Sensory Processing and The Two Lesser Known Senses
Throughout the years, sensory processing has become a more mainstream topic in early childhood. Learning and integrating sensory processing activities in daily life is crucial for all children as it’s an essential part of supporting the development of the two lesser-known senses- the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. While it’s not always obvious, these systems are constantly activated to help us navigate our world. Giving them the proper attention and understanding our own sensory profiles is a great way to help our bodies feel regulated and calm.
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing involves the integration of sensory information received through our senses—vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and movement. The brain processes this information, allowing us to make sense of the world around us. It helps us respond appropriately to stimuli and adapt to our environment. Just as children learn to walk, talk, and all the other wonderful things they do, they are also learning to process sensory information. Every person has a different sensory profile. It’s important to support sensory processing just as we support other areas of development.
Sensory Processing Differences:
Each child has a unique sensory profile, with some being more sensitive to certain stimuli or seeking additional sensory input. Sensory processing differences can manifest in various ways, such as sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds, aversion to certain textures, or seeking intense movement experiences. These differences are not uncommon and can be supported through tools, exercises, and strategies. Like with most things, there’s a large spectrum that encompasses sensory processing, and the differences simply highlight the diversity in how children perceive and respond to sensory input.
The Vestibular System:
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting and interpreting motion and balance. It helps us understand our body's position in space and coordinates movements to maintain balance. In early childhood, the vestibular system plays a crucial role in activities like crawling, walking, and even sitting upright. Activities that stimulate the vestibular system, such as swinging or spinning, can have a profound impact on a child's development.
The Proprioceptive System:
The proprioceptive system involves receptors located in the muscles and joints that provide feedback to the brain about the body's position and movements. This system allows us to perform tasks with precision, like holding a pencil or catching a ball. In early childhood, proprioceptive input is essential for the development of fine and gross motor skills. Activities that engage the proprioceptive system, such as climbing, jumping, or carrying heavy objects, can help children refine their motor skills and body awareness.
Hypo and Hyper sensory profiles
There are two main ways to categorize sensory processing - hyposensory profiles and hypersensory profiles. While these are general outlines, please remember that all children are unique, and so are their sensory profiles. Some children can present with both in different situations. Wherever your child is, there are many ways to support their sensory system and promote regulation.
Hypersensory Profile (Sensory Over-Responsivity):
Definition: Individuals with a hypersensory profile are overly sensitive to sensory stimuli. Their sensory system is hyper-reactive, meaning it responds more intensely or quickly to sensory input. As a result, they may find certain sensations overwhelming or distressing.
Characteristics:
Sensitivity: Hypersensitive individuals may react strongly to sensory input that others find tolerable or even unnoticeable. For example, a light touch may feel overwhelming or irritating to them.
Avoidance: They often avoid or have strong negative reactions to sensory-rich environments, such as crowded and noisy places.
Emotional Responses: Hypersensitivity can trigger emotional responses like anxiety, frustration, or discomfort.
Hypersensitivity can interfere with daily activities, leading to challenges in social interactions, learning, and self-regulation.
Examples:
Covering ears and becoming distressed when exposed to loud noises like sirens or vacuum cleaners.
Feeling discomfort from the tags in clothing and need to cut them off.
Picky eating or avoiding certain foods or food textures
Hyposensory Profile (Sensory Under-Responsivity):
Definition: Individuals with a hyposensory profile have reduced sensitivity to sensory input. Their sensory system is hypo-reactive, meaning it doesn't respond as strongly or as quickly as it should. As a result, they may seek out more sensory input to feel stimulation.
Characteristics:
Low Responsiveness: Hyposensitive individuals may not respond to sensory input in a typical way. For example, they might not notice when someone calls their name or not feel discomfort from a minor injury.
Seeking Sensation: They often seek out intense sensory experiences to feel stimulation. This might involve engaging in activities that provide strong sensory input, like excessive spinning, jumping and crashing down, or squeezing objects tightly.
Reduced Awareness: Hyposensitivity can lead to reduced awareness of one's body and environment, which can affect safety and self-care.
Hyposensitivity can affect an individual's ability to engage in age-appropriate activities and can lead to difficulties in self-regulation and social interactions.
Examples:
Not noticing when one has food or dirt smeared on their face or hands.
Needing to fidget with objects constantly to stay alert and focused.
Being always “on the move” and having a hard time sitting still or in one place for periods of time.
Why are Sensory Needs Relevant in Early Childhood?
Brain Development: During early childhood, the brain undergoes rapid development and is highly sensitive to sensory input. Appropriate sensory stimulation supports the formation of neural connections and contributes to the overall development of sensory systems. By addressing sensory needs, we can foster healthy brain development in our children.
