Sensory Processing is “how we sense, experience, and feel the world,” (1). It is critical to safety and helps us move our bodies, complete tasks, make friends, and fall in love (1). Making sense of sensation is what makes us successful (1). As children, sensation and play is also how we learn about the world around us.

Sensory Modulation is the child’s reaction to sensory input. Modulation also includes the relationship between the environment and the child’s threshold. A threshold is when a child is able to notice and respond to sensory information. When children reach their correct threshold, they are able to learn and interact with the world around them.

Children that are not at their threshold will have inappropriate behaviors. For example, a child that is lethargic or hyperactive may be trying to self-modulate. Children may need help modulating from a parent or therapist to be able to reach their threshold.

Sensory Integration is the child’s ability to organize sensory input for use. Sensory input is taken into the brain, organized, processed, and used to create a suitable response. Some sensations may be easier to integrate depending on the child’s nervous system and the world around them.

Sensory Defensiveness is a strong reaction to sensation that would normally be seen as non-threatening (2). A child can be defensive in any area of sensation, but it is more often in relation to touch (3). For example, a child that is accidentally bumped by another child may think that they have hit them. (3). In response to this they may cry or try to hit the child back (3).

Sensory Registration is the ability to recognize sensations. Children that struggle with this may feel sensations in a stronger or weaker way. They may also struggle to tell the difference between sensations. This can cause children to have a delayed response to stimuli which can cause increased safety and behavioral issues.

A Sensory Diet is a schedule of sensory strategies. The goal is to provide the child with sensory input throughout the day so that they can take part at school, home, and other activities. An occupational therapist will do an assessment and take observations of your child. They will then decide what strategies are best for your child and teach you how to use the schedule.

Children with sensory processing concerns have difficulty organizing and perceiving sensory stimuli. Common behaviors or problems you might notice include:

• Struggling to pay attention

• Easily frustrated

• Strong emotional outbursts

• Dislikes changes in routines

• Accident prone

• Crashes into things or falls

• Rejects certain food textures and is a picky eater

• Tantrums

• Difficulty sleeping

• Dislikes certain articles of clothing

• Impulsive

• Difficulty transitioning between activities or people

• Difficulty learning