Sensory processing therapy

Sensory Processing therapy

The development of the sensory system begins at the point of conception and continues throughout childhood. Sensory development in early childhood is important for overall health and well-being and forms the foundation of a child's learning and perception. 

Think of when a baby is born, we wrap them up and cuddle them, we talk to them and they turn their heads towards sound, they start to follow objects with their eyes, we rock them to sleep, and they start to explore things – usually their feet. 

All areas of our brain need to work together for effective sensory processing to occur. When the brain functions are whole and balanced, body movements are adaptive, learning is easy, and behaviour is a natural outcome. When sensory processing does not occur as it should, the brain is unable to filter, analyse, order, and connect sensory messages.  

When the senses are not working well together and our brain is struggling to make sense of things, it can cause a person to have difficulties paying attention, keeping calm, holding a conversation, or being productive.  

If an individual has a problem integrating sensory information, they can find daily tasks difficult. It may result in the person having a disproportionate response to sensory information, such as screaming when they hear a noise or saying that someone touching their arm lightly was painful.  

However, it is important to also rule out other reasons for behaviour such as communication, attention, pain, attachment difficulties and mental health problems such as anxiety. 

We have specialist Occupational Therapists (OTs) who can support individuals with significant sensory processing difficulties. 

If the level of difficulty is starting to significantly impact on an individual’s everyday functioning, a referral to the Occupational Therapy team can be made for a Sensory Processing Assessment.