Do you ever wonder if your sensory systems or your child’s sensory systems are restricting you from living a full life? Some of the frequent questions and concerns we hear …
“My child is constantly active, could it be sensory related?”
“How can picky eating be addressed through a sensory approach?”
“I do not like being in large groups/ crowds for too long”
“Can my motion sickness be fixed?”
We have a comprehensive list of functional life skills impacted by different sensory systems.
Our Therapists’ Secrets
When we suspect someone’s sensory system is limiting them, we start dissecting what the root cause is. In the previous blog, we discuss what the sensory systems are. But, determining WHAT sensory system is just the first question.
Deep Dive into Sensory Preferences
Each body has its own reaction or preference to each of the sensory systems. Sensory preferences are a part of being unique individuals. Some people may seek out fidgets, lean on furniture or other people often. Some people may tap their foot or chew on the end of a pencil.
The two main responses to sensory input are…
1) People who are sensitive or actively avoid sensory input. These people may become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. They may shut down easily or be “on edge”. Their tolerance of input is very narrow. Imagine a bucket being filled all day with sensory input. These people have a very small bucket that is quick to fill.
2) People who seek out or they need a ton of extra sensory input. These people cannot get enough sensory stimuli. They may seem to have high energy. Their tolerance of input is very wide. These people’s buckets are very large and never fill.
Signs of Sensory Struggle
Behavioral observations can help us understand these unique responses. Here are some things we look for…
| Low Threshold (quick to notice, respond, avoid) | High Threshold (seek out more, cannot register unless they have “more”) | |
| Vision – the sense of sight | -Complains of bright light-Distracted easily by busy environments-May get headaches easily-Avoids eye contact-Flinches or squints easily | -Struggles to find things -Looks closely at objects as they move-Watch people and things as they move around-Likes bright colors, patterns, light up |
| Auditory- the sense of hearing | -Covers ears with loud or unpredictable noises-Makes noises to self-Dislikes being in groups of people or certain indoor places-Comments or complains about background noises | -Makes noises to self-Does not seem like he hears you, you repeat yourself often-Speaks loudly-Turns tv or music loudly |
| Gustatory- the sense of taste | -Prefers bland flavors-Picky eater-Notices flavors, strong tastes more than others-Complains of spiciness or sour more than others | -Adds additional seasoning or flavor to food-Complains that food doesn’t have flavor-Prefers strong spices, sour, salty, sweet |
| Olfactory- the sense of smell | -Notices faint smells-Dislikes being around people with strong scents-Does not eat food with strong smells-Complains of putting on clean clothes that smell of detergent | -Find opportunities of smelling things -Wear strong perfumes or scents-Like to eat food with strong scents-Does not notice strong smells that other people notice |
| Tactile- the sense of touch | -Does not like eating food with lots of textures; Pickiness-Complains of pain more than others-Easily upset if someone touches or stands close to them-Picky about clothing- only likes to wear certain clothing-Holds pencil or fine motor objects with too light pressure-Complains of temperatures (Water, environment, objects)-Refuse to walk in bear feet-Walks on tiptoes-Dislikes grass, sand, cooking when hands or body can get messy-Eats only with utensils (Refuses finger feeding)-Immediately wants to wash hands when doing messy play-Dislikes fingernails being cut-Dislikes haircut, brushed-Dislikes getting washed in the bath-Dislikes toothbrushing | -Loves crunchy, chewy foods-Does not notice pain -Touches other people or things in environment -Likes or not bothered by extreme temperatures -Loves, calmed by different textures (sand, playdough, grass, etc)-Does not notice mess on hands or body-Does not notice when nose is running-Puts items in mouth-Possible pinching, picking self |
| Vestibular – the sense of movement | -Afraid of new movement-Hesitant mover-Avoids or gets sick with swinging or car rides-Avoids ladders, slides, climbing-Fear of heights-Cries when upside down-Struggles to walk backwards, jumps, stairs, step and stand on high services-Does not like to move when eyes are closed-Loses balance easily-Avoids or gets sick when spinning-Dislikes head backwards or upside down (rinsing hair)-Seems cautious and slow with new movements-Clumsy or stiff movement-Dislikes escalators or elevators | -Difficulty sitting still-Constantly moving more than others-Finds reasons to get up -Twirls, spins, jumps, rocks, stomps instead of walking or standing-Does not get dizzy even if moving around, spinning, swinging-Enjoys extreme activities like rock climbing or roller coasters-Likes repeatedly being spun, twirled, tipped upside down |
| Proprioception – the sense of position and force | -Appears stiff -Difficulty manipulating small objects-Appears to struggle with new movement-Holds pencils, crayons, utensils too lightly-Hard time holding heavy objects-Trouble climbing-Dislikes sports-Cannot catch or throw ball | -Appears floppy-Leans on furniture, walls, people-Runs or bumps into objects/ furniture-Drops things often-Difficulty with personal space of objects and people-Appears to lack safety awareness/ judgment-Stomps or flaps feet instead of walking-Likes giving and getting heavy hugs/ squeezes from others-Chews on non-edibles-Likes crunchy foods-Presses to hard on paper when writing-Tends to unintentionally break objects-Rough play |
| Interoception – the sense of awareness of the body | -Complains of fatigue, sickness, pain more than others-Irritated often-Gets agitated frequently but cannot explain | -Unaware of fatigue, sickness, pain, and other body signals-Do not notice the body’s signals of internal needs |
What We do Next…
That first step of identifying sensory preferences that interfere with someone’s ability to participate in desired tasks is crucial in developing a plan.
Now that we have this information, we develop a plan. The plan can target the specific preferences and sensory system in combination with an individual’s goals.
In the next blog, we will discuss some strategies to help target each of these sensory needs.
If you would like to have a comprehensive evaluation to determine if sensory is really impacting you or your loved one, please contact us! We would love to help you meet your fullest potential!