Sensory Integration

Sensory Processing (sometimes called “Sensory Integration”) refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

A child with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses. This can create everyday problems such as: motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts if not treated effectively.

A referral for an occupational therapy evaluation may be necessary if your child has difficulties in several of the areas listed below or major functional problems in one area.

• Unusually fussy, easily startled, or difficult to console as an infant
• Slow to achieve motor milestones, such as rolling over, creeping, sitting, standing, or walking
• Strongly dislikes and protests baths, hair washing, haircutting, or nail cutting
• Uses inappropriate amounts of force when handling objects, coloring, writing, or interacting with friends, sibling, or animals
•  Leans on people, slumps when sitting, tires/fatigues easily, has poor muscle tone
• Falls frequently, bumps into furniture or people, is clumsy, or has difficulty judging position of his/her body in relation to space

Find more information on Sensory Integration and Occupational Therapy at https://www.pediaspeech.com/