In this article we will look more closely at the characteristics of sensory processing problems We will explore how children with these challenges perceive their environment differently and how this can affect their behaviour and interactions.
In addition, we will look at two important aspects of sensory processing:hypersensitivity and Sensitivity Both extremes can bring unique challenges, and understanding these differences is essential to be able to effectively support these children.
We will also discuss how parents, educators and professionals can help children with sensory processing problems.help Understanding the individual needs of each child and providing customized support can make a world of difference in their daily lives.
Whether it's about creating a suitable environment, offering targeted exercises or applying therapeutic interventions, the possibilities to help these children thrive have been extended. Let's explore together how we can support these children in order to better deal with the sensory challenges they encounter.
What are the properties of a sensory processing disorder or problem?
In this article we will also first examine the nature of sensory processing in order to clarify this.
What does sensory processing mean?
Sensory information, or incentives, includes the sensory impressions we experience as people from our environment and our own body.autism processing sensory information differently from those without autism. Normally, people without processing problems have the ability to subconsciously filter different stimuli.ADHD) works less effectively or even lacks it. This makes it easier for people with autism overwhelmed stimuli.
When we talk about stimuli, we mainly mean the information we receive through our eight senses: touch, hearing, vision, balance, body position, movement, feeling of own body and internal signals.
How can you recognize a sensory processing disorder?
Children and adults having problems in processing sensory stimuli have difficulty with the processing Their information often comes from sensory impressions.strong and Unfiltered Inside, but it may also be possible that sensory information is difficult to perceive.
Both hypersensitivity if Sensitivity its characteristics of sensory processing problems.
What is hypersensitivity?
When the processing of sensory information functions well, this process filters the incoming incentives, allowing a child to concentrate on school work for example while other information remains in the background. However, if the filtering system does not work properly, it allows all (even insignificant) sensory stimuli.
The abundance of stimuli, such as sounds, visual commotion and internal signals, can overload the brain, which can result in overstimuli in the child (also known as'sensory overload').This phenomenon is often associated with autism.
Characteristics of hypersensitivity:
- A quick activated sense of balance
- Hypersensitivity to movement; low movements or changes in posture may cause strong reactions
- Avoiding wild games and physical activities
- Sensitivity to touch; touching, hugging and certain clothing are considered unpleasant
- Sensitivity to sound; any noise, however small, is noted
- Sensitivity to visual stimuli; small details are quickly observed, which can cause distraction
What is meant by "sensitivity"?
Sensitivity In this case, the sensory filter is so tightly adjusted that few incentives are allowed to pass through, or are noticed too late. This may cause someone who is sensitive to it to have difficulty with pay attention, may be displayed Pressure behaviour, can difficult Sit still and sometimes seeks out more intense stimuli, also referred to as an'stimulator'.
Characteristics of susceptibility:
- A reduced ability to perceive balancing incentives
- Low response to touch-incitations; touch-ins are hardly observed
- Less sensitive to auditory information; noises are more difficult to process
- Slow processing of visual information; delay in perception of visual stimuli
- Need for intense movement and physical activity
- Difficulty in detecting dangerous situations
How can you help a child with sensory processing problems?
Effective sensory processing is essential for play, learning, concentration and general daily functioning. When a child is oversensitive or undersensitive to certain stimuli, several problems can arise. A normal stimulus can then trigger an immune response or hardly be noticed.
As examples:
- Hearing: Hypersensitivity to sound can lead to distraction, hyperactivity and concentration problems.
- Tast: Hypersensitivity to touch may cause discomfort in clothing and touch, while undersensitivity may lead to clumsiness and lack of body consciousness.
- Balance: Hypersensitivity can make wild games uncomfortable, while undersensitivity leads to a need for intense movement.
It is important to provide these children with tailored support to help them cope better with their sensory experiences and improve their daily lives, including targeted exercises, therapeutic interventions and adaptation of the environment to minimise over- or under-stimulation.