Have you ever wondered why your child seems bothered by the tags in their clothing, refuses to eat foods with certain textures, constantly jumps on the couch, or becomes overwhelmed in a noisy room?
Perhaps you've noticed that your child loves spinning in circles, has difficulty sitting still, or seems to bump into things more often than other children. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be seeing your child's sensory system at work!
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I often talk with parents about how sensory processing can influence a child's ability to play, learn, communicate, and participate in everyday activities. One thing that surprises many parents is that humans actually have eight senses, not just five.
Understanding these eight senses can help you better understand your child's behaviors, recognize what their body might be communicating, and discover ways to support them throughout the day.
First, what is sensory processing?
Sensory processing is the way our brains receive, organize, and respond to information from our bodies and the world around us. Every moment of the day, our brains are taking in information. We hear sounds, see movement, feel different textures, notice smells, taste food, and receive messages from inside our bodies. Our brains work hard behind the scenes to make sense of all this information so we can respond appropriately. For children, sensory processing plays an important role in everyday experiences, including:
Playing with friends and siblings
Sitting at the table during mealtimes
Participating in classroom activities
Listening and following directions
Trying new foods
Getting dressed and completing daily routines
Managing emotions and transitions
Communicating wants, needs, and ideas
When a child's brain has difficulty organizing or responding to sensory information, everyday experiences may feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even exciting in ways that are difficult to manage. This is why understanding your child's sensory system can be such a helpful first step.
Before I drop Part II, think about your own body. What sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations are you drawn to? What makes you feel uncomfortable? Now, think about your child, and get curious about their own preferences…
If you want flexible and individualized care, email me at sara@soundstepsintervention.com or call / text me at 505-220-6716 to schedule a free 30-minute consult!
