Sensory integration in children types causes and simple ways to treat it

Have you ever seen a child who constantly runs their fingernails across surfaces and seems to enjoy it? Or a child who can't tolerate everyday sounds—even soft ones? Some children may even have an extremely low sensitivity to pain, not reacting to a pinprick or even strong hits!These unusual behaviors might seem strange, but the truth is—they’re not just random actions. What these children are experiencing could be symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to properly receive, interpret, and respond to sensory input such as touch, sound, movement, or pain. Many children struggle with these issues, especially those on the autism spectrum. However, SPD can also appear in children facing other developmental or emotional challenges—and sometimes even in adults without knowing it!

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of sensory processing difficulties, their symptoms, and practical ways to support children dealing with them. So if you're looking to help your child or someone close to you navigate these daily challenges, join us at Delly Medical as we uncover how to better understand and manage Sensory Processing Disorder.

What Are Sensory Integration Sessions?

Sensory integration sessions are a type of therapy used to help children—especially those with autism or other developmental disorders—improve their brain's ability to process sensory input such as touch, sound, movement, and light. These sessions are conducted under the supervision of a specialized occupational therapist, and the therapy is tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.

Goals of Sensory Integration Sessions:

  • Improve the child’s ability to process sensory stimuli (such as touch, sound, or movement).

  • Help the brain balance its response to sensory input, whether it’s overly sensitive or under-responsive.

  • Teach the child how to adapt to their surrounding environment at home, school, or anywhere else.

  • Enhance skills like balance, motor coordination, and body awareness.

How Are the Sessions Conducted?

Sessions involve interactive activities that gradually stimulate the senses, helping the child handle sensory input more effectively. These activities may include:

Motor Activities:

  • Swinging on a swing.

  • Jumping on a trampoline.

  • Crawling or running to improve balance.

Tactile Activities:

  • Playing with sand or clay.

  • Handling soft fabrics like velvet.

  • Using toys that require pressing or squeezing materials like playdough.

Auditory Activities:

  • Using musical instruments like tambourines or bells.

  • Listening to natural sounds or various musical pieces.

Visual Activities:

  • Focusing on light and shadows.

  • Using colors and shapes to stimulate the brain’s visual processing.

Social and Communication Activities:

  • Group play with other children to build social interaction skills.

How Are the Sessions Implemented?

  • Individual or Group Sessions: Sessions can be conducted one-on-one with a therapist or in a group setting with other children.

  • Duration: Each session usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the child’s ability to focus and tolerate the activities.

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are essential to evaluate the child's progress and adjust activities based on their response.

Who Provides Sensory Integration Therapy?

These sessions are delivered by occupational therapists, professionals trained to use sensory-based activities to help children deal with different types of sensory input.

Benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy:

  • Improved Sensory Response: Helps children adapt better to sensory input through gradual exposure.

  • Enhanced Motor Coordination and Balance: Movement-based activities boost coordination between the body and senses.

  • Better Environmental Adaptation: Assists children in adjusting to different environments like school and home.

  • Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Helps reduce the child’s stress response to overwhelming stimuli, promoting calmness.

What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder in Children?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) doesn’t always have a clear cause, but research suggests several potential contributing factors. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Neurological Issues

The brain is responsible for receiving and organizing sensory information. If there’s a disruption in this process, the child might experience stimuli in an unusual or uncomfortable way. For instance, loud sounds may feel unbearable, or they may reject touching soft or rough objects.

2. Genetic Factors

If there’s a family history of conditions like autism or ADHD, the child may have a higher risk of SPD. Genetics influence how the nervous system responds to surrounding stimuli.

3. Pregnancy or Birth Complications

Such as:

  • Oxygen deprivation during birth.

  • Premature birth.

  • Maternal infections or toxin exposure during pregnancy.

  • Use of medications without medical supervision.

All these can affect the child’s nervous system development.

4. Sensory Deprivation or Early Developmental Delay

Children who lacked opportunities to play or explore their senses—especially in neglected or isolated environments—may struggle with normal sensory processing.

5. Other Developmental Disorders

Conditions like autism spectrum disorder or ADHD often include SPD as part of their overall picture.

