U - Sensory Integration
DELIA TEE · SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2021 ·
Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing, Sensory Profile
!"Sensory processing is how information from all the senses is processed in the brain at
once.
!"Sensory integration means that the brain can take input from multiple senses and form
a coherent and harmonic experience or impression.
!"Sensory integration dysfunction, or sensory processing disorder, is when the brain can’t
form a coherent impression from multiple senses or the brain has difficult modulating
inputs. For example, if a person is overly sensitive to loud noises, they may be so
distracted by noise that they can’t notice someone asking them a question. If a person is
under-sensitive to cold, they may lack the ability to realize they are getting frostbite.
!"There are many senses that give us input at once. The 5 commonly known senses are
sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing.
!"Vestibular is the sense coming from the inner ear that tells the body where it is in terms
of space and gravity, right side up, upside down, leaning over, etc. Kids that love
jumping and swinging are seeking vestibular input.
!"Proprioceptive is the sense coming from the joints of the body. Where is the body in
relation to itself. Close your eyes and touch your nose. That is the proprioceptive sense
telling you where your finger and nose is simultaneously without having to see it.
Climbing, falling, pushing, pulling, carrying something heavy, and high impact exercise
provide proprioceptive input.
!"Interoception - there are internal senses, feelings like hunger, thirst, nausea, sickness,
pain, low blood sugar, high energy, exhaustion, anxiety, fight or flight, dysphoria,
euphoria, etc.
!"What is considered average sensory experiences for most people can feel like sensory
assaults to people with sensory sensitivities. For example, most people would find the
smell of a skunk intolerable. People with olfactory sensitivities might have the same
kind of disgust for the smell of a dryer sheet or the smell of certain foods cooking.
!"In all of the senses, an individual could be over or under sensitive in any area. Think of
the combinations! The dissonance of competing sensory inputs that can’t be resolved
feels like a cacophony and creates distress.
!"Occupational Therapists can help identify and treat sensory issues.
!"Providing intense sensory experiences throughout the day is called a “Sensory Diet”.
!"A regular sensory diet, movement and intense sensory experiences that are pleasurable,
can help with self-regulation, modulations of senses and even brain functions like
communication, impulse control, and attention.
!"Children often gravitate to technology and jealously guard their access to it because if
fills their sensory needs. Consistently providing other sensory experiences can help a
child feel more confident to take breaks from their cherished technology use.
!"The concept of sensory integration explains why children need so much time for free
play and exploring the world physically, with their bodies.
!"Many underlying troubling behaviors can be a sign of sensory needs unmet.
!"Interoception issues are more difficult to understand. See further reading below. A
person might not feel hunger or thirst, pain, hot or cold, tiredness, elimination urges,
etc. These can turn into issues with self-care. Likewise internal feelings can be
exaggerated as well, like feeling hungry all the time or never feeling full. Some people
need gentle help and instruction on how to pay attention to their internal states. This
kind of learning can take time (years) and patient support and repetition.
!"Helping intensify sensory experiences can be fun!
Further reading
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder - https://www.spdstar.org/basic
/understanding-sensory-processing-disorder
Sensory Integration, Sensory Diet - Suggestions - https://www.facebook.com/notes
/unschooling-special-needs/sensory-integration-sensory-diet/750385854994885
Example, baby, toddler - https://www.spdstar.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments
/Matteo%27s%20Story%20-%20English.pdf
Interoception - https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnschoolingSpecialNeeds/permalink
/2042990359067755/
Occupational Therapy - what is it?
Forced de-sensitization can be traumatic. Stay attuned. Support, and accommodate, don’t
force.
https://www.facebook.com/gregsantucciOT/posts/506604037788846