Sensory processing is our ability to take in and filter incoming information from our environment and appropriately respond to that input. Sensory information can be categorized into: sound, sight, touch, smell, taste, vestibular and proprioception.

Our sensory system aims to form adaptive responses to incoming sensory information, interpret it, and create responses that allow a child to participate meaningfully with their world and others.

Difficulty with sensory processing is when a child struggles with interpreting incoming sensory input and forming an appropriate behavioral or motor response. For example:

-Difficulty with tolerating grooming tasks (bathing, teeth brushing, dressing, haircuts)

-Avoiding touch (prefers to wear clothes without tags/avoids hugs)

-Hypervigilance to sound or visual stimuli

-Difficulty with attention and following directions

-Difficulty calibrating their movements

-Poor balance

-Engage in seeking/avoiding behaviors

Occupational therapists conduct clinical observations and administer a standardized assessment called the Sensory Profile to gather information on how a child processes sensory information. An occupational therapist can assist in providing strategies and activities for a child to use to help them to self-regulate, attend, transition, tolerate incoming input from their environment (sound, sight, smell, taste, touch, vestibular/proprioceptive input), and more appropriately engage in their world in a meaningful way.