Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties may experience some of the following difficulties:
- Challenging Behaviour
- Problems with sitting still
- Distressed by loud noises
- Fearless of Movement
- Significant resistance to the unfamiliar and making transitions from one situation to another
- Motor co-ordination difficulties
- Poor hand eye coordination
- Problems with Social integration and developing/maintaining relationships
What is Sensory Integration (SI)?
We all take in sensory information (touch, light, sound, taste, smell, movement, body awareness) from our bodies and the world around us, this information is processed by our brains and nervous system so that we can make sense of it. Our brain has to organise the information and make it meaningful so that we can respond appropriately. When the SI system is not functioning effectively the impact on learning, behaviour and social skills can be far reaching.
Most commonly a high proportion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will have sensory difficulties, alongside other children who do not have a formal diagnosis.