How might sensory integration difficulties affect my child?

Recently I have been finding out more about sensory integration disorder. Parents often ask my advice about aspects of their child’s behaviour that they feel are unusual or challenging. Sensory integration often helps to explain children’s behaviours and offers practical ideas to help if needed.  

What is sensory integration?

Sensory integration is the brain’s organisation of both the input from the senses and output such as for movement and speech. It allows all the sensory systems to work together, so a child can function well in their environment.

Sensory information is taken in from the sensory systems including the senses of:
Touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell, position, balance, gravity and movement

What is a sensory processing disorder?

In normal development, children gradually learn to integrate sensation as they understand the world. However some children have difficulty with the processing of sensory information and  it can interfere with their development and learning. 

The sensory systems usually work together in a co-ordinated way.  However a sensory processing disorder can occur in any or several of these systems. Sensory integration disorder often occurs with other developmental disorders such as an autistic spectrum disorder, or ADHD. It may exist independently of other conditions. Sensory processing disorders can affect modulation or praxis or a combination. These terms are explained in more detail in the sensory integration section of my website.

How do I know if my child has a sensory processing disorder?

Children with sensory processing disorder may have a wide range of sensory sensitivities. These can be mild and only you may notice, or more severe and impact on your family life such as preventing you going out or getting to sleep at night. A child may be over or under sensitive to sensations such as touch, sounds, lights, food taste and textures, or seek out sensations and movement with extreme activity or spinning, or chewing toys and clothes. If you suspect your child may have some of these sensitivities and they occur more than other children their age, it may be helpful  find out more about sensory integration.

What should I do if I suspect my child has sensory integration difficulties?

• Ask for an assessment by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration.
  
• Contact the Sensory Integration Network for more information.
  
• Discuss your concerns with your speech and language therapist or another professional. 
  
• Learn more about sensory integration. 
  
• Useful introductory books about sensory integration.