Sensory Integration Education

In October, Sensory Awareness Month serves as a valuable reminder of the profound influence sensory processing has on individuals' lives. This article emphasises the practical dimensions of sensory processing, including its components, its effects on daily functioning, and the far-reaching implications it holds for the overall health and well-being of the people we serve.

Sensory processing holds significance in our daily activities, encompassing essential tasks like dressing, eating, moving, socialising, learning, and working. Everyone experiences variations in sensory processing, but for some individuals, these distinctions can pose difficulties in engaging in everyday tasks. When sensory processing differences impede you or your child's ability to manage and comprehend sensory information necessary for participating in daily activities, we describe these obstacles as sensory processing differences. Such challenges can influence your child's or teenager's preferences in how they spend their time and what activities they feel capable of pursuing on a daily basis.

Here we highlight a few examples of how sensory processing differences present themselves:

Sensitivity to Noise - Individuals may cover their ears, experience heightened sensitivity, or have strong reactions to loud or sudden noises, such as a hand dryer. This can lead to crying, anxiety, or a desire to escape the noise.

Avoidance of Certain Textures - Some people may resist touching or wearing specific fabrics, avoid anything that is messy, or any tactile touch.

Strong Clothing Preferences - Others might exhibit extreme sensitivity to certain clothing labels, seams, or textures, causing discomfort or irritation. They may have particular clothing preferences or refuse to wear specific items, often like socks.

Picky Eating - Individuals could have significant aversions to certain textures, smells, or tastes of food, resulting in a limited diet consisting of a narrow range of preferred foods.

Intolerance to Bright Lights - Some people may squint, shield their eyes, or steer clear of bright lights. They might prefer dimly lit environments or choose to wear sunglasses indoors.

Overwhelm in Crowded Place - A person can experience anxiety, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed in busy or crowded environments, such as shopping centres, social occasions, or school assemblies. Using public transportation might be challenging due to the same reason.

Difficulty With Transitions - Individuals might struggle with transitioning from one activity or place to another, experiencing upset emotions, resistance, or disorientation during these transitions.

Sensory Seeking Behaviours - Someone may exhibit constant seeking of sensory input through activities like touching, jumping, spinning, or crashing into objects. They may find it challenging to remain still or engage in quiet activities.

Poor Balance and Coordination - An individual might struggle with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, resulting in clumsiness, frequent falls, or unintentional collisions with objects.

Challenges With Planning and Organising - Others may encounter difficulties generating ideas or plans, making even simple tasks challenging to organise.

This is not an exhaustive list but it may help broaden your understanding of how sensory processing differences can impact everyday activities.

Sensory processing challenges are more prevalent than one might anticipate. Given that these challenges can be associated with various diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, OCD, genetic syndromes, learning disabilities, or can even exist independently. Take children as an example, a study conducted in 2009 revealed that approximately one in six children struggle with sensory processing differences which significantly impact their ability to learn and thrive in a school environment. Furthermore, additional research has affirmed that sensory processing difficulties  are notably widespread among autistic individuals, children requiring special education, and those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Furthering this idea of a child with sensory processing difficulties , let's have a look at just some of the possible impacts of sensory processing differences on a child's daily life:

Emotions: Children facing sensory processing differences may struggle with emotional regulation. Specific sensory stimuli can overwhelm them, resulting in heightened anxiety, irritability, or a tendency to withdraw. It's crucial to identify these triggers to empower the child in managing their reactions effectively.

Learning and Development: A child's capacity to learn and develop is significantly influenced by sensory processing. When children feel at ease and focused, they become more engaged in educational activities, enhancing their ability to acquire new skills. Conversely, sensory processing challenges can hinder their focus and ability to engage in optimal learning states.

Social Interaction: Sensory processing differences can impact a child's interactions within a social context. For instance, a child sensitive to touch may avoid physical contact, affecting their relationships with peers and family members. Recognising and addressing these sensory needs can facilitate improved social connections.

Physical Abilities: Sensory processing difficulties can impact a child's physical abilities. For example, those dealing with vestibular and proprioception challenges may experience difficulties with coordination and balance.

Mental Health: Sensory processing differences may also influence a child's mental health. Frequent sensory overload can contribute to heightened anxiety or depression. Supporting children in managing their sensory experiences can positively impact their emotional well-being.

Self-esteem and Confidence: Children contending with sensory processing difficulties may grapple with feelings of being different or isolated, impacting their self-esteem and confidence levels. Acknowledging their sensory needs and providing appropriate support can help boost their self-esteem and cultivate a positive self-image.

You may find it useful to have a look at our "Day in the Life of" case studies, which follow 10-year-old Ben, 16-year-old Rose, 43-year-old Lauren and 85-year-old Mike discovering how their sensory processing differences impact their daily life. It's important to emphasise here that we all have a unique sensory processing profile, and everyone has sensory needs.

What can I as a professional do to support my clients or students with sensory integration?

We are all individuals, and so everybody's sensory processing will be different. Therefore, the best place to start is through educating yourself and growing your awareness of sensory processing so you can keep an eye out for it with your students or clients.

As a starting point, we offer free courses to professionals:

Transform Your Practice With Sensory Integration

Your Guide to Qualifying as a Sensory Integration Practitioner

Understanding Sensory Processing and Integration in Teenagers and Young Adults

If you are in the education sector, browse our ‘For Schools’ courses here. Our instant access courses include:

Introduction to Sensory Integration Difficulties (for Schools)

Supporting Autistic Children With Anxiety in School

Only qualified Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists can train and qualify as SI Practitioners. However, if you are a health care or educational professional, you can take our short courses to gain a greater understanding of sensory processing and its impact, and learn safe-for-all strategies that can be tried at home, school or work settings.