Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction occur when children have difficulty processing normal information from their senses – sound, sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. The exact cause is not known, but this is commonly seen in children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome as well as other developmental delays. Children with sensory processing disorder and sensory integration dysfunction cannot properly process sensations from the outside world and therefore have difficulty with even ordinary tasks.
Symptoms may include:
Withdrawing when touched
Oversensitivity to odors or sounds
Refusal to eat certain foods due to the feel
Hypersensitivity to certain fabrics
Appearing clumsy
Difficulty calming oneself
How Pediatric Therapy Helps
Once issues have been identified, a therapist will coordinate fun and interactive activities that engage and challenge your child’s sensory inputs while training them to successfully organize responses. Over time, this improves your child’s ability to process sensations more typically and improves quality of life.