Sensory processing (also termed sensory integration) refers to the way in which we register and interpret sensory information from our body and environment. This neurological process organizes the seven senses (including vestibular and proprioception), and makes it possible for the body to effectively interact and function within the environment. Sensory processing gives meaning to what is experienced by sifting through information and selecting what to focus on. Sensory integration greatly impacts the acquisition and development of fundamental skills including: gross and fine motor, language development and social behavior. It also affects one’s self regulation of emotion and arousal. Sensory processing is central for academic and motor learning and overall human development.

When a child cannot properly perceive and integrate his senses, he may struggle with managing his responses to ordinary sensations, of planning and organizing his actions, and regulating his emotional and activity levels. A child may have difficulties processing and interpreting one sense, for example solely tactile or solely visual, while others may have processing deficits in multiple senses. A child with poor sensory integration may interpret a world that is over stimulating and may find particular sensations to be unbearable (such as certain clothing textures, physical contact, light etc.). He may also under respond to particular senses and may require an intense amount of stimuli to register and/or react to the stimulation.

In addition to the five external senses: tactile, taste (gustatory), smell (olfactory), auditory and visual; some children may not effectively process the body’s internal senses. These internal senses include the vestibular system, which provides the body with information regarding movement and gravity, and the proprioceptive system, which is responsible for interpreting information originating in muscles and joints. The proprioceptive system essentially tells our brain where our body parts are and/or how they are moving, while the vestibular system sends messages to our muscles to keep us upright. Therefore, a child with insufficient vestibular and/or proprioceptive processing may have difficulties with posture, motor planning and visual perception which affects the development of fine and gross motor skills.

Ultimately, children with poor sensory processing may not play and learn as skillfully with peers because he cannot properly interpret the information received from his eyes, ears, hands and body. He may see, hear or feel something but not respond effectively to it. Therefore, when the child’s sensory system does not integrate incoming senses properly it interferes with his/her ability to function and interact effectively in their everyday environment.

References for information on sensory processing

Ayres, J.A. (2005). Sensory integration and the child: Understanding hidden sensory challenges. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.

Kranowitz, C. (2005). The out-of-sync child:  Recognizing and coping with sensory processing disorder (Revised and Updated Edition). New York: The Berkeley Publishing Group.

Kranowitz, C. (2003). The out-of-sync child has fun:  Activities for kids with sensory integration dysfunction. New York: The Berkeley Publishing Group.