may not know about. The first is body awareness, or proprioception. This system handles the sensations of the muscles and joints, allowing us to keep track of and control body parts through the brain.

The second is the vestibular system, which helps us maintain our balance by tracking where our limbs are situated at any given time. This relies on auditory and visual cues to keep the body moving in an appropriate direction.

Another lesser known sense is interoception. Interoception is the body’s ability to read and interpret internal feelings, sensations, and signals about internal states, for example, hunger or thirst.

What Roles Do They Play in Child Development?

From birth, children use sensory processing to explore the world around them. They also use sensory information to determine how to filter important information from unimportant information to direct their attention and respond appropriately. 

For example, a child may need to to filter out background noise while focusing her attention on a person speaking in a crowded environment. However, if a child has difficulty with sensory processing, she may focus more on the background noise and miss the important information from the speaker. This can make it difficult for children to listen to important directions from parents and teachers and can have an impact on a child’s safety, well-being, and academic success.

How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Benefit Children?

In children with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing disorder, sensorimotor issues may occur. They may be over- or under-reactive to sensory information, which can present challenges in school and at home. Children with sensory processing difficulties may seem more hyperactive, irritable, defensive, frustrated, tired, underresponsive, disengaged, or inattentive. 

Sensory integration therapy helps children regulate sensory processing and responses so they can engage in their surroundings actively and appropriately. This form of occupational therapy uses sensory and motor treatment activities and equipment, including a variety of gross motor activities like balancing, swinging, and jumping, to help children develop stronger motor and social skills and get children in a state that is ready to participate and learn. External accommodations such as the use of noise-canceling headphones or a weighted vest may also improve focus and promote regulation. Occupational therapy can help address issues like poor body awareness, coordination problems, and difficulty learning new tasks.

If you have a child with a condition that affects their sensory processing capabilities, turn to All for Kids Pediatric Therapy Clinic. Serving the Anchorage, AK community, this clinic has helped children and teens develop the skills they need to succeed in their personal and academic lives. They offer occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Find out more about their services online or call (907) 345-0050 to inquire about an evaluation.