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If you are familiar with the term ‘overstimulation’, you may already have an idea of what stimulus processing problems are. These problems are sometimes also called sensory information processing problems or SI problems for short.
For example, children with sensory processing problems (stimulus processing problems) may be hypersensitive to images, sounds, textures, tastes, smells and other sensory influences. For example, a trip to a toy store or trying a new dish in a restaurant can be an overwhelming experience for your child.
Other children with sensory processing problems are subject to information that they receive through the senses. Which in turn can lead to other problems. Sensory information processing problems can affect a child’s social skills. [How does your child process stimuli and you? Read it here ]
Stimulus processing problems can cause problems in the classroom. Do you suspect stimulus processing problems in your child? [Read here the signs that indicate disturbed stimulus processing.]
The brain receives a steady stream of sensory information (also popularly known as stimuli). Think of the smell of eau de toilette to the feeling of the seams of the socks that don’t feel nice. Most children can ‘filter’ this information (sensory stimuli) as needed. They can also deal with unexpected stimuli such as a bang on the playground.
But children with sensory processing difficulties may be hypersensitive or subject to the world around them. When the brain receives information (sensory stimuli), it gives meaning to even the smallest pieces of information. It is a challenge to keep all that incoming information organized and then respond to it in the right way. These children are unable to filter the incoming information and set priorities. All information comes in at the same speed. For example, children in general can sometimes be picky or difficult in their behavior and therefore show overstimulation .
But children with sensory processing problems can be so emotionally sensitive that it hinders them from performing simple daily tasks. It constantly presents them with a challenge. Think of the seams of the socks, which your child keeps feeling, it keeps irritating, these children cannot filter and ‘park’ this information. But the opposite can also occur, such as having a high pain threshold and not realizing enough when they are in a dangerous situation. This is also called understimulation .
There are no large-scale studies on sensory processing problems, so the causes are not known. But researchers are starting to use brain techniques to investigate biological reasons. A recent study pointed to connections between certain parts of the brain that can affect how sensory information is processed. But there is not enough scientific evidence to draw conclusions.
Symptoms of sensory processing problems can range from mild to severe.
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitive children may react excessively to loud noises or they may perceive sounds that others do not hear. They may not like to be touched, even by adults they know. They may be afraid on a busy high street, reluctant to play on playground equipment, and worried about their safety (such as fear of falling) even when there is no real danger. [Read our tips on hypersensitivity]
Hyposensitivity: Hyposensitive (or undersensitive) children lack sensitivity to their environment. They may have a high tolerance for or indifference to pain. You can recognize them by their high pain threshold. They are often looking for sensory stimuli. Which can manifest itself in constantly having to touch people or things, even if it is not appropriate. Think of putting objects in the mouth (chewing on clothes or pencils). These children may also struggle with personal space or be awkward and uncoordinated. It is the children who are constantly on the move and take risks on the playground, accidentally harming other children while playing.
It is not the case that your child is alone or hypersensitive or undersensitive to sensory information. Some children with sensory processing problems show signs of both hypersensitivity and undersensitivity. For example, they can react extremely to changes in their environment, for example, they feel fine in their safe home setting and they can become totally ‘overstimulated’ in a busy shopping street. These moments of overstimulation in which your child breaks down can be scary for parents and children, as children who are hypersensitive may have trouble stopping once they have started.
For children with sensory processing problems, dealing with stimuli (sensory information) can be frustrating and confusing. It can negatively affect the learning of skills.
It can be a struggle for children with stimulus processing problems to adapt to a new environment or situation. It can take a long time before they can indulge in an activity. They are more likely to feel stressed when they are asked to stop what they are doing and start something new.
Children who are too sensitive to touch may avoid handling objects. This is a problem, as playing with and manipulating objects is a crucial part of development. It helps to master other motorcycle-related tasks, such as holding a pencil or buttoning clothes and tying shoelaces. They can seem clumsy due to poor body awareness. [Read our tips to stimulate gross motor skills here]
Hypersensitive children may feel anxious and irritable when interacting with other children, making it difficult to socialize. Subsensitive children can be too rough for others. This creates the chance that other children will avoid them on the playground or exclude them from birthday parties.
Children who feel anxious or overstimulated may have difficulty controlling their impulses. They may suddenly run away or throw a noisy new toy aside without playing with it. [Read our tips on learning to express emotions in children with stimulus processing problems]
Problems in sensory information processing can be visualized through the Sensory Profile. This is a questionnaire that is used by S.I. therapists and more and more remedial educationalists and psychologists also have basic knowledge of sensory information processing problems. It is not an official diagnosis according to the DSM IV like ADHD and autism, for example.
Children with ADHD often show signs of sensory information processing problems, but a child with sensory information processing problems may not meet the criteria for having ADHD. Most children with autism spectrum disorders have sensory information processing problems, but not all children with sensory processing problems show signs of autism spectrum disorder.
As soon as it turns out that your child has sensory information processing problems, you can start looking for treatment.
Occupational therapy can make children with sensory problems feel less overburdened and learn to deal with challenging situations.
Also take a look at our database for a therapist in the area
Raising a child with sensory information processing problems is not an easy task. Your child may lack flexibility and persistence and may have difficulty controlling their behavior.
Still, there are ways you can support your child and make life easier for both of you. Here are some tips to try.
By reading books about stimulus processing problems, joining peer contacts. [ Check out a few book tips here.]
Getting to know the patterns can help you anticipate difficult situations for your child.
Provide places where she can feel safe and still be part of the game with peers or siblings. You can also coach her on ways to “escape” situations before things get out of hand. Use your acquired knowledge to prevent repetition of situations. For example, if Saturday’s noise and crowds on the high street cause your child anxiety, take your child to the high street on a quieter day. If your child is easily bothered by loud noises, do not let your other children play with loud musical instruments in the same room. If your child is sensitive to certain visual stimuli or to tactile stimuli, so how clothes feel, for example, take this seriously and look for suitable solutions for your child.
