The Impact of Sensory Processing Disorder in Early Childhood

Problems with sensory processing can affect children at a young age. Sensory processing is the way children process and respond to their senses, such as information from touch, sound, and movement. When a child has a problem with sensory processing, their brain is having difficulty filtering and organizing this information. This can make the everyday world a confusing and sometimes even scary place. It can cause upsets in emotions, motor functions, concentration, and social relationships.

Let’s take a closer look at a complex subject and at what parents and caregivers can do to help a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) refers to a condition in which the brain has problems receiving, processing, and responding to sensory input. These senses include those related to seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and balance. In early childhood, such challenges to development can make daily life very difficult. Children may overreact or underreact to given sensory input. For instance, they may find loud noises overwhelming or look for additional sensations, such as bumping into objects on purpose.

These differences may influence how a child learns to play and interact with others. Difficulties with sensory processing often result in problems following directions and engaging appropriately in games or playing with their peers. When a child’s sensory system is not operating correctly, they can become anxious or frustrated, and this may result in tantrums and problematic behaviors. It is important to remember that these are not problems in themselves, but reactions to over-stimulation or under-stimulation.

How Sensory Processing Challenges Affect Development

Sensory processing problems affect many different areas of a child’s development. For instance, if your child is sensitive to touch, then he or she may have trouble with the fine motor skills involved in buttoning a shirt. Holding a pencil or manipulating small objects may be uncomfortable for them, and they could avoid such activities.

These issues can hold back the very important skills of writing and drawing. On the other hand, a child may also have challenges with gross motor skills, such as climbing or balancing, and this could make outdoor activities just as difficult.

Social skills are affected, too. Children could experience social situations as overwhelming; especially if those situations involve noise or being touched by other children. That busy playground could be experienced as an uncaring, noisy space where it is difficult to join in the play. On the other hand, some children do not respond to different sensory inputs at all. They may not notice when their name is called, leading to misunderstandings with their friends or adults around them.

The Role of Sensory Integration in Learning

Children intrinsically use all of their senses together in an effort to understand their world. It is this multisensory integration —particularly the combination of touch with the other senses—that is so critical in developing higher thinking skills, such as problem-solving, observation, and classification.

How a child integrates his senses with his developing brain significantly influences academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. If sensory processing goes awry, it may impede the development of these invaluable learning skills.

Recognizing the Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder

Children with these challenges may show a variety of behaviors. Common signs include avoiding certain textures, covering their ears at loud noises, or seeking intense sensory experiences like spinning or jumping. These challenges can vary widely, and different children may react differently to similar things.

There are three common types of sensory processing challenges:

• Sensory Over-Responsivity: Children are easily overwhelmed and have strong reactions to everyday sensations.
  • Example: A child might cover their ears and cry when they hear loud noises like a vacuum cleaner.
• Sensory Under-Responsivity: Children have difficulty noticing sensory input.
  • Example: A child may not react when someone calls their name or might not notice when their hands are dirty.
• Sensory Seeking: Children actively look for sensory experiences.
  • Example: A child might enjoy spinning in circles or touching everything they see.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention can make a big difference for children with Sensory Processing Disorder. Young brains are flexible and can adapt more easily to help. Occupational therapists often work with children to develop coping strategies. They use activities are known as a “sensory diet.” That means a set of activities designed to help regulate a child’s sensory system. These might include exercises to improve motor skills, calming activities, or strategies to help the child handle different sensory inputs better.

Parents and caregivers can play a key role in supporting children with sensory processing challenges. By learning to recognize our child’s sensory preferences, you can create a supportive environment. This might mean providing a quiet space for a child who is sensitive to noise or offering extra movement opportunities for a child who needs it. Understanding their child’s sensory needs can help reduce anxiety and improve their ability to participate in daily activities.

Long-Term Effects of Sensory Processing Disorder

If not addressed early, these challenges can have lasting impacts on a child’s development. Children may struggle with school tasks if they have trouble focusing or sitting still. Socially, they might find it hard to make friends, especially if social interactions feel overwhelming. These challenges can lead to emotional difficulties like anxiety and low self-esteem.

However, with the right support, children can learn to adapt and thrive. They can develop coping mechanisms that allow them to participate more fully in school, family life, and the community. Early intervention not only helps with current challenges but also lays the foundation for future learning and development. By understanding and supporting sensory needs, we can help children build skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

The impact on academic performance is especially significant because sensory integration is fundamental to how children develop abstract thinking through hands-on learning. When this process is disrupted, it can affect their ability to grasp complex concepts in reading, writing, and math.

It’s Important to Recognize and Address Challenges Early

Sensory processing challenges can affect many areas of a child’s life, from motor skills to emotions and social interactions. Recognizing and addressing these challenges early can help children build a solid foundation for learning and growth. Parents, caregivers, and therapists play important roles in supporting children and helping them manage their sensory needs. By creating a supportive environment and providing early intervention, we can help children develop the skills they need to succeed.

The earlier we address these challenges, the better the outcomes for the child’s overall well-being and future success.

Early Intervention Therapies

If you have questions about your child’s development, feel free to call TEIS Early Intervention at 412-217-8347 or ask your pediatrician about early intervention therapies. If your child qualifies for services, you can request TEIS Early Intervention to be your child’s provider.

At TEIS Early Intervention, our therapists listen to your concerns, assess your child’s individual needs, develop a customized treatment plan, and coach you along the way with simple, routine-based solutions to maximize your child’s development in their natural environment.

Early intervention evaluations and therapy services are available under the Federal Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. Before services can begin, an independent evaluation of your child must be completed. To ensure impartiality, one agency provides evaluation services while another offers therapeutic services.

To schedule an evaluation, call 1-800-692-7288 or email to help@connectpa.net

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