What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we see a wide variety of children who exhibit sensory seeking and sensory sensitive behaviors. Each child is unique and different in how they process the sensory information around them. Some children are sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, certain clothing textures, or messy play. Some children are sensitive to certain smells and tastes and have difficulties eating certain foods because of it. Some children seek proprioceptive and vestibular input such as jumping, swinging, and spinning. This can be helpful for some children to provide a calming regulatory input to their bodies and sensory systems. Occupational therapy can help children with sensory integration and desensitization in fun and engaging ways through play. At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we help kids explore the different senses through new foods, sights, sounds, textures, and body movements. Some sensory activities we utilize here are swings, obstacle courses, weighted blankets, scooter boards, hammocks, and sensory texture bins. We can help children develop regulation strategies that can help them to process sensory input and increase their participation with the world around them.

Behavior and sensory issues are two topics that often go hand in hand, particularly in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While behavior and sensory issues are not always present together, many people with these disorders may experience sensory processing difficulties that can lead to challenging behaviors.

Sensory issues refer to difficulties in processing and interpreting sensory information, such as touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may be hypersensitive (overly responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to certain sensory stimuli. For example, some individuals may be hypersensitive to loud noises and cover their ears when exposed to them, while others may seek out deep pressure touch, such as hugging or squeezing themselves tightly.
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Behavior issues can result from sensory issues in a number of ways. For example, a child who is hypersensitive to certain sounds may become anxious or overwhelmed in a noisy environment, leading to behaviors such as covering their ears, crying, or attempting to escape the situation. Similarly, a child who is hyposensitive to touch may engage in behaviors such as seeking out rough play or jumping excessively in order to receive more sensory input.

It is important to note that... 

...not all behavior issues in individuals with sensory processing difficulties are related to sensory issues. Other factors such as communication difficulties, social challenges, and environmental stressors can also contribute to behavior challenges.

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can be used to support individuals with behavior and sensory issues. One of the most effective approaches is to provide a sensory-friendly environment, which involves modifying the environment to reduce sensory overload and provide sensory input that is calming and regulating. For example, providing a quiet space for a child to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed, using headphones to block out noise, and providing sensory toys or tools such as fidgets or weighted blankets can all be helpful strategies.

In addition, providing clear and consistent communication, visual supports such as pictures or schedules, and social stories can all be helpful in reducing anxiety and improving behavior in individuals with sensory processing difficulties.

Overall, understanding the connection between behavior and sensory issues can be an important step in providing effective support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. By providing a sensory-friendly environment and using evidence-based strategies, we can help individuals with sensory processing difficulties to better manage their behavior and improve their overall quality of life.