Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives sensory messages and turns them into responses. Our bodies are constantly taking in information through our senses. Once we take in the information, our bodies organize, attach meaning, and prioritize it so we can respond accordingly to the information gathered.
Sensory processing disorder is when the body’s senses do not work or process the information it takes in correctly. The sensory information may be confusing, overwhelming, or even distorted. Children with ASD often have some degree of sensory processing disorder. Some displays of SPD are that they have difficulty with calming down, understanding facial and/or body language, coping with frustrating or stressful situations (throwing tantrums or having outbursts), and transitioning from activities.
There are 7 senses. They are:
Sight is the visual sense that allows a person the ability to track. When a person tracks he is also visually processing our environment. Sight also plays a role in depth perception.
Hearing is the auditory sense that allows a person to take in information through sounds.
Touch is the tactile sense that allows information in through the skin at all times, from the lightest touch to the deepest pressure. There are two pathways in which information is received. Information is received through light touch and heavy touch.
Light touch travel along the same pathway as pain, temperature, tickle, and itch. This alerts us to any danger and triggers our flight or fight response. Heavy touch is considered very deep pressure. This sensation is able to calm us by stimulating the deep receptors under our skin, like massage.
Taste and Smell are senses that co-exist with each other. Your sense of smell plays a part in what you taste. Sucking, chewing, blowing, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes are all part of a person’s sense of taste.
Vestibular is the sense of movement. The major receptors for this sense are within the middle ear. These receptors give us feedback about gravity, balance, and speed. This coordinates our head, eyes, neck, and body. It is also responsible for getting both of the sides of the human body to work together. The vestibular system helps with movement, gravitational security, muscle tone, bilateral coordination, praxis or motor planning, vision, hearing, and emotional security.
Proprioceptive or body positioning is the sense that detects a person’s body parts in space. This sense allows for coordinating movements and helps us control our timing, force and speed.
It is common also, for a child with ASD to see an Occupational Therapist. Occupational therapy is treatment through interest-motivating activities, the way occupational therapy is used is through arts, self-care skills, recreation and education. Occupational Therapists (OTs), work with patients of all ages. OT’s that work in the school district, typically work with children at the elementary age. Occupational therapists use the “play” approach to involve children in activities that allow for assessment of development, behavior, and function.
Occupational therapists also work closely with special educators by administering sensory based assessments to help identify developmental deficits. OT’s provide resources and tools to help students with sensory processing disorders become more successful in the school setting.
Sensory processing disorder is when the body’s senses do not work or process the information it takes in correctly. The sensory information may be confusing, overwhelming, or even distorted. Children with ASD often have some degree of sensory processing disorder. Some displays of SPD are that they have difficulty with calming down, understanding facial and/or body language, coping with frustrating or stressful situations (throwing tantrums or having outbursts), and transitioning from activities.
There are 7 senses. They are:
Sight is the visual sense that allows a person the ability to track. When a person tracks he is also visually processing our environment. Sight also plays a role in depth perception.
Hearing is the auditory sense that allows a person to take in information through sounds.
Touch is the tactile sense that allows information in through the skin at all times, from the lightest touch to the deepest pressure. There are two pathways in which information is received. Information is received through light touch and heavy touch.
Light touch travel along the same pathway as pain, temperature, tickle, and itch. This alerts us to any danger and triggers our flight or fight response. Heavy touch is considered very deep pressure. This sensation is able to calm us by stimulating the deep receptors under our skin, like massage.
Taste and Smell are senses that co-exist with each other. Your sense of smell plays a part in what you taste. Sucking, chewing, blowing, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes are all part of a person’s sense of taste.
Vestibular is the sense of movement. The major receptors for this sense are within the middle ear. These receptors give us feedback about gravity, balance, and speed. This coordinates our head, eyes, neck, and body. It is also responsible for getting both of the sides of the human body to work together. The vestibular system helps with movement, gravitational security, muscle tone, bilateral coordination, praxis or motor planning, vision, hearing, and emotional security.
Proprioceptive or body positioning is the sense that detects a person’s body parts in space. This sense allows for coordinating movements and helps us control our timing, force and speed.
It is common also, for a child with ASD to see an Occupational Therapist. Occupational therapy is treatment through interest-motivating activities, the way occupational therapy is used is through arts, self-care skills, recreation and education. Occupational Therapists (OTs), work with patients of all ages. OT’s that work in the school district, typically work with children at the elementary age. Occupational therapists use the “play” approach to involve children in activities that allow for assessment of development, behavior, and function.
Occupational therapists also work closely with special educators by administering sensory based assessments to help identify developmental deficits. OT’s provide resources and tools to help students with sensory processing disorders become more successful in the school setting.
