Sensory Processing
Sensory processing refers to our brain’s ability to process information from our senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, touch, vestibular, and proprioception. Usually, we just hear about our five senses, which leaves out two very important categories of sensation: vestibular and proprioception. The vestibular sense provides information about where our head is in space and detects movement. Proprioception involves sensory information from our joints and muscles so we know where the body is in space. Our brains get a lot of information from the outside world and the brain is tasked with making important decisions using that information.
Sometimes, there isn’t enough sensory stimulation and we need to more sensation to keep us alert and focused. An adult may need a cup of coffee to refocus - your child or student may need a crunchy snack! Other times, there’s too much sensory stimulation and we are so overwhelmed that it’s difficult to attend to the task at hand or to regulate our emotions. You may deal with overstimulation by spending some alone time at the gym - your child or student may need to sit in a quiet place with a weighted blanket on their lap.
Choosing appropriate sensory strategies to increase or decrease alertness is a process of trial and error. Sometimes we outgrow certain strategies and find new ones that work even better. Often times, a sensory strategy can be both calming and alerting. For example, yoga can help you become more alert in the morning and can also calm you before bedtime. It’s always a good idea to have a list of calming and alerting strategies handy to help your child navigate through their day.
Activities & Resources
Activities
30 Games and Activities for Self-Regulation - The Inspired Treehouse
50 Sensory Ideas for Small Spaces - The Inspired Treehouse
Boomwhackers: 10 Fun Ways to Play - The Inspired Treehouse
Books
The Out-of-Sync Child - Carol Stock Kranowitz