- Sensory integration disorders affect how the brain processes sensory information, leading to difficulties in responding to stimuli like touch, sound, and light.
- Symptoms can include overreaction or underreaction to sensory input, clumsiness, and behavioral challenges like emotional outbursts or avoiding certain activities.
- Parents can support children by creating sensory-friendly spaces, sticking to predictable routines, and seeking professional therapies like occupational or speech therapy for targeted help.
Your child refuses to wear certain clothes, avoids hugs, or seeks movement constantly—what’s going on? These behaviors might not just be quirks; they could point to a sensory integration disorder. While every child processes sensory input differently, some face greater challenges that can impact their daily lives.
Let’s explore more about sensory processing, discovering signs, causes, and actionable ways parents can support their little ones on this journey.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration refers to the way the brain receives, organizes, and interprets information from the senses—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness. For most people, sensory processing occurs naturally, allowing them to respond appropriately to their environment.
For instance, the feel of clothing on your skin, the sound of background music, or the smell of food are processed without much conscious thought. However, when sensory integration isn’t functioning as expected, these everyday inputs can become overwhelming or difficult to manage.
What Are Sensory Integration Disorders?
A sensory integration disorder, also known as sensory processing disorder (SPD), occurs when the brain has trouble processing and responding to sensory information. Children with SPD may experience discomfort, confusion, or difficulty engaging with their environment.
However, sensory integration disorders don’t reflect a child’s intelligence or abilities. Instead, they highlight differences in how their brain interprets the world. These challenges can affect behavior, social interactions, learning, and overall quality of life.
Types of Sensory Processing Challenges
Sensory integration disorders can manifest in various ways, with the most common categories including:
Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitivity)
Hypersensitive children might find certain sensations overwhelming or distressing.
For example:
- Loud noises may seem unbearable.
- Certain fabrics may feel unbearably scratchy.
- Bright lights may cause discomfort.
Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitivity)
Children with hyposensitivity may not respond to sensory input as expected. They might:
- Fail to notice when their name is called.
- Appear indifferent to pain or temperature.
- Seek strong sensory input, such as banging objects or jumping.
Sensory-Seeking Behavior
Some children actively crave sensory input. They might:
- Spin in circles or rock back and forth.
- Seek out strong flavors or textures in food.
- Constantly touch objects or people.
Common Signs and Symptoms in Children
Understanding the signs of sensory integration disorders becomes easier when categorized into physical and behavioral symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
Children with sensory integration disorders often struggle to process sensory input in ways that can affect their physical reactions and movements.
- Overreaction to Sensory Input: Loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures can cause discomfort or distress. Children might cover their ears, squint, or avoid environments with strong sensory stimuli.
- Clumsiness: Difficulty with coordination, such as frequent tripping, bumping into objects, or struggling to balance on uneven surfaces.
- Delayed Motor Skills: Trouble with tasks like cutting with scissors, writing, or buttoning clothing due to poor fine motor coordination.
- Sensory-Seeking Behaviors: Some children may crave sensory input, engaging in activities like spinning, jumping, or crashing into furniture.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms manifest when children with sensory integration disorders are overwhelmed by sensory experiences or cannot self-regulate.
- Avoidance of Specific Experiences: Refusing to wear certain clothing, eating foods with particular textures, or participating in messy play like finger painting or sand play.
- Emotional Outbursts: Overstimulation can lead to frequent meltdowns, especially in noisy or crowded environments like classrooms or malls.
- Attachment to Routines or Objects: Insisting to follow strict routines or hold onto particular items for comfort.
- Difficulty in Social Interactions: Hesitance to join group activities or avoidance of physical touch, like hugs or handshakes.
How They Impact Daily Life
Sensory integration disorders can significantly influence a child’s ability to function in various aspects of life.
School
In a classroom setting, sensory processing challenges can hinder a child’s ability to focus, follow instructions, or engage in learning activities. They may struggle with handwriting due to poor fine motor skills or become distracted by background noise, such as the hum of a projector or the chatter of peers. These difficulties can affect academic performance and self-confidence.
Social Interaction
Children with sensory integration disorders may avoid social situations due to discomfort with physical touch or loud environments. A simple game of tag might feel overwhelming because of the physical contact involved. This avoidance can lead to social isolation and difficulty in forming friendships.
Daily Routines
Everyday tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or eating meals can be challenging. A child might resist wearing socks because of how they feel or refuse to brush their teeth due to the texture of the toothpaste. These challenges often require parents to adapt routines or find creative solutions to help their children participate.
Play
Play is a critical part of childhood development, but sensory integration disorders can impact how children engage in play. They may prefer solitary play or focus on repetitive actions instead of exploring imaginative or cooperative activities. For instance, instead of building with blocks, they might line them up repeatedly.
The impact extends beyond the child to parents and caregivers, who may experience stress, exhaustion, or feelings of helplessness as they try to navigate these challenges. Understanding the root cause can make these struggles more manageable.
What Causes Sensory Integration Disorders?
The causes of sensory integration disorders are complex and not yet fully understood. However, research has identified several factors that may contribute:
Neurological Differences
Sensory processing relies on efficient communication between the brain and the nervous system. When these pathways are disrupted, the brain may struggle to interpret sensory information accurately, leading to over- or under-responsivity.
