Sensory Processing Disorder

What is it?

Sensory Processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. A Sensory Processing Disorder means that the sensory signals don’t get organized into appropriate responses.

What Are The Symptoms?

Like many disorders, the symptoms fall onto a spectrum. Concerns are usually raised when the symptoms begin to interfere with a child’s learning, enjoyment of activities, interaction with family and peers. Some of the typical symptoms that may be observed with Sensory Processing Disorder include:
• Fidgeting, unable to sit still
• Wears only soft clothing, socks & clothing tags are often an issue
• Picky eater, very sensitive to tastes and textures of foods
• Chews on clothing or other inappropriate items
• Sensitive to noise and visual stimuli – becomes overwhelmed in school assemblies, malls, birthday parties…

How can Occupational Therapy help?

• An OT can help identify where the breakdown occurs in the sensory processing system.
• Based on that understanding, the OT works with the child to help improve his/her awareness of what they are feeling and why
• The OT then develops a toolkit of strategies for both the child and caregivers to use under a variety of circumstances (some examples include heavy work activities, active sitting cushions, opportunities for sensory breaks etc.)
• In some situations, ongoing OT treatment is recommended. These treatment sessions are geared to help children to learn to re-organize the sensory processing system. This is done by providing children with organized sensory input in a fun and creative environment at Creative Therapy Health Services
Next Steps
• Call, email or talk to an OT to discuss your situation further and determine whether OT can help
• Schedule an initial assessment to get a thorough understanding of the situation, develop a treatment plan with a set of goals and objectives
• Treatment may consist of additional sessions with an OT or an OT Assistant and follow up activities at home or school

Please contact us find out if we can help.