What Is Sensory Processing?

Each day, we use our senses to learn about and interact with the world around us. From waking up to the smell of coffee to listening to a family member talk about his or her day, our senses help us to navigate our surroundings, understand what is and is not safe and interact with others.

We respond to information we take in from our senses through a communication process with our brains. For example, if you touch a piece of sand paper, your fingers send a message to your brain (via your nerves). Your brain identifies the sand paper and determines if it is safe. It then sends a message back to your fingers telling them how to respond. This means of receiving sensory input, identifying and responding to it is called Sensory Processing.

For many of us, this communication occurs seamlessly, like cars flowing along an open highway (think of your nervous system as that highway). But for as many as 1 in 6 children(*), sensory processing may be impeded (some even call it a "traffic jam").

Children with sensory processing issues may be "seekers" (individuals who crave additional sensory input), "avoiders" (individuals who are easily overwhelmed and tend to avoid sensory input) or a combination of both (individuals who seek out some inputs but avoid others).

About This Program

The Sensory Awareness program is designed to help families recognize red flags in children and get those families on a path to helping their children by providing resources and support. Key components of this program include:

• Sensory Processing Red Flags, where families can explore common concerns with help from our mascot, Ollie, to determine if there is a need for assistance
  
• Free Sensory Consults, where families can meet with an occupational therapist and talk about concerns
  
• Sensory Concern Guide, where families can find organizations, books and online resources to help a child with sensory issues