By Syeda Rizvi
Supporting your child's growth requires an understanding of how they see the world through their senses. The way the brain takes in, processes, and reacts to sensory data is known as sensory processing. When this process is successful, kids may interact with their surroundings in a productive way. On the other hand, difficulties with behavior, learning, and emotional control may result from disturbances in sensory processing.
🧩 Sensory processing: What is it?
The brain's capacity to recognize, arrange, and react to sensory information from the body and surroundings is known as sensory processing. In addition to the conventional five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—this also encompasses other senses such as
Proprioception: Awareness of one's own body's position and movement.
Vestibular sense: Orientation to space and balance.
The parietal lobe, which combines sensory data from several modalities, is one of the brain regions that processes these sensory inputs.
🧠 What is the function of the Brain in Sensory Processing ??
It plays the leading role!
The following are important brain areas for sensory processing:
Key brain regions involved in sensory processing include:
● Thalamus: serves as a relay station, sending sensory data to the right cerebral regions.
● Somatosensory Cortex: The parietal lobe contains the somatosensory cortex, which is responsible for processing tactile data.
● Visual Cortex: The occipital lobe's visual cortex processes visual inputs.
● Auditory Cortex: The temporal lobe is where the auditory cortex processes sound.
● Cerebellum: The cerebellum integrates vestibular and proprioceptive data to coordinate movement and balance.
Together, these domains produce a coherent comprehension of sensory input that permits suitable reactions.
♠️ When Expected Sensory Processing Doesn't Work-What happens ?
Issues like these can result from disturbances in sensory processing.
Over-responsiveness: Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as being overstimulated by bright lights or loud noises, is known as over-responsiveness.
Under-responsiveness: Reduced sensitivity that results in an inability to react to sensory information (e.g., failing to notice a scratched knee) is known as under-responsiveness.
Sensory seeking: Craving extreme sensory experiences, such as spinning or colliding with things, is known as sensory seeking.
These issues may show themselves as tantrums, trouble concentrating, or avoiding particular activities.
👀 Indications Parents May See:
Parents may notice symptoms like:
- Transitioning between activities can be challenging.
- dislike of particular lighting, noises, or sensations.
- awkwardness or a lack of coordination.
- difficulty focusing or staying stationary.
- emotional outbursts brought on by sensory inputs.
💡The first step to comprehending and meeting your child's sensory demands is recognizing these indicators.
🛠️ How Occupational Therapy May Be Beneficial
Assessing and treating difficulties with sensory processing is the area of expertise for occupational therapists (OTs). OTs assist kids with play-based interventions by:
◉ Create coping mechanisms to deal with sensory overload.
◉ Boost your coordination and motor abilities.
◉ Improve your ability to concentrate and pay attention.
◉ Develop your ability to control your emotions.
In order to deliver sensory input in a controlled way, therapy may use deep pressure input, swinging, or the use of weighted blankets and Thera-bands.
🏡 Encouragement of Sensory Processing in the Home
At home, parents can encourage sensory processing by:
◆ establishing a schedule that is predictable and sensory-friendly.
◆ supplying chances for physical activity and mobility.
◆ providing a range of materials and textures for experimentation.
◆ utilizing relaxing methods when necessary, such as deep breathing or quiet areas.
Working together with your child's therapist can assist in customizing techniques to meet their unique requirements.
🎯Final Takeaway
Parents can better support their child's growth if they have a better understanding of the neurobiology underlying sensory processing. Children can flourish in their everyday activities and interactions by identifying the warning signals of sensory processing difficulties and looking for the right interventions.
For a thorough assessment and individualized assistance plan, think about speaking with an occupational therapist if you have worries about your child's sensory processing.
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