Sensory processing organises and distinguishes sensation from your body and the environment, helping us to engage effectively within our environments and informing our reactions and behaviours.
Every sound, movement, sight, smell, taste and everything we touch produces sensations which travel to the brain for processing. Our reactions and behaviours depend upon how this information is processed.
Sometimes sensory receptors perceive everyday stimuli such as lights, noises, and textures as too bright, too loud, or uncomfortable which can result in overwhelming feelings and sensory meltdown.
Alternatively, sensory processing systems can sometimes result in reduced sensory information. This may lead to sensory-seeking behaviours to compensate for perceived low levels of input.
Have you ever spotted colleagues biting their pencil or clicking the top of the pen or moving their legs up and down during staff meetings and training events? These are examples of how adults might seek extra stimulus.
Children have sensory needs too and sometimes these result in behaviours such as pushing, running, shouting, play fighting and bumping into people.