Sensory Processing Difficulties refer to difficulties in the way the brain processes information received from the senses.

It can result in challenges with daily activities, such as self-care, play, and social interactions, and can lead to difficulties with regulating emotions and behaviour.

There are three main types of sensory processing difficulties:

1. Hypersensitivity: over-reaction to sensory input, for example, aversion to certain textures or fabrics.
2. Hyposensitivity: under-reaction to sensory input, for example, seeking out intense sensations such as crashing into things.
3. Mixed Sensitivity: a combination of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, where some sensations are processed as too intense and others are not noticed at all.

It’s important to note that sensory processing difficulties are not a diagnosis, but rather a description of how an individual’s sensory system is functioning.

Helping Children with Hypersensitivity

Helping children with hypersensitivity can involve a number of strategies, including:

1. Gradual exposure: Gradually exposing the child to the sensations they are hypersensitive to, in a controlled and supportive environment, can help them build tolerance and decrease their reactions over time.
2. Sensory activities: Engaging in sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or jumping on a trampoline, can help the child regulate their sensory system and provide a positive outlet for their sensations.
3. Creating a sensory-friendly environment: Making changes to the child’s environment, such as reducing noise and bright lights, can help reduce their sensory overload and increase their comfort.
4. Relaxation techniques: Teaching the child relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga, can help them manage their stress and anxiety.

Helping Children with Hyposensitivity

Helping children with hyposensitivity can involve a number of strategies, including:

1. Providing more sensory input: Engaging the child in sensory activities, such as jumping on a trampoline, playing with playdough, or using a vibrating cushion, can help increase their sensory input and improve their sensory processing.
2. Sensory-rich environment: Creating a sensory-rich environment, such as having a variety of textures, sounds, and lights, can help provide the child with the sensory stimulation they need to fully engage in their activities.
3. Gradual exposure: Gradually exposing the child to new sensations and environments can help them build their tolerance and decrease their need for excessive sensory input.
4. Relaxation techniques: Teaching the child relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga, can help them manage their stress and anxiety.

Helping Children with a Mixed Sensitivity

Helping children with mixed sensitivity can involve a number of strategies, including:

1. Sensory Diet: Developing a sensory diet, or a personalized plan of sensory activities, can help the child regulate their sensory system and provide them with the sensory input they need to feel comfortable and focused.
2. Gradual exposure: Gradually exposing the child to new sensations and environments can help them build their tolerance and decrease their need for excessive sensory input.
3. Sensory-friendly environment: Making changes to the child’s environment, such as reducing noise and bright lights, can help reduce their sensory overload and increase their comfort.