Genetics
A family history of sensory processing challenges, autism, or related conditions may increase the likelihood of sensory integration disorders. This suggests that genetic factors play a role in how the brain processes sensory input.
Premature Birth
Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are more likely to develop sensory processing challenges. This is thought to result from differences in early brain development or limited sensory exposure in the neonatal period.
Environmental Factors
Early life experiences, such as inconsistent sensory stimulation, trauma, or prolonged hospital stays, can impact sensory processing. For example, a child exposed to loud noises or medical procedures during infancy may develop a heightened sensitivity to sound.
Associated Conditions
Sensory processing challenges often occur alongside other conditions, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental delays
While these factors may contribute to sensory integration disorders, it’s important to note that every child’s experience is unique. Early assessment and intervention can help identify specific needs and create a tailored support plan.
How Parents Can Support Their Children at Home
Supporting a child with sensory integration challenges doesn’t require specialized training—it starts with understanding, empathy, and simple adjustments to their environment.
Here’s how you can make your home and routines more supportive:
Create a Sensory-Friendly Space
Designate a calm corner or room in your home where your child can unwind. This space might include:
- Soothing Textures: Soft blankets, pillows, or plush toys.
- Lighting Control: Use dim lighting or lamps instead of harsh overhead lights.
- Noise-Canceling Solutions: White noise machines or headphones to reduce overwhelming sounds.
- Movement Options: A small indoor swing, bean bag, or rocking chair for proprioceptive input.
Encourage your child to retreat to this area whenever they feel overstimulated. Over time, this “safe zone” can help them learn to self-regulate.
Stick to a Predictable Routine
Many children with sensory integration disorders struggle with predictability. A consistent schedule provides structure and reduces stress. Create:
- Morning Routines: Clear steps for getting ready, like brushing teeth or getting dressed.
- Transition Cues: Use verbal warnings or timers to signal changes, such as “Five minutes until bedtime.”
Introduce Visual Aids
Visual supports can help children process and prepare for activities. Try:
- Picture Schedules: Display daily tasks using images or icons.
- Countdown Timers: Help them understand how long an activity will last.
- Emotion Charts: Teach them to identify and communicate their feelings.
Incorporate Sensory Play
Sensory activities can help children explore and adjust to new sensations in a controlled way. The activities that help build tolerance for sensory input over time are:
- Texture Exploration: Fill bins with rice, beans, or sand for hands-on fun.
- Water Play: Activities like pouring, splashing, or playing with foam.
- Movement Games: Jumping on trampolines, rolling on exercise balls, or playing hopscotch.
Practice Patience and Understanding
Your child’s behaviors may stem from discomfort, not defiance. When they act out, remain calm and validate their feelings. Simple phrases like, “I see this is hard for you,” can make them feel heard.
Stay Open to Feedback
Every child is different. Watch how your child responds to your efforts and adjust your approach based on their needs.
Effective Therapies for Sensory Integration Disorders
When strategies at home don’t seem enough, professional therapies can address specific sensory challenges in a targeted, structured manner.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists specialize in developing skills that help children succeed in daily life. It can be a mix of:
- Sensory Gyms: Featuring swings, balance beams, or tactile boards to expose children to controlled sensory experiences.
- Adaptive Techniques: Teaching methods for tasks like tying shoes or holding a pencil.
- Sensory Diets: Customized activities to help regulate sensory input throughout the day.
Speech-Language Therapy
For children who struggle to communicate their sensory needs, speech therapy can:
- Build language skills for expressing discomfort or preferences.
- Address oral-motor sensitivities that affect eating or speaking.
- Improve social communication, enabling them to better interact with peers.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists focus on improving strength, coordination, and mobility. For children with sensory processing difficulties, this might include:
- Activities to boost balance, like walking on uneven surfaces.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for body awareness.
- Games to improve coordination and motor planning, such as catching balls or obstacle courses.
Early Intervention Services
For children under three, early intervention programs can provide essential support during a critical developmental window. Services often include:
- At-home therapy sessions tailored to the family’s routine.
- Collaborative approaches involving parents, therapists, and educators.
Parent Training and Support
Therapists don’t just work with children—they also equip parents with the knowledge and tools to reinforce progress at home. Workshops, individual consultations, and educational materials can empower families to actively participate in their child’s growth.
Group Therapy or Social Skills Programs
Participating in group sessions with peers can help children with sensory challenges develop necessary social and communication skills. These sessions are often play-based, making them engaging and enjoyable.
Each therapy type addresses specific needs, and many children benefit from a combination of approaches tailored to their unique circumstances.
How Abbott & Burkhart Therapy Can Help
At Abbott & Burkhart Therapy, we understand the unique challenges children with sensory integration disorders face. Our multi-disciplinary team provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services customized to each child’s needs. Whether it’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language therapy, our goal is to help children thrive at home, school, and in the community.
We also offer support for a variety of related conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Our therapists use a play-based approach, making sessions engaging and effective for children.
If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing sensory integration challenges, don’t wait to seek help. Our team at Abbott & Burkhart Therapy is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us by calling (805) 650-6290 or email us at info@abtherapy.org to learn more about our services.
