Sensory Integration Education

When we think about sensory processing differences and strategies, we often think about children and many strategies are targeted at this population. Sensory processing differences can also impact the daily lives of adults and, as with all age groups, the sensory needs of adults can fluctuate or change depending on stress levels.

There can be many daily challenges for an adult with sensory processing differences as well as opportunities to meet their sensory needs by making slight modifications in their daily routine. Let’s take a look at the challenges first.

Many adults find that they can choose activities or adapt the environment they’re in to meet their sensory needs but this can become problematic for parents, particularly parents of babies and toddlers. Parents who are over-responsive to tactile sensory input suddenly have to deal with lots of touch sensations they cannot avoid such as changing and bathing their baby to meal prepping or cleaning up after their child. For an adult with sensory processing differences, baby-led weaning can also be a sensory nightmare. Also, as a parent of a young child, it isn’t possible to tune out loud noises with ear defenders or earplugs if you are over-responsive to auditory sensory input as your child’s cries are their way of communicating their needs with you.

Parents over-responsive to tactile sensory input suddenly have to deal with lots of touch sensations they cannot avoid such as changing and bathing their baby

Challenges with coordination and motor planning can also wreak havoc in home and work life. It is quite typical for individuals with sensory differences to be attracted to a job or role that meets their sensory needs or one that they find comfortable from a sensory perspective. For example, it could be a role that provides lots of opportunities for movement for sensation seekers such as a sports coach or a remote working job for individuals who feel overwhelmed by a commute and a busy office space. However, challenges with motor planning can also impact an individual’s confidence if they struggle with learning new tasks or a new routine.

At home, there are a number of tasks that we take for granted that involve motor and planning skills. These include managing the weekly shop, cooking, staying on top of the laundry, etc. DIY or assembling new furniture can also be a tough experience for individuals who struggle in this area. There are additional challenges for parents too. The motor planning that goes into learning to wash and change their baby and the motor aspects of meal prepping, playing with their child and doing other tasks for them are not straightforward either if you have motor challenges or sensory differences.

Do you relate to any of this or do you have a client where everyday things that appear straightforward and easy are actually very challenging and frustrating for them?

Sensory differences are more common than you think and there are some everyday tips and strategies that can make a huge difference to an individual’s daily quality of life. Stay tuned for the follow-up to this blog where I will be sharing tips and strategies, including some parenting hacks, that can make life a lot easier for adults with sensory processing differences.

Best wishes

Lelanie Brewer

PS Why not take a look at our A Day in the Life Of… stories which illustrate how people living with sensory differences can find those differences impacting their day-to-day lives. For example, A Day in the Life of an Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties takes a look at a typical day in the life of Lauren, a 43-year-old woman who has experienced difficulties with motor coordination and sensory processing differences that have impacted her ability to study, to participate in daily activities and her relationships with others ever since she can remember. Find out more here.

Experienced in the NHS, charity and private sectors and a UK university senior lecturer, Advanced SI Practitioner and OT Lelanie Brewer is the Professional Advisor for Lifelong Learning at Sensory Integration Education.