Arise Therapies explains sensory processing and offers some strategies to try with your child!
As a parent, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal developmental behavior in your child and a problem with sensory processing. Roughhousing, meltdowns over being messy, difficulty focusing, holding hands over ears - do any of these sound familiar? In many cases, sensory processing may be the underlying concern. So, what exactly is sensory processing?
Arise Therapies in Spring Hill, TN gave us some helpful information to share with our readers about sensory processing and why it is so important as well as some strategies that may help. Please note, this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you suspect your child may be struggling with sensory processing, please contact your child's physician. You may also reach out directly to Arise Therapies if you feel your child would benefit from an Occupational Therapy evaluation to evaluate sensory processing.
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Sensory processing is the process by which we receive information through our senses and use it to successfully participate in every day activities. We use our five senses - sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell - as well as two other less commonly known senses, proprioception and vestibular. Proprioception is our body position sense. It's the ability to know where a body part is without having to look at it, and it helps us to know how much pressure we need apply to do certain things. Vestibular is our balance and movement sense. It allows us to move smoothly and remain balanced while engaged in activities. The brain processes information coming through these senses and when a child is dysregulated it can be similar to a 4-way intersection with information coming in all directions and the traffic lights aren't working. It can be very overwhelming!
Potential Red Flags for Sensory Processing Concerns
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Infant/Toddler
- Extremely irritable during dressing/diaper changes
- Difficulty shifting focus from one object/activity to another
- Resists cuddling
- Extremely active/constantly moving
- Delays in crawling/walking
- Difficulty falling/stay asleep
- Difficulty transitioning to table foods
- Difficulty with self-soothing
Pre-school
- Difficulty with toilet training
- Overly sensitive to stimulation (noise, smells, touch, etc.)
- Difficulty learning and/or avoiding find motor tasks
- In constant motion
- Difficulty with transitions, hard to calm
- Difficulty learning new motor tasks
- Walks on tiptoes
- Chewing/mouthing non-food items
School Age
- Easily distracted in the classroom
- Craves rough housing, tackling/wrestling games
- Difficulty changing to another task, gets stuck on tasks
- Poor gross motor skills (running, riding bike, ball skills)
Adolescent
- Sensitive to sounds/avoids visually stimulating environments
- Difficulty staying focused
- Difficulty with motor tasks requiring several steps
- Easily frustrated/needs routines
Sensory Regulation at Home |
Heavy work is a type of proprioceptive input and is always a great place to start. Heavy work organizes the nervous system which can have a calming effect!
Here are some heavy work strategies to get you started:
- Playing tug of war
- Pulling a weighted wagon
- Animal walks: bear walk, crab walk, or wheelbarrow walk
- Pounding and rolling clay or play doh
- Pushing, pulling, or carrying a full laundry bin
- Moving wet laundry from washer to dryer
- Pushing the grocery cart at the store
- Sweeping or vacuuming
Arise Therapies, conveniently located in Spring Hill, TN offers pediatric and adult speech-language, feeding, and occupational therapy. Their clinic offers both in-person and telehealth therapy appointments and accepts most major health insurance providers. Call them today to check your benefits or to schedule an evaluation! 615-241-0122
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