Sensory Processing 101
Sensory Processing can be described as the way our brain takes in information from our sensory systems and organizes it to produce actions or feelings.
5 Basic Sensory Systems
Visual: Related to seeing
Olfactory: Related to smelling
Auditory: Related to hearing
Gustatory: Related to tasting
Tactile: Related to touching
3 Hidden Sensory Systems
Vestibular: This sensory system is located in the inner ear and helps the body to understand where it is in space. This sensory system contributes to balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Proprioceptive: This sensory system is located in receptors in joints, muscles, ligaments, and bones. These receptors send information to the brain to assist in body awareness, positioning, and movement of the body.
Interoceptive: This system is related to the homeostatic functions of the body. This system helps individuals register hunger, temperature, pain, fatigue, bowel and bladder needs.
Classifications for Sensory Receivers
Sensory over Responsive: Individuals who are sensory over responsive have a low threshold for stimuli for a sensory system. In other words, it takes less sensory input for individuals to register specific stimuli.
For example, an individual who is sensory over responsive may
Be sensitive to noises
Dislikes bright lights
Become motion sick
Sensory under responsive: Individuals who are sensory under responsive have a high threshold for stimuli for a sensory system. In other words it takes more sensory input to register specific stimuli.
For example, an individual who is sensory under responsive may
Don’t notice background noises
Have a higher perceived pain tolerance
May not realize they have a dirty diaper
Sensory Seekers/Cravers: Individuals who actively seek out more sensory input to meet their sensory input.
For example individuals who:
Like sour or spicy food
Love to jump, crash, climb, spin
Enjoys making loud sounds repeatedly
Suggested Activities for Sensory Processing
1. Animal Walks
Bear Crawl: Crawl on hands and feet, keeping hips high.
Crab Walk: Sit on the floor with hands behind, lift hips and walk using hands and feet.
Frog Jump: Squat down, touch the floor, and jump forward.
Flamingo Stand: Stand on one foot for 10-15 seconds, then switch.
2. Jumping Exercises
Two-Foot Jumps: Jump 20 times on a ground or dynamic surface (trampoline, bosu ball, balance pad).
One-Foot Jumps: Jump 10 times on each foot.
3. Crash Landings
Perform 3-5 big jumps onto a pile of couch cushions or a mattress from a standing position.
4. Stomps
Instruct child to complete 30-50 stomps on the ground.
5. Heavy Work
Carrying Heavy Items: Examples include books, bags of groceries, or using a wagon/stroller.
Moving Large Items: Push or pull objects relative to the child's size, ensuring safety is a priority.
6. Yoga for Kids
Downward Dog: Hold for a few seconds.
Leg Lifts: Perform 5 leg lifts on each side, alternating legs.
7. Yoga Ball Rocking:
Have the child lay on top of a yoga ball, push through arms and legs to rock back and forth rhythmically 20 times. Assist by guiding their back.
8. Rocking
While seated and holding knees in an "egg/popcorn" position, rock back and forth 25 times.
9. Swinging
Allow the child to swing with no time limit, focusing on sensory input and enjoyment.
10. Wall Pushes
Push against a wall as if trying to move it for 10 seconds, repeat 3 times.
Leg Pushes: Perform similar exercises with legs.
11. Hanging
Engage in any hanging activities like monkey bars, trapeze bars, or pull-up bars.
12. Climbing
Include climbing activities to enhance strength and coordination.
13. Resistance Exercises
Push-Ups: Do 3-5 push-ups, take a 30-second break, then complete 3-5 more push-ups.
14. "Sandwich" or "Burrito"
Roll the child up in a blanket (keeping face and head uncovered) or stack cushions on them and gently press for a “sandwich” effect.
15. Big Squeezes
Give bear hugs for 10 seconds, then release and repeat.
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