6. Toxin Exposure

Substances like lead, pesticides, or even second-hand smoke—especially during pregnancy or early childhood—can damage the nervous system and affect sensory development.

7. Breastfeeding and Early Development Issues

Some studies link lack of breastfeeding or very early weaning to weak neurological development, which may affect sensory integration.

8. Lack of Physical Activity and Play

Play helps children understand their bodies and the world around them. Kids who spend too much time in front of screens or don’t get enough physical activity may face difficulties in sensory and motor development.

9. Head or Nerve Injuries

Like concussions or brain infections (e.g., meningitis), which can directly impact brain areas responsible for sensory processing.

10. Emotional or Psychological Trauma

Stress, fear, or losing a loved one may cause children to display sensory issues. Emotional trauma affects the nervous system and can alter sensory responses.

Symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder in Children: How Do We Know If There’s a Problem?

Every child reacts differently to sensory input. But if you notice your child behaving in an exaggerated or unusual way to simple things like sound or touch, they might have a sensory integration disorder. Let’s explore some key signs to watch for:

1. Hypersensitivity to Sensory Input

  • Doesn’t like to be touched: May avoid hugs or get upset by the feel of their clothes.

  • Sensitive to loud sounds: Gets distressed by things like vacuum cleaners or classroom noise.

  • Bothered by light: Might squint or hide from bright lights.

  • Strong reaction to smells: Even light perfumes or food smells can cause discomfort or nausea.

2. Too Much or Too Little Movement

  • Overactive: Always running, jumping, or moving excessively.

  • Balance issues: Trips or falls easily.

  • Poor coordination: Struggles to catch a ball or draw properly.

3. Unusual or Unpredictable Behaviors

  • Strange pain responses: Either feels extreme pain from minor things or doesn’t react to pain at all.

  • Repetitive behaviors: Flapping hands, rocking back and forth, or spinning.

  • Impulsive actions: May run around suddenly without a clear reason.

4. Difficulty Interacting with Others

  • Prefers isolation: Avoids group play or social interaction.

  • Gets anxious in crowds: May fear playing with other kids or being in school settings.

5. Trouble with Daily Routines

  • Poor self-organization: Takes too long to get dressed or eat.

  • Gets easily distracted or overly focused: May ignore surroundings or fixate on small details.

6. Food Sensitivities

  • Very picky eater: Refuses certain foods based on texture or taste, even if they look fine.

  • Food aversions: Might gag or refuse to eat because of how something feels in their mouth.

 Important Tip:
If you notice several of these signs in your child, it’s best to consult with an occupational therapist or a pediatrician. They can assess whether your child has a sensory integration disorder and suggest the right treatment plan.

Types of Sensory Integration Issues in Children

If your child reacts strongly or strangely to everyday things like light, touch, or sound, they may be facing sensory integration challenges. This means their brain has trouble organizing and processing sensory information.

Let’s take a look at the main types of sensory integration difficulties:

⚡ 1. Sensory Over-Responsiveness (Hyperresponsiveness)

The child is “too sensitive” to sensory input, meaning normal sensations feel overwhelming.

Examples:

  • Afraid of loud noises like vacuum cleaners.

  • Upset by clothing textures or certain fabrics.

  • Covers eyes or gets headaches from normal lighting.

  • Gags or feels sick from mild smells.

 2. Sensory Under-Responsiveness (Hyporesponsiveness)

The child is “not sensitive enough” and may not react to sensory input as expected.

Examples:

  • Doesn’t feel pain easily.

  • Doesn’t respond to loud sounds.

  • Often bumps into things or falls without noticing.

  • Doesn’t react to heat or cold like other children.

⚖️ 3. Issues with Movement and Balance

This affects how the child moves and coordinates their body.

Examples:

  • Trips or falls while walking.

  • Struggles with drawing or writing due to poor hand-eye coordination.

  • Often bumps into walls or furniture.

 4. Sensory Seeking Behavior

The child constantly looks for strong sensory input and may act wildly.

Examples:

  • Always jumping or spinning.

