If your child receives Occupational Therapy services then you've likely heard the term "Sensory Processing" thrown around a bit. Its possible you've heard of sensory processing disorder, sensory integration, or sensory diet. Whether you have heard these terms or not you may be scratching your head.
Sensory processing is a term therapists and doctors use to describe the way we humans perceive and respond to the world. It involves our major "senses" and two you may not have heard of. We are all aware of our five senses....
Sensory processing is a term therapists and doctors use to describe the way we humans perceive and respond to the world. It involves our major "senses" and two you may not have heard of. We are all aware of our five senses....
The two lesser known sensory inputs are vestibular and proprioceptive. Vestibular input is input from the inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experiences, and position in space. Proprioceptive input involves input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement, and changes in position in space. Simply put, your vestibular system tells your body where your body is in space and your proprioceptive senses help you control or "grade" your movements.
We all have different sensory systems and each individual responds to the world in their own unique way. No two children are alike just as no two people are alike. Some people smell oranges and feel nauseated, don't like to touch certain textures, or feel motion sickness on car rides. You can blame your nervous system (brain and nerves) for these experiences that may be unique to you. My sister cant be in the same room as a mushroom and my brother has never been able to eat a tomato. My point is, we are all different in the way we perceive the world. Although we all have different nervous systems, there is a term we OTs use to describe when a child's nervous system negatively interferes with participation in important activities of a child's life. This term is Sensory Processing Disorder.
We all have different sensory systems and each individual responds to the world in their own unique way. No two children are alike just as no two people are alike. Some people smell oranges and feel nauseated, don't like to touch certain textures, or feel motion sickness on car rides. You can blame your nervous system (brain and nerves) for these experiences that may be unique to you. My sister cant be in the same room as a mushroom and my brother has never been able to eat a tomato. My point is, we are all different in the way we perceive the world. Although we all have different nervous systems, there is a term we OTs use to describe when a child's nervous system negatively interferes with participation in important activities of a child's life. This term is Sensory Processing Disorder.
Since each child is unique it is important to consult your Pediatrician or Doctor if you suspect that your child may have sensory challenges. Below are links to a few resources and a video I recommend watching.
Sensory Processing Disorder Check-List
The Out-of-Sync Child
Sensory Processing Disorder Check-List
The Out-of-Sync Child
Activity of The Week!
Keeping with our sensory theme, this weeks activity is making a sensory bag. Sensory bags are a great way to get tactile (touch) sensation without making a mess!
You will need:
Simply put all the ingredients into the bag, zip it up (tape to make sure its secure), and its ready to play with.
Keeping with our sensory theme, this weeks activity is making a sensory bag. Sensory bags are a great way to get tactile (touch) sensation without making a mess!
You will need:
- A ziplock bag (any size - the bigger the better)
- One bottle of anything semi-clear with a thick consistency. I have used hair jel but you could also use body wash.
- Sparkles, small toys, letters, anything you want!
Simply put all the ingredients into the bag, zip it up (tape to make sure its secure), and its ready to play with.