What is a sensory processing disorder (also known as sensory integration dysfunction)?
Sensory processing disorder is a condition that may affect up to the 5% of general population. It is typically defined as the neurological disorder that means sensory input can materially affect a person, to the point where they become withdrawn, aggressive, panicked, or hostile. Simple noises, tastes, touches, or the sights can so significantly affect daily living that normal activities are not bearable or are impossible.
Sensory processing, or sensory integration, is the neurological process by which children (and adults) take in sensory information, make sense of it, and use it during daily activities. Sensory integration theory and treatment were originially developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, researcher and occupational therapist. “Sensory information” refers to our 5 senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—in addition to two additional senses, proprioception (body awareness) and our movement sense (detected by our vestibular system). A child’s ability to process sensory information affects learning and behavior, sometimes in dramatic ways. Sensory processing difficulties are commonly seen in children with diagnoses such as autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and genetic syndromes. However there are also children with sensory processing difficulties who have no other identified disability. Here are some characteristics of children with sensory integration dysfunction:
