People possess basic senses; sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Additionally, balance and an “awareness of self” in space are senses not commonly addressed. Most individuals combine the use of these senses effectively to experience the surrounding world. When a child or adult is not able to process all the information provided by these senses, sensory integration difficulties are experienced. Occupational therapists may call this condition Sensory Integrative Dysfunction or Sensory Processing Disorder.
What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory Integration (sometimes called sensory processing) happens in the nervous system, including the brain. Each of the senses gathers a huge amount of information and sends it on to the brain. The brain then makes sense of this information by selecting which information to use and which information to ignore. The brain gives the body orders to act on the selected information. This process is called sensory integration.
Sensory integration difficulties occur when the brain is unable to process all the incoming information in a meaningful way. At some point in time, every person may have difficulty processing sensory information. Some people have difficulties processing sensory information much or all of the time.
Types of Sensory Integration Difficulties
Occupational therapists often discuss sensory integration difficulties using four descriptions: attention and regulatory problems, sensory defensiveness, activity levels and behaviors.
- Inability to complete tasks or even begin a task illustrates the idea of attention. A person with regulatory disorder often lacks the ability to establish effective eating or sleeping patterns.
- Sensory defensiveness may result in a person overreacting to a stimulus (such as a touch, light or noise) that most people would consider irrelevant.
- An individual with a high level of activity or extremely low level of activity may be having trouble processing sensory input. Additionally, inability to calm after high levels of activity may indicate sensory integration difficulties.
- Behaviors may be the first indication of sensory integration difficulties in children. Children who are excessively explosive or unwilling to explore could be experiencing trouble with sensory processing.
Treatment for Sensory Integration Difficulties
Treatment for sensory integration difficulties is individualized to address the needs of the individual. Occupational therapy focusing on an individual’s sensory needs is often called a “sensory diet.” This therapy focuses on what is calming to the individual. Possible treatments may consist of movement (on swings or mini-trampolines), deep pressure, weighted equipment or brushing.
Psychological Disorders Related to Sensory Integration Difficulties
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) does not list sensory integration difficulties as a disorder. Because of this, doctors often use certain sensory integration difficulties as symptoms of other disorders. Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autism and Attention Deficit Disorder are common psychological disorders which may involve sensory difficulties.
Peggy Crippen - With over fifteen years of social service experience, Peggy Crippen has worked with low income families, adults with mental illness and ...
