Contributor: Elizabeth L. Comrie, MS, OTR/L
As parents, we hear and see common terms through interactions with professionals or the internet. While these terms seem common place, they may not be clearly understood or easily applied to our own young children. One of these terms is “sensory processing.” This is something that can be confusing to understand, as well as how it impacts young children.
What is Sensory Processing?
In simple terms, as humans, all of us are constantly taking in different types of sensory information. This is how we learn about the world around us and our own bodies – and then respond to that information. In all, there are 8 sensory systems: sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, movement, balance and interoception. (That’s more than the 5 we learned about in elementary school!) These systems work together to help us make sense of the world around us. When these systems are not processing (taking in and responding to) appropriately, it can impact how we engage with our world. This can impact early childhood development of social interactions, motor skills, and communication. Because of this, sensory processing is an important to understand so we can support our little ones as they learn about their world and bodies. Many typical play activities in early childhood are embedded with loads of sensory input! Think about water play – the feel, sound, and look of the water, or a game of chase – full of movement and touch input. Not only are these activities fun, but they are great practice for these skills.
To summarize, the most important thing about “sensory processing” is that play is the work of childhood. It is important to provide activities for young children that incorporate all the senses. Highlight these experiences for children, and be sure to observe their responses to the different inputs.
Informational resources:
Growing Hands-On Kids: This site offers access FREE printable packets (such as 8-sensory-systems-printable-packet) for those who subscribe to their newsletter.
The Spiral Foundation: Check out these resources from the Spiral Foundation.
- What is Sensory Processing Disorder? Learn how to recognize if you child is processing sensory information differently and the different types of Sensory Processing Disorders.
- A Guide to Sensory Integration for Parents Learn more in this comprehensive article about Sensory Processing. Get definitions to terms, how to recognize that a child is struggling with different sensory experiences, as well as strategies you can try at home.
Information about sensory processing and regulation Hear directly from an Occupational Therapist on Polyvagal Theory. This theory claims that the nervous system employs a hierarchy of strategies to both regulate itself and to keep us safe in the face of danger. This article talks about this theory and how it affects our bodies.
Promoting Self-Regulation in the First Five Years Self-Regulation is finding ways to cope with strong feelings, so they don’t become overwhelming. Learn how to focus and shift attention to help successfully control behaviors required to get along with others and work towards goals.
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