  • Can’t sit still.

  • Loves loud, messy, or textured play.

 5. Difficulty Processing Sounds or Visual Information

The child struggles to focus or understand things they hear or see, especially in busy environments.

Examples:

  • Has trouble listening in noisy places.

  • Bothered by bright lights or flickering bulbs.

  • Gets anxious or overwhelmed in crowded or noisy areas.

 6. Food Sensitivities

The child refuses many types of food based on texture, smell, or taste.

Examples:

  • Eats only a few specific foods.

  • Gags or cries from certain tastes or textures.

  • Refuses to try new foods just because of how they look or smell.

 7. Trouble Adapting to New Environments

Children with sensory processing issues can become stressed by changes in routine or surroundings.

Examples:

  • Gets anxious in new places.

  • Hates changes in daily routines.

  • Easily overwhelmed by unfamiliar environments.

 Final Takeaway:
If your child shows signs from one or more of these categories, they may be experiencing sensory integration challenges. Reaching out to an occupational therapist or developmental specialist can make a huge difference in helping your child feel more comfortable and confident in their world.

Who Can Suffer from Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) isn't limited to one specific group of people, but it often appears in certain age stages or with certain health conditions. Here's who might be more at risk for this disorder:

1. Preschool and Early Childhood

At this stage, the brain is still developing its ability to organize sensory information. If a child shows heightened sensitivity or lacks response to sensory stimuli like sound or touch, it might be an early sign of SPD.

Examples:

  • Refusing to wear certain clothes.

  • Being afraid of the vacuum cleaner's sound or noisy toys.

  • Discomfort with light or sudden movements.

2. Children with Autism

Sensory Processing Disorder is very common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often leading to unexpected responses to sensory stimuli.

Examples:

  • Over-sensitivity to sounds.

  • Dislike for certain textures.

  • Over or under-reaction to light or smells.

3. Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Some children with ADHD have difficulty organizing sensory input, which can significantly affect their focus and behavior.

Examples:

  • Difficulty sitting still.

  • Easily distracted by noises or movements.

  • Overreacting to sensory stimuli.

4. Children with Developmental Delays or Cognitive Impairments

In these cases, the brain struggles to integrate sensory information in a normal way, which can affect the child's responses and behaviors.

Example:

  • Difficulty interacting with their environment.

  • Not noticing things around them as other children do.

5. Adults (But Rarely)

Although it's rare, some adults might suffer from SPD, especially if they have suffered brain injury or psychological trauma.

How Do We Diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder?

Diagnosing SPD isn’t random—it requires specialists in occupational therapy or mental health to distinguish it from other disorders.

1. Full Medical Evaluation

The first step is to understand the child's medical history, including any issues that occurred during pregnancy, birth, or neurological conditions that could contribute to SPD.

2. Parent and Teacher Reports

Parents and teachers are the most frequent observers of a child in various environments, so it's important to know:

  • How the child behaves at home.

  • How they interact with others.

  • Whether they’re disturbed only in specific situations or all the time.

3. Sensory Integration Tests

Specialized tools used by therapists include:

  • Ayres Sensory Integration Test

  • Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) These tests assess how a child responds to touch, sound, movement, and balance.

4. Observing the Child’s Behavior

Therapists observe the child while they eat, play, dress, or interact with others and record any unusual or exaggerated behaviors.

5. Differentiating from Other Disorders

It’s important to determine: Does the child have SPD or could their symptoms be related to:

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety disorders

A precise diagnosis helps guide treatment.

6. Psychological and Behavioral Reports

Specialists may request psychological and behavioral surveys or conduct written assessments to better understand the behaviors the child exhibits.

How Does Sensory Integration Therapy Help Children with Autism? 8 Benefits That Make a Difference!

Sensory integration therapy helps children with autism better engage with their environment and process sensory inputs in a way that’s comfortable for them. This has a profound effect on their behavior, communication, and overall development.

Here are the key benefits of sensory integration therapy:

1. Adjusting to Sounds, Smells, and Touch

  • Before Therapy: The child might be highly distressed by loud noises, certain smells, or even light touches.

  • After Therapy: They learn to accept these sensory inputs without fear or discomfort.

  • Result: The child is calmer and more naturally interacts with their surroundings.

2. Reducing Tantrums and Disruptive Behaviors

When a child is overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, they may have tantrums or become agitated.

  • Therapy helps them manage sensory inputs without stress.

  • Result: Fewer tantrums, and the child’s behavior becomes easier to manage.

3. Improving Social Interaction

Children with autism often struggle with communication, whether verbal or non-verbal.

  • Therapy makes their interactions with others easier and more comfortable.

  • Result: The child starts smiling, responding, and touching, which helps build better relationships with those around them.

4. Enhancing Focus and Attention

When the brain isn’t processing sensory information well, the child might get distracted easily.

  • Therapy organizes sensory inputs, helping the child focus on tasks.

  • Result: The child can focus for longer periods on activities like play, drawing, or studying.

5. Improving Motor Skills (e.g., Writing and Drawing)

The child might have difficulty coordinating their hand and eye movements, which affects their daily activities.

  • Therapy improves these skills.

  • Result: The child writes, colors, and handles objects better, becoming more independent.

6. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Excessive sensory input can make the child anxious all the time.

  • Therapy teaches the child to cope with these stimuli without fear.

  • Result: The child becomes calmer, more balanced, and easier to handle in various situations.

7. Increasing Independence and Self-Esteem

When a child can control their sensory experiences, they become more self-reliant.

  • For example, they may dress themselves, choose food, or participate in activities on their own.

  • Result: The child feels empowered, boosting their self-confidence.

8. Improving Eating and Sleeping

Children with autism may refuse certain foods or struggle with sleep.

  • Therapy helps them tolerate food textures and sleep conditions.

  • Result: They eat better and sleep more peacefully, which benefits both the child and their family.

Types of Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder in Children: A Simple Guide for Parents

If your child suffers from sensory processing disorder, various treatments can help them handle sensory inputs more comfortably. Here are the main treatments used to improve the lives of children with autism or sensory issues.

1. Occupational Therapy (OT)

This is the most common therapy used to treat sensory processing issues.

Goal:

  • Helps the child adapt to sensory stimuli.

  • Improves daily skills like eating, dressing, playing, and attending school.

Includes:

  • Activities with different textures, like sand or clay.

  • Balance and movement exercises.

  • Gradual exposure to bothersome sounds or lights.

2. Sensory Integration Therapy

A specialized type of occupational therapy designed to help the brain learn how to process sensory information more effectively.

Goal:

  • Reduce over-sensitivity or stimulate under-responsive senses.

Includes:

  • Multisensory activities (light, sound, touch).

  • Jumping and swinging to regulate movement sensations.

  • Various sensory tools to stimulate touch and balance.

3. Environmental Modifications

Small adjustments in the environment can make a big difference in the child’s comfort.

Goal:

  • Minimize distressing stimuli like noise or light.

Includes:

  • Soft lighting instead of bright lights.

  • Noise-canceling headphones.

  • A consistent routine to reduce surprises and stress.

4. Relaxation Techniques

Teaches the child how to calm down and manage stress caused by sensory overload.

Goal:

  • Reduce anxiety from excess sensory input.

Includes:

  • Simple breathing exercises.

  • Imagining calming places.

  • Muscle relaxation to reduce physical tension.

5. Play Therapy

Play is a fun way to help children learn to regulate their senses.

Goal:

  • Make sensory interaction enjoyable, not frightening.

  • Enhance the child’s emotional and behavioral regulation.

Includes:

  • Playing with clay or water.

  • Group activities to improve social skills.

6. Physical Therapy

Useful if the child has balance or movement issues.

Goal:

  • Strengthen the body and improve coordination and balance.

Includes:

  • Walking on a straight line.

  • Jumping or kicking a ball.

7. Family Support and Counseling

Parents play a crucial role in the treatment plan.

Goal:

  • Teach parents how to better manage their child's sensory needs.

  • Provide emotional support for both the child and the family.

Includes:

  • Parent training in behavioral strategies.

  • Counseling sessions for the child and family.