What Are Sensory Needs?

All of us are unique. Our uniqueness is something to be celebrated, and one of the unique qualities we all have is how we interpret the information in our environment. We all have neurological processes to help organize the lights, sounds, smells, motions, textures, and even the gravity we experience from moment to moment. Computing this information is called sensory integration (Thompson & Raisor, 2013). As adults, we may have the opportunity to know when
we need a break, when we need earplugs, how to avoid crowds, and how to dismantle a toxic conversation, but these skills may not be available to children. Individuals with a condition on the autistic spectrum are consistently reported as having sensory processing deficits. It is estimated that 45 to 96% of individuals on the spectrum have such deficits which range in severity and are reported at all ages (Howe & Stagg, 2016). So how do we meet the sensory needs of our family members? Part of meeting their needs is understanding where they specifically need assistance.

Children find ways to seek or avoid stimulation in their environments without knowing that is what they are doing. These confusing observations we witness as parents and loved ones often lead to or are defined as behavioral issues. Sensory integration issues can be confronted by encouraging and teaching self-regulation strategies and meeting our loved ones where they are with their specific needs (Thompson & Raisor, 2013).

We can accommodate our family members and loved ones in hundreds of ways, but to start, observe their behavior and start there. If your child is constantly turning the lights off, it may be that the lights are too stimulating. A break from the lights, warmer lighting, or a dark pair of sunglasses are great ways to meet them where they are. Suppose your child appears to panic in large groups or at the grocery store; a good way to acclimate them to larger environments is to think of ways to start small. Family gatherings or small groups are one way to introduce them to more stimulating environments where others are aware of the child’s needs. Instead of starting with Walmart or Sam’s Club, maybe begin with smaller stores that contain items the child is interested in. If your child constantly covers their ears and screams, the volume of audible sounds may be too much. Over-the-ear earmuffs or noise-canceling ear protection may be beneficial.

Stimulus integration is unique to everyone, but small steps or corrections can go a long way in addressing some of the issues. If the way children learn to self-regulate is maladaptive or creates larger behavioral issues, take the time to teach them appropriate ways to regulate or filter the incoming information. This is not only a bonding experience but builds trust in the relationship. At Daytastic ABA we specialize in children’s sensory needs and offer parent training to help address situations in your unique environments.

References

Thompson, S. D., & Raisor, J. M. (2013). Meeting the sensory needs of young children. YC
Young Children, 68(2), 34.
Howe, F. E., & Stagg, S. D. (2016). How sensory experiences affect adolescents with an autistic
spectrum condition within the classroom. Journal of autism and developmental
disorders, 46, 1656-1668.