Emotional Regulation: Sensory experiences have a profound impact on emotional well-being. Children with well-regulated sensory systems are better equipped to self-soothe, manage stress, and navigate social interactions. By creating a sensory-friendly environment, we can promote emotional resilience and positive self-esteem in our little ones.
Learning and Attention: Optimal sensory processing is closely linked to cognitive abilities and attention span. When children are comfortable and regulated, they can engage fully in learning activities, explore their surroundings, and develop essential skills. Recognizing and accommodating their sensory needs can enhance their learning experiences and overall educational outcomes.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment:
Provide a variety of sensory experiences: Offer opportunities for different textures, sounds, and movements to promote sensory exploration and integration.
Establish predictable routines: Consistent routines help children feel secure, reducing anxiety and promoting self-regulation.
Offer sensory breaks: Allow time for sensory breaks during activities, where children can engage in calming or stimulating activities based on their needs.
Use visual supports: Visual schedules, charts, and cues can assist children in understanding and transitioning between activities.
At wBees, we understand the importance of sensory experiences and try our best to incorporate sensory opportunities in all we do. You can find sensory bins in our classrooms, different sensory opportunities on our shelves through the materials we use, and ample time to run, jump, climb, interact with nature, and natural forms of sensory input during outdoor time.
We also make use of a variety of sensory tools in our classrooms. We encourage children to use sensory tools whenever they feel their bodies need some extra input or help reducing sensory overstimulation. We aim to encourage every child to embrace their sensory profile and identify when they are over or under-stimulated so they can find the right tools to self-regulate. Check out the list of sensory tools below!
Example of Sensory Tools:
Weighted blankets/ lap blankets: These can provide calming proprioceptive input during rest, sleep, or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Small weighted lap blankets are ideal for circle time and meal times for children who have a hard time staying in one place for prolonged periods.
Weighted/Compression Vest: These vests go over the clothes and provide proprioceptive input to the body. They are great for moments when a child is overstimulated. They feel like a tight hug on the body and are wonderful for transitions. We recommend using them for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
Therapy swings: Great for vestibular stimulation and sensory breaks.
Fidget toys: These can help children focus by providing subtle proprioceptive feedback through manipulation. They can also be a great sensory break when a child’s energy is too high and they need to calm their bodies or something to keep the hands busy during more quiet times or prolonged sitting.
Noise reduction headphones: A great tool for children who are overwhelmed by loud sounds. Also, a wonderful tool when a child gets easily distracted by surrounding noises or when there’s a lot going on in the environment and you need an auditory break.
Chew necklaces/bracelets: For children who seek oral stimulation, this is a useful alternative to chewing, biting, or sucking from classroom materials, clothes, or other objects in their surroundings.
Balance Board: Great proprioceptive and vestibular input. So fun for kids and can be used to both calm the nervous system with slow gentle rocking on one’s back, or challenge and activate it with more balance-based movements standing up.
Example of a Sensory Diet:
Morning: Engage in activities like crawling or rolling on a soft playmat to provide gentle proprioceptive input. Swing on an indoor swing to stimulate the vestibular system. Do some stretches or yoga poses to activate the body. Remember always to do things on both sides! If your child is spinning in one direction, ask them to do so in the other direction to provide balance to their nervous system.
At School: Encourage fine motor skills by playing with building blocks or playdough, which offer proprioceptive feedback. Go for a nature walk to experience various textures. Play on playground structures and encourage interactive games like obstacle courses.
Evening: Wind down with activities that promote relaxation, such as joint compression and body compression (wrapping the body in a towel and rolling on the floor), followed by reading a book with dimmed lights and soft music in the background.
The more I’ve learned about sensory processing throughout my adult years, the more I’ve come to realize my own sensory needs and what tools and strategies I can use to help myself feel regulated. I’m a constant fidgeter and often get overstimulated in busy and loud places. I’ve created certain rituals within my daily life to support my nervous system, identify my levels of sensory arousal, and encourage a regulated system while enjoying busy and overwhelming situations (like a busy wBees classroom!). I encourage you to think about your own sensory profile along with your child to meet your own needs as well as theirs and to promote regulation on every level.
Just like our personalities, our sensory profiles are unique and individual to us. Having sensory differences during early childhood is not at all uncommon and is usually something that can be addressed with a sensory diet and different tools and strategies to support these needs. If you have any questions about your child’s sensory profile, please reach out to us, we’re more than happy to connect with you about tools and strategies to support them!
Watch this video about how OT can support with sensory integration and sensory processing.
Join us for a deep dive into sensory processing with Jess Zambito from Bloom Pediatric Occupational Therapy!
We’re beyond excited to have Jess speak with us about sensory processing, sensory tools, and what we can do to support our children’s sensory profiles and encourage balanced and healthy development. Jess will be joining us on Zoom on Nov. 14th at 7 p.m. Details to come in an email soon.
