Do Sensory Processing Issues Get Better Over Time?
While anyone can have sensory processing issues, they’re commonly seen in children with developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
This neurological condition occurs when the brain has problems receiving and responding to information it gets from the senses. As a result, someone with sensory processing issues ends up over-or under-sensitive to things they hear, see, smell, taste, or touch.
Signs of sensory processing issues often appear at a very young age, even as infants. But, since it’s a neurological condition, adults can have symptoms, too. And, in these cases, they’ve likely been present since childhood.
At Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services, our team relies on evidence-based applied behavior analysis to help treat disorders, including those involving the senses. These issues may not go away completely, but with time, they may decrease, and with expert care, they can be managed.
What is Sensory Processing and How Does It Affect My Child?
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and interprets information from the 5 senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. It helps us react to our environment. When sensory processing isn’t working right, the brain can’t process sensory input and we have trouble responding to everyday things.
Sensory processing issues can affect behavior and development big time. For example, a child who is hypersensitive (over-sensitive) might find certain noises unbearable or avoid certain textures like fabrics or foods which can impact their social interactions and daily activities. A child who is hyposensitive (under-sensitive) might not notice or react to stimuli the same way. For instance, a child who is hyposensitive might not feel the pain of a scrape or might seek out excessive physical contact because they crave more sensory input.
Hypersensitivity
This is when a child is over-sensitive to sensory input. For example, a child might scream when you try to hug them or they might become extremely distressed by the texture or smell of certain foods.
Hyposensitivity
This is when a child is under-sensitive to sensory input. A child might not notice when they are too hot or cold or might seek out more intense sensory experiences like roughhousing or seeking heavy pressure.
Recognizing Sensory Processing Issues
A sensory processing disorder can impact one sense or several. They can also vary in severity from child to child. For example, one child may scream at the slightest touch, while another may recoil from certain textures. These types of over-sensitive responses can cause a child to avoid certain types of sensory input because it can be overwhelming.
On the other hand, a child who has sensory processing issues can also seem completely unresponsive to anything around them. This lack of sensitivity can cause a child to seek out more sensory stimulation through touch, physical contact, and pressure. Sometimes, it can also be hard for under-sensitive children to recognize pain in themselves or others.
Signs of sensory processing issues include:
- Avoiding hugging or touching
- Being easily overwhelmed by places and people
- Searching for quiet spaces in noisy and busy environments
- Having a strong reaction to certain food smells or textures
- Refusing new foods or following a limited diet
- Being easily startled by sudden noises
- Getting upset by small changes in environment or routine
- Spending a lot of time squirming, fidgeting, or touching objects
- Having a high pain tolerance
- Playing rough or taking physical risks
- Feeling anxious or distracted a lot
- Often invading someone else’s personal space
It’s also common for kids with sensory processing issues to have coordination issues or a harder time learning to use the toilet.
Managing Sensory Processing Issues
There isn’t a medication or cure for sensory processing issues. However, many of these responses can lessen with age, especially if your child receives expert care and learns coping skills to manage their sensitivities.
Our team relies on applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy. This approach involves observing, identifying, and attempting to understand the behavior involved. By capturing this information, we can create a personalized treatment strategy to help decrease the behaviors that are interfering with your child’s well-being. At the same time, we also work to increase ideal behaviors to help them achieve their full potential.
Working with kids with sensory processing issues often includes engaging them in activities that regulate sensory input. And all of our techniques rely on positive reinforcements and individualized strategies based on your child’s unique needs.
Taking this approach helps your child gain the tools they need to feel comfortable and confident in every environment.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help Your Child With Sensory Processing Issues
Occupational therapy (OT) is key to managing sensory processing. It helps children develop the skills they need to engage with their environment and daily activities. One of the main techniques used in OT for sensory processing disorders is sensory integration therapy. This is structured activities to challenge and improve how the brain processes sensory input.
In OT sessions, children will do various activities to target their sensory needs. For example, they may work with different textures, play with materials that stimulate their sense of touch or use swings and weighted blankets to help with sensory regulation. The goal is to help the child become comfortable with different sensory experiences in a safe and controlled way.
For parents, OT sessions start with an assessment of their child’s specific sensory needs. The therapist will observe how the child responds to sensory input and develop a plan of treatment that is gradual exposure to challenging stimuli. Over time you will see improvements in your child’s ability to tolerate different sensory experiences and better self regulation and coping strategies.
Do You Want to See How Our Scottsdale PBS Team Can Help?
Do you want to see how our team can help your child manage their sensory processing issues? To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services today.