Sensory Concerns- What’s that About?
Sensory concerns refer to any input that our bodies have a difficult time processing. Maybe you know the feeling of being overstimulated or overwhelmed when the dog is barking, the phone is ringing, one kid is playing the keyboard, and another is whining at our feet with Paw Patrol on the TV in the background. That's our body having a difficult time taking in a lot of auditory stimulation at once. Or maybe you know someone who can't tolerate any amusement park rides that involve spinning- that's their body's sensitive reaction to the vestibular input that some other bodies crave. We can't talk ourselves out of being sick on a spinning ride, because it's a physical reaction, not a choice.
Some kids get messages from their brains that they are never getting enough input. Those kids need to stomp when they walk or talk loudly or crash land onto the couch to compensate for the messages their brain is giving them. Other kids get messages from their brain that they're always getting too much input- so those are kids who may walk on their tiptoes instead of placing their whole foot on the ground, talk quietly, or sit gently on the couch to ensure it doesn't feel too jostling. And some kids are getting some messages that they're getting too much input in one way along with messages that they're getting too little input in another way- like being really drawn to jumping off things, while being fearful of loud noises. We all have some physical responses to sensory stimuli, as well as sensory preferences. I don't like the way construction paper feels, and a friend doesn't like the way that the "soft" sand feels on his feet at the beach. The question is not whether or not these responses exist (they do!) but to what extend they cause us discomfort and/or distress. If I touch construction paper, I don't like the feeling, but it doesn't ruin my day. If my friend wears shoes on the beach he is not bothered by the feeling of the sand, so a small accommodation can significantly and easily change his experience.
You may have heard of sensory concerns, but often when I ask parents if their child has any sensory concerns they ask "what would that include?" In kids, it can be things like:
consistently being too rough with others
seeming clumsy or not sure of their body movements
low tolerance for tags in clothes, seams in socks, certain textures, or loud sounds
seeking out sensory input- like crashing into items, jumping from furniture, or stomping instead of walking
difficulty accepting changes in routines
hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to smells, temperatures, movement, or visual input
difficulty trying new foods
difficulty in recognizing or understanding social cues from others (example: not noticing that other kids don't want to be hugged or hugged so tightly)
For a comprehensive checklist of sensory processing signs and symptoms, see this link: sensory processing disorder
If you're concerned that your child may have a level of distress or discomfort that is concerning, talk with their pediatrician about what you can do to help minimize their discomfort. You can also read more in my upcoming post about occupational therapy and how it can help kids with sensory concerns or sensory processing disorder.
