Holy moly friends we've covered a lot in just a few posts.. but we now have a better understanding of what sensory processing is!
We've learned that sensory processing is the information coming into the brain from our different senses. Now what, what's next? SENSORY INTEGRATION YIPPEE! Sensory integration is the neurological phenomenon of what we do with the information brought in from our senses. How do we respond to it from a motor or behavior standpoint. Integration is what "puts it all together". Sensations are the electrical impulses (messages) coming in, then integration is what turns sensations into perceptions.
In her book Sensory Integration and the Child, Dr. Jean Ayers expands on defining sensory integration as:
An unconscious brain process that happens without us having to think about it - something most of us take for granted (much like breathing and blinking)
Organizes and gives meaning to information and input detected by the senses, while assisting to select/filter which piece of input is most important to attend to or focus on
Allows us to adapt and respond in a purposeful and meaningful manner
Forms the foundation for learning and social behavior
"Every child... must develop sensory integration by interacting with many things in the world."The first 7 years of a child's life, the brain is primarily a sensory processing machine. This means the brain senses and gets meaning directly from our sensations. Younger children don't have abstract thinking or ideas, which means they move their bodies as a result of the sensations they experience (this is called sensorimotor development). Sensory integration begins as early as in the womb as the infant is sensing movement from their mother's body.
"The sensory integration that occurs in moving, talking, and playing is the groundwork... for reading, writing, and good behavior."What is poor sensory integration?
Poor sensory integration is the brains inability to make sense of, organize, interpret, and/or respond appropriately to sensory stimulation and sensorimotor experiences. However, sensory integration is not an all or none matter. None of us have 'perfect' sensory integration all the time; some individuals have good sensory integration, while others may have average or poor integration skills. Having poor or diminished sensory processing skills also doesn't necessarily mean those individuals aren't happy, well-coordinated, and productive people - they just might have to work harder than others at certain things. A child with poor sensory integration often develops in an uneven manner; meaning they may not follow the natural order of sensory integrative functions impacting. This can impact motor development, speech and language development, social, play and academic skills. However, that is not to say that every child is and will develop the same; some children will develop faster and some more slowly. The issue lies in how the dysfunction begins to impact quality of life or ability to function in multiple contexts.
Some signs and symptoms of poor integration:
*Disclaimer, not all children who struggle with these things have sensory integration dysfunction*
Missing or skipping over motor milestones (i.e rolling over, sitting unsupported, crawling, walking, etc)
Movements appear to be more effortful and less coordinated
Have more awkward coordination or clumsiness
Play is less skillful that similar aged peers
Miss details or trouble understanding
May not choose to play games/toys that are popular
Avoid toys/games that require manipulation
Have a hard time tolerating self-cares: dressing, bathing, eating
Experience greater difficulty with potty training/have more accidents
Accidentally break things
Speech and language delays
Difficulty with learning in school
Avoid reading/writing
Struggle with simple arithmetic
Have greater difficulty with self-regulation, feel anxious, difficulty with calming- meltdown for no reason
Dislike trying new things
Take longer to learn new skills
Poor social skills, like to be leaders in play
Food for thought:
Studies show ~5-15% of children in the U.S have problems with sensory integration
Some children with poor sensory integration may seem "typical" in many ways and often times have above average intelligence
Sensory integration dysfunction can be a comorbidity to other medical or learning diagnoses. (examples/not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, etc)
In our upcoming posts as we dive into each sensory system, the understanding of sensory processing and sensory integration. This will help you differentiate between a potential problem happening within the senses or with the organization and use of those sensations and experiences.
Be well,
Amy & Cassie
Source:
Ayers, A.J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding hidden sensory challenges. Western Psychological Services.
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