Sensory processing is the ability to perceive and interpret the sensory information that is received from the environment through our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and tactile system, as well as sensory information that is received from within the body itself via the nervous system. This information is taken to our brains where it is interpreted so that appropriate adaptive responses can be made.
Children who experience sensory processing difficulties experience too much or too little sensory stimulation through their senses. This creates feelings of insecurity, anxiety and discomfort and has a significant impact on their social relationships, behaviour, concentration and attention, development of gross and fine motor skills and their readiness to learn. Occupational therapy can help these children to reach their optimal levels of arousal so that they can respond appropriately to sensory input and make sense of their worlds, allowing them to feel more confident and secure and ready to learn.