Sensory Processing
The Occupational Therapy staff at Children’s Therapy Corner is highly trained and skilled in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders. Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder refers to the nervous system’s ability to organize different kinds of sensation entering at the same time to produce useful thoughts and actions.
In children with sensory processing issues, the brain has difficulty making sense of the sensory information and deciding what to focus on, what to filter out, and how to respond appropriately to the information. Children usually develop sensory processing abilities within regular childhood activities. Yet, if this process is disordered, problems in learning, behavior and development can occur.
Learn More About Sensory Processing
About This Treatment
There are eight sensory systems: vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, proprioception (joint and muscle movement), vestibular (movement and gravity), and introception (information from internal organs) from which information is processed and integrated. Sensory processing underlies the development of learning, social skills, and motor actions. To function effectively, the brain needs to register sensory information from each sensory system and unconsciously filter relevant information based on the environment and the task at hand. This automatic filtering of sensory information results in both behaviors and/or motor actions. Inefficient sensory processing often results in struggles with attention, social skills, coordination, and/or fine motor skills.
Typical Symptoms
Typical Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder may include:
- Infants who are “really easy” or “really difficult”, both extremes can indicate sensory issues
- Delayed development of motor skills, speech or language
- Picky eaters or cravings for a limited number of foods
- Touch avoidance or touches everything
- Doesn’t like feet off the ground, resists motion activities
- Seeks intense motion, often crashes onto the floor on against walls on purpose
- Walks on toes or with heavy footsteps
- Picky about clothing textures or chooses clothing based on how it feels
- Sensitive to odors in the environment, or doesn’t seem to notice smells at all
- Poor attention, impulsive
- Fussy, irritable, moody, anxious
- Easily overwhelmed in busy, noisy environments (like birthday parties or grocery stores)
- Challenge with transitions
- Frequent melt-downs or tantrums that are out of proportion to the situation
- Hates hair-washing, hair cuts, nail-trimming, bathing
- Poor or delayed social skill development
Common Disorders
Disorders that experience Sensory Processing Issues may include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD
- Down’s Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Other Genetic Syndromes
- Developmental Delays
- Seizures
- Some children may be diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder without any other diagnosis.
Treatment Approach
Our approach includes an evaluation to determine your child’s specific sensory processing challenges, and how these challenges impact function with daily activities across environments. Treatment is individualized, and directed specifically to your child’s sensory needs. Activities target an integration of sensory systems in order to promote successful participation with play, social, self-care, and learning your child’s everyday life.
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Children’s Therapy Corner provides therapeutic intervention for children. CTC was founded on the belief that there should be a place where families can come and learn about their child’s needs, in a supportive team atmosphere. We will work with you to provide direction and support for your family and your child. The goal is for your child to live their life to its fullest capacity.