Sensory integration, also referred to as sensory processing, is the way our brains take in information from our senses – sight, smell, sound, taste, touch – as well as movement and body awareness – and organize that input so we can use it. We experience these senses constantly throughout the day; some we might enjoy more than others. For instance, maybe snuggling up with a soft, fuzzy blanket and a good book is right up your alley but, you dread grocery shopping on a crowded Saturday morning when all the sudden, the loudspeaker turns on for an announcement and someone bumps into you with their shopping cart. As a result, you may crave or avoid certain sensory experiences.
Your child is no stranger to this either. Everyone has their own preferences, and if your child is highly sensitive, navigating sensory integration can be difficult. As we go through this article, hopefully you will learn some skills that can support them.
For some of us, our sensory systems are more sensitive. These differences can cause sensory information to feel overwhelming or even distressing at times. This heightened sensitivity is commonly seen in highly sensitive children, and often at the root of meltdowns, anxieties and difficulties with everyday experiences.
When a child’s sensory processing isn’t functioning as smoothly as it could, they might have difficulty making sense of the world around them, and struggle with sensory overload in common situations.
The concept of sensory integration emerged in the 1960s and 70s thanks to the brilliant work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, a truly amazing occupational therapist who saw the connection between sensory processing and a child’s ability to function and learn. She found that the nervous system has this incredible way of taking in information from all the different senses, organizing it and helping us act upon it in meaningful ways.
This all happened when Dr. Ayres observed that some children seemed to have a hard time listening to their teachers in school because they were also distracted by things other kids didn’t notice; maybe it was the hum of the lights, or a flickering fluorescent bulb that bothered their eyes. Her work was crucial in the development of sensory processing terms we use today, which helps us better understand how our brains process incoming sensory information.
Think about the tactile system, which lets us process touch. It develops while babies are in the womb and continues as they explore different textures through play or self-soothing activities. That’s one of the reasons why, during playtime, a child might get completely absorbed in the feel of Play-Doh or prefer the motion of swinging to other activities. Maybe their little hands are drawn to anything squishy or slimy because it gives their developing senses important input. This is how they experience sensory input in their day-to-day life.
Another example of this in action? How about mealtime. What is sensory integration like when a kid just won’t eat their vegetables? Picky eating might be linked to how their brain processes taste and texture (gustatory and tactile systems). It can make certain foods less appealing because the way their brains make sense of tastes and textures make some seem unbearable. They’re not just being difficult , their senses might interpret those veggies as a threat.
This can also happen in social interactions too. If your little one runs and hides when they see a big group of people or starts crying when they have to wear certain types of clothes because the tags irritate them; their sensory system is working on overload to process these feelings and, that’s ok. This can be especially challenging for young adults who are still developing their sensory modulation skills and are trying to navigate social situations.
The beauty of truly grasping sensory integration is this – it gives us compassionate ways to support these incredible little humans. Sensory integration challenges often go undiagnosed but, there are some things you can look out for, especially if you suspect your little one may need additional support. Have you noticed differences in your child’s sensory processing compared to other kids their age?
For example, are they fearful of having their hair washed, extremely sensitive to certain textures of food or do they lose their balance more easily? These are just a few questions to ask yourself. What is sensory integration, and how can it guide us as parents? Understanding sensory processing is important for anyone who works with children, including parents, educators, and health professionals.
Helping a child with their sensory integration journey doesn’t come with a road map, but it is a journey many of us are on. While challenges exist, understanding and accepting that no two sensory systems are the same empowers us as mothers. Every sensory experience – from loud concerts to quiet moments reading a story- becomes an opportunity for growth.
Instead of asking “What’s wrong with my child,” we can learn to gently guide and encourage by understanding their sensory needs. With empathy, we give our children tools they need to not only navigate a world filled with overwhelming sensations; we give them confidence to approach these differences as superpowers. It’s about fostering their development and sensory integration skills in a safe and supportive way.
Every child is different, but some of the common signs that parents see include things like being fearful of swings or slides; extreme reactions to loud noises like a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer; having difficulty with transitions or changes in routine; frequently touching objects or people; having trouble with certain food textures; and becoming overwhelmed in crowded places. These are all signs that a child might be having difficulty processing incoming sensory information and could benefit from occupational therapy.
The first step is often consulting with your pediatrician or a trusted medical provider to discuss your concerns. They can rule out other issues and potentially refer your child to an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing disorder. Occupational therapists can assess your child’s sensory processing abilities and develop an individualized plan to address their needs.
Occupational therapists are trained to identify areas where a child is experiencing sensory processing issues and can develop a tailored sensory diet based on a child’s individual sensory needs. Approaches vary, but the overall aim is always to empower kiddos with tools that’ll make everyday life more manageable and even enjoyable.
Here is a table that shows some examples of sensory integration therapies that an occupational therapist may use with a child:
| Type of Sensory Integration Therapy | Description |
|---|---|
| Tactile Integration | Activities involving different textures, temperatures, and pressures to help the child process touch more effectively. This might include playing with shaving cream, sand, or playdough, or using a weighted blanket. |
| Vestibular Integration | Activities involving movement, such as swinging, spinning, or jumping, to help the child process movement and balance. This can improve motor planning and coordination, and reduce gravitational insecurity. |
| Proprioceptive Integration | Activities involving deep pressure and muscle resistance, such as carrying heavy objects, pushing or pulling, or using a therapy ball. This helps the child develop body awareness, improve motor planning, and regulate their level of arousal. |
| Auditory Integration | Activities that involve listening to and discriminating between different sounds. This might include listening to music, playing sound identification games, or using noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments. |
| Visual Integration | Activities that help a child process visual information more efficiently. This may involve using visual aids, such as schedules or picture cards, working on puzzles, or playing with toys that encourage visual tracking. |
These are just some of the ways that occupational therapists, who specialize in sensory integrative therapy, can help individuals who experience sensory integration challenges. Through sensory-based motor activities and play, occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need to participate in school activities, social interactions, and daily life.
It influences behavior significantly. Sensory input can send a sensory processing sensitivity child into overdrive or shut them down. Everyday sounds might seem too loud, textures too intense; these are all a normal part of how their brains work.
Their little bodies might constantly crave sensory input or try to avoid it entirely. By learning how sensory integration plays a role we see these responses less as misbehaviors, and more about the child seeking balance, so their brains and bodies can make sense of the world.
While we can’t eliminate all triggers in a child’s environment, recognizing how sensory processing impacts them allows us to respond with understanding instead of frustration. Instead of viewing those outbursts as simply “bad behavior,” sensory integration knowledge reframes these as attempts at communication. Recognizing their unique sensory profiles helps guide us, helps us create nurturing and supportive environments. And that can make all the difference.
Sensory integration is essential for helping your child understand and respond to the world around them. It supports skills like focus, coordination, and self-regulation, which are especially important if your child has sensory sensitivities. By learning about your child’s sensory needs and working with tools like sensory-friendly activities or guidance from occupational therapists, you can create an environment where they feel safe and balanced. Supporting their sensory integration not only helps them thrive, but also strengthens your bond as you navigate these challenges together.
What Is Sensory Integration? A Mom’s Guide To Understanding Sensory Processing
Jill Gilbert
Published by
