Sensory Needs
The picture above shows some behaviours which may indicate your child has differences with sensory processing.
What is sensory processing?
Sensory Processing is how the brain takes in, filters and puts together all the sensory information from inside and outside the body to produce a behavioural or motor response. Sensory processing is something we all do all of the time. We are all constantly processing, filtering and acting on the sensory information we receive from our bodies.
8 Senses
We have 8 senses. 5 of them are commonly known.
Vestibular system is related to movement (lets us know where we are in relation to gravity, speed and direction of movement, balance and muscle control). It links to out attention and listening skills. Therefore, movement allows for better concentration. NHS guidelines are that children should be aim for an average of at least 60- 180 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity a day across the week.
Proprioception is your body awareness. Engagement in proprioceptive activities supports our regulation and enables us to maintain a calm and alert state.
Introception allows us to understand what is going on inside our body e.g.
- When to go to the toilet
- If you are hungry or thirsty
- Heart rate
- Breathing rate
- Sweaty
Children with interoceptive difficulties may miss the early signs of dysregulation resulting in extreme behaviours.
Over responsive/Heightened
- The body registers there is too much sensory input
- The brain registers these sensations as negative or threatening.
- It therefore causes a fight/flight response or exaggerated emotional response.
Under responsive
- The body does not register enough sensory information; therefore, the brain requires more sensory input.
The child will then either:
- Not respond to their environment (passive)
- Seek to obtain sensory information to increase their levels of arousal, attention, posture, focus and pleasure (sensory seeking)
Zones of Regulation can support this.
Occupational Therapist Buckinghamshire
The occupational therapist in Buckinghamshire lead useful webinars that parents can attend (some of the webinars are pre-recorded on the website and some happen on a specific date.) They include sensory processing, eating, dressing and handwriting.
https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/therapy/occupational-therapy/webinars-courses-and-workshops/
They also provide resources to support children on their website.
https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/therapy/occupational-therapy/occupational-therapy-resources/
Parents can attend virtual advice sessions alongside the school. If you have a concern that you would like to speak to an occupational therapist about, then please contact your child’s class teacher.
