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Sensory
Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders |
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Information
Provided by Jamie Pence, OTR, Head
of Occupational Therapy Services, Quest
Therapeutic Camps of Southern California Sensory integration
is a normal, neurological, developmental process which begins in the womb and
continues throughout one's life. Sensory processing is the process by which
our brain takes in sensory input and interprets that information for
functional use. When talking about
typical sensory processing, a productive, normal and "adaptive
response" happens as our neurological system takes in sensory
information. The brain then organizes the information and allows the body to
use it within the environment in order to achieve goal-directed actions. We receive and
perceive sensory input through various sensory stimuli including sights,
sounds, touch, tastes, smells and movement. Difficulty taking in or
interpreting sensory information can lead to impaired daily functioning, strain
within social and family relationships, behavioral challenges, difficulty regulating
emotions, low self-esteem and challenges in learning. When childrenŐs central
nervous systems are ineffective in processing sensory information, they have
a hard time functioning in daily life. They may look typical and have
superior intelligence, but may be awkward and clumsy, fearful and withdrawn,
or hostile and aggressive. Sensory processing difficulties can affect how
children learn and move as well as how they behave, play and make friends,
and feel about themselves. Stanley
Greenspan, author of "The Challenging Child" (1995) provides a
useful illustration in helping us understand what it feels like to have a
sensory processing disorder. He explains, "Imagine driving a
car that isn't working well. When you step on the gas the car sometimes
lurches forward and sometimes doesn't respond. When you blow the horn it
sounds blaring. The brakes sometimes slow the car, but not always. The
blinkers work occasionally, the steering is erratic, and the speedometer is
inaccurate. You are engaged in a constant struggle to keep the car on the
road, and it is difficult to concentrate on anything else." This metaphor can help people without
sensory processing difficulties understand the daily challenges of those who
do. Children
with sensory processing difficulties may be oversensitive or undersensitive
to touch, movement, sights, smells and sounds. Also, they may have difficulty
with body awareness and knowing where their body is in space. They often
appear clumsy or awkward and may struggle coordinating motor tasks as well as
regulating and organizing their behavior. We all
have sensory preferences and it only becomes a disorder when it significantly
impacts one or more areas of a child's daily life. The great news is that
sensory integration activities are unbelievably fun! They are a necessary part of
development for any child, whether they have a sensory processing disorder or
not. Treatment activities include messy play (painting, floam, slime), heavy
muscle work (jumping, hanging, crashing, tug-of-war) and movement
activities (swinging, spinning games, scooterboards). Nearly all play
addresses one or more areas of sensory processing and the possibilities are endless. Sensory diets are
just one of the many sensory processing treatment approaches. Just as our
bodies need food evenly spaced throughout the day, so too do our bodies need
a variety of activities to keep them operating at an optimal level of
arousal. Sensory diets are usually developed for individuals who need a large
amount of sensory input throughout the day; however, they can be helpful for
anyone who needs to be "woken" up during the day. The
therapeutic camp environment provides a natural setting for sensory
integration to occur. The camp experience is designed to provide games and
activities that incorporate a variety of sensations and that encourage
children with sensory processing difficulties to confront their challenges in
a supportive and fun atmosphere. Information
in this article compiled from the sensory processing disorder website (www.sensory-processing-disorder.com) |