Every moment of every day involves sensation. Sometimes we recognize and respond to sensation; other times, our body does this without us even thinking about it. Sensory processing and integration refer to how our bodies transition information from our sensory receptors through the nervous system to create a response if needed. For example, when I wake up in the morning,
– I can feel my warm, soft, and cozy bed and my heavy St. Bernard, Witty against my body through my light and pressure touch receptors (tactile).
– I can smell the coffee my husband has made and probably Witty as well š (olfactory).
– I squint my eyes as I adjust to the room’s brightness (vision).
– I hear my alarm go off once again and giggle as I hear the yawns and groans of the dog waking up (auditory).
– I stretch my body (muscle and joint input/proprioception)
– as I roll to my side and eventually sit up (change in head position/vestibular), knowing that it’s time to start the day.
This brief experience has activated most of my sensory systems, some of which reached a threshold requiring a response and others that were noticed but did not require a response. Sensory processing and integration inform us so that we can make an adapted response to the sensation and situation. Sometimes though, processing and interpreting sensation gets tricky.
Our nervous system sometimes misinterprets information as dangerous or noxious, creating a stress reaction and subsequent significant emotional response. Other times, it might not respond enough or require more sensation to register. It has difficulty figuring out and distinguishing between sensations such as slamming doors or drawers but not noticing how much force I just used and adjusting to the demand. The accurate processing and integration of sensation inform our nervous system, which allows us to participate in meaningful activities and occupations with refined skill and coordination. It drives our likes and dislikes as well as preferences for activities. For example, my sensory system would not do well in a job requiring me to sit at a computer most of the day. Instead, I’m happiest and able to maintain my “just right” alertness when I’m able to move my body through space and receive muscle and joint input. I also know that I prefer softer clothing with limited seams and no tags and dislike the sound and feel of a plastic fork against a Styrofoam plate.
All of us have these preferences for or against sensation and adjust accordingly. Dysfunction within sensory processing and integration occurs when we cannot adapt to the requirements of our everyday activities, which restricts our ability to participate in self-care, play, education, work, leisure, or community-based occupations. We may have heightened emotional reactions, unsafe behavior, difficulties staying at a desk; the list goes on. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it sheds light on various subtypes of sensory processing and integration dysfunction.
If you have questions or concerns about your child, please reach out to learn more.
