Sensory processing issues

Sensory processing is a subconscious process that occurs in every person at all stages of life. Our brains take in information through our senses. We then organise it so that we are able to respond to environmental demands. Sensory experiences include touch, vision, smell, taste, sound, movement, body position, and the pull of gravity.

Sensory processing develops in the course of ordinary childhood activities. When a person has good sensory processing skills then they are able to integrate information. This process is automatic. For some children or young people, sensory processing does not develop as it should. These difficulties can affect daily living, academic achievement, behaviour or social participation.

Examples of checklists and sensory audits may be found at:

• Sensory Processing Disorder.
• Sensory Processing Development Checklist: a functional screening of developmental skills per age group. It does not constitute an assessment nor reflect strictly standardised research.

Further resources and information can be found at:

• The sensory seeker website provides information for parents on sensory behaviours and strategies.
• ‘The Out of Sync Child‘ by Carol Stock Kranowitz.
• The sensory processing page of Kent Community Health Team: 30 minute talk given by an Occupational Therapist with e-learning activities.