Sensory Processing Disorder in Children

The brain doesn’t properly process information coming through the senses

What is sensory processing disorder?

All children have sensory processing issues with the sensory stimuli they are exposed to in the course of their daily activities. What varies is the degree to which these sensory issues interfere with or disrupt their daily lives. Severe sensory issues can make the world a nightmare and an unsafe place. For these people, the noises of the crowd or the toilet flushing are too loud. Tags in clothes bother them to the point they are unable to concentrate. Socks and shoes bother them to the point that they wear them as little as possible. Other children become overwhelmed by visual stimulation and look to be inattentive. Children may fall frequently or may have poor awareness of social space and get too close to others. 

All children with sensory processing disorder are different depending on their cluster of sensory difficulties. Some children may respond by seeking sensory stimulation, such as tactile, vestibular, or proprioceptive stimulation. Other children may avoid sensory stimulation. While still others become anxious and/or have behavioral meltdowns.

How does sensory processing disorder show as learning disabilities in children?

Children are unable to process their environment at home, school, or other public places. Many children with learning disabilities are trying to learn higher level thinking skills, but don’t have a strong foundation on which to base their learning. This can lead to splinter skills that do not support higher level thinking skills. 

How does therapy help sensory processing disorder?

During therapy, patients are provided with individualized, structured stimulation to help their central nervous systems to integrate and utilize the stimulation in a more normal manner. The therapy helps normalize the individual’s overactive senses or increase sensory awareness of a particular form of sensory feedback. 

Treatment may include core strength training, laterality training, integration of postural reflexes, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, and handwriting skills.

As treatment calms the central nervous system, sensory behaviors become less severe and prevalent.

How do I test for sensory processing disorder?

The first appointment is a two-hour evaluation. Standardized tests and clinical observations are administered. A conference is scheduled at a later date to receive the test results, an explanation of what they mean, and how the individual might benefit from therapy.  Questions and discussion are encouraged.

These standardized tests are administered every 6 months of treatment to determine progress against a national norm. 

Other Treatments

Visual Processing Disorder

Targets deficits in visual memory, discrimination, form constancy, and more that impact handwriting and reading skills.

Dysgraphia

Focuses on why children with visual perception and fine motor skill deficits might have issues with handwriting.

Tongue Tie

Releases fascial restrictions in neck, shoulders and core muscles to optimize tongue tie release.

Craniosacral

Uses gentle touch to release fascial restrictions for all ages, from infants to adults.

Schedule Your Evaluation

Jeannette Schwartz, M.S., OTR