Sensory-based therapies involve activities that are believed to organize the sensory system by providing vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, and tactile inputs. Brushes, swings, balls, and other specially designed therapeutic or recreational equipment are used to provide these inputs.
Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. People with SPD may misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound and movement. This means that a child with sensory processing disorder finds it difficult to process and act upon the information received through his senses via sounds, movements, touch, smell and taste.
AN EXAMPLE: Aman has trouble sitting in class. He wants to look at the teacher but everything else catches his attention. He squints as the lights are too bright. He wants to write but he applies too much pressure and breaks his pen.
We all have sensory preferences. However it becomes a disorder only when it significantly affects one or more areas of functioning and hinders our day to day life.
Sensory integration issues occur when a child’s brain has trouble processing and responding to sensory input like touch, sound, movement, or light. Children may be over-sensitive, under-responsive, or seek out sensory experiences in unusual ways.