How to identify and support sensory processing challenges
Firstly, what are sensory processing challenges? Sensory processing challenges arise when the way we receive, process, and respond to external and internal stimuli differs in some way from otherwise ‘typical’ processing. External (or environmental) stimuli refer to the 5 senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. While internal (or bodily) stimuli refer to vestibular (bodily movements), proprioceptive (bodily awareness), and interoceptive (bodily states) input.
Sensory processing challenges, often referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) commonly affect individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sensory processing challenges can present in many ways which are classified under the following categories of SPD: Sensory Modulation Disorder, Sensory-Based Motor Disorder, and Sensory Discrimination Disorder. This blog post will focus on the subtypes within Sensory Modulation Disorder. These include Sensory Over-responsivity, Sensory Under-responsivity, and Sensory Seeking/Craving.
Knowing the difference between these sensory processing patterns can help us better understand an individual’s unique sensory needs and begin to accommodate and support these needs more appropriately.
The examples presented below are illustrative but not exhaustive.
Sensory Over-responsivity refers to heightened sensitivity to sensory information where an individual demonstrates a reduced tolerance of sensory information that most others can stand or do not notice.
Examples of what this might look like:
- Discomfort in response to the sun or other bright lighting/reflections.
- Avoidance and/or distress in response to certain sounds such as noisy environments, loud tools, or crying, and is often identified by covering of the ears and other attempts to escape the auditory stimuli.
- Avoidance and/or distress in response to certain textures or consistencies, such as gooey, sticky, or slimy foods or substances, fabrics such as microfibre or satin, or certain clothing items, particularly those with rough seams or tags.
- Highly selective food intake and/or extreme hesitance to try new foods.
- Dislike of pressure on the body (e.g., from clothing, massage, or embrace) or refusal of certain bodily movements such as hopping, skipping, or jumping.
Possible supports:
- Provide safe and comfortable spaces with reduced sensory input (e.g., blackout curtains, soft/warm lighting, and minimise clutter).
- Utilise appropriate sensory tools such as noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and seam-free clothing.
- Allied health intervention(s) (e.g., Occupational Therapy) can provide support such as safe, gradual exposure to new sensory experiences.
Sensory Under-responsivity refers to reduced sensitivity to sensory information where an individual demonstrates a heightened tolerance of or delayed response to sensory information compared to most people. Without adequate sensory input, individuals with sensory under-responsivity may present as quiet, passive, lethargic, and withdrawn.
Examples of what this might look like:
- Reduced response to weather changes, such as not seeking a jacket in cold weather or wearing many layers in hot weather.
- Reduced response or awareness of pain (i.e., high pain tolerance) and may result in illness or injury going unnoticed by others.
- Delayed response to name calling, sounds, or movement.
- Clumsiness or poor body awareness.
- Reduced awareness of personal cleanliness such as not noticing dirty hands, body odour, or wet clothes.
Possible supports:
- Provide a sensory-rich environment to promote safe regulation; such as games involving jumping/crashing, adjustable lighting, and music.
- Support them to identify and monitor body states, injury, or illness in ways that do not rely on sensory input; such as noticing redness, bruising, coughing/sneezing, and checking the weather forecast.
- Gain eye contact before giving directions or initiating conversation and where possible, pair verbal and visual stimuli.
Sensory Seeking/Craving refers to a heightened need for sensory input typically sought in a manner that is disorganised, impulsive, and obsessive and can further increase dysregulation.
Examples of what this might look like:
- Seeking intense visual stimulation from spinning objects, flashing lights, bright sunlight, and visually stimulating imagery.
- Speaking and making noises at a high volume, listening to movies, tv, music, or other media at a high volume, and enjoying noisy environments.
- Seemingly constant touching of textures and objects or heightened interest in messy play activities.
- Frequent smelling of people, animals, or objects.
- Frequent licking, chewing, or biting of non-food items or seeking extremes of foods such as spicy, sour, or bitter.
- Strong preference for tight-fitting, compression, or weighted garments, teeth grinding, or obsessive jumping, crashing, or pushing into things.
Possible Supports:
- Identify safe methods of increasing sensory input throughout the day, such as movement breaks, fidget tools, compression garments, weighted items, and active seating methods (e.g., wobble cushions/stools).
- Reduce dysregulation in response to sensory seeking by providing a balanced environment (e.g., avoid bright lighting, loud background noises, and visual clutter).
- Engage with allied health support to develop a sensory diet to support regulation throughout the day.
Regardless of the subtype of processing challenges experienced, it is useful to identify coping strategies to reduce distress caused by sensory processing challenges such as deep breathing and grounding techniques and soothing tools such as fidgets, soft toys, and calming music.
It is important to remember that sensory processing patterns can vary significantly, and you or your child may demonstrate more than one sensory profile in response to differing stimuli. If you are interested in support to cope with the challenges associated with unique sensory needs or are interested in booking or discussing a psychological assessment to explore neurodevelopmental traits, please call Breakfree Psychology Services on 0479 149 277 or submit an online enquiry for a confidential discussion about your individual needs.