We are surrounded by stimuli that affect our senses -- sounds, lights, flavors, smells, and textures. For most of us, it is a regular part of normal life. But some children have a condition called sensory processing disorder. This condition can make them overly sensitive to these stimuli, or they may miss certain sensory inputs, resulting in an underreaction.
As a result, they may struggle to respond appropriately to those stimuli in their environment and it impacts their daily function. They might find certain smells intolerable; the sound of a lawnmower may cause them to vomit; or they may be so bothered by the texture of a piece of clothing they can't concentrate on anything else.
Understanding sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder is a complex condition. It affects the brain and nervous system of developing children as well as adults.
Most people know the five basic senses: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing. In addition, there are other senses such as muscle force, knowing where one’s head is in space, and understanding the signals our internal organs emit. These other senses are known as our proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoception senses, respectively.
All individuals have sensory preferences that support our mood and how we feel. You might have a favorite scent, or a soft sweater that helps you feel cozy and warm. Some sensations go unnoticed by many, but those same stimuli may bother another individual.
When children have sensory processing disorder, they may experience what is known as emotional dysregulation. That means they are unable to control their emotional response and may experience a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, or even physical symptoms such as nausea when they encounter a trigger.
There’s a great checklist for parents from the STAR Institute to help determine if a child may be suffering from sensory processing disorder. You can find it at this link.
While parents may know what specific triggers affect their child, they may need some help in developing effective strategies to help their child better manage their response to these triggers. Occupational therapists are experts in this area.
Tools for managing sensory responses
Each child is different, and what may be calming for one child could be a trigger for another. Some children may have an outburst and seek movement or physical contact when they encounter something they are sensitive to, while other children just shut down and appear frozen.
Occupational therapists can be instrumental in developing an intervention plan for a child who struggles with sensory processing. They use assessment tools including parent surveys and clinical observations, along with different programs such as the ALERT program and Zones of Regulation. These specialized programs are designed to identify how children are feeling, and what tools might be useful in helping the child return to their personal comfort zone.
The benefits of weighted blankets
Weighted blankets are an effective strategy that is often recommended for those with sensory processing issues. These blankets provide deep pressure that many children (and adults) find calming.
When purchasing a weighted blanket, keep the following in mind:
- The ideal weight for a blanket is about 5 to 10 percent of a person’s body weight.
- Consider how it should be cleaned. Some blankets have a wipeable cover while others have a removable cover that can be cleaned in a washing machine.
- If you’re unsure or have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to an occupational therapist. We're happy to show you why one product might be better than another and any precautions or reasons why we might recommend one over another.
Unique, personalized solutions
No two individuals are exactly alike when it comes to a sensory reaction. While the scent of lavender may be calming for one person, it may cause an extremely negative response for another. It’s important to understand what tools and resources provide the best experience possible in any given scenario.
Sometimes, the strategy is simply to identify a child’s preferences. Then they can either avoid those that trigger a negative response or find an alternative. It’s also important to keep in mind that just because your child may prefer one thing or dislike another doesn't necessarily mean they have a disorder.
If you think your child may have sensory processing issues, learn more about the COAST Clinic at Bradley Hospital and how our team of experts can help.
Find a Doctor
