So, what is Sensory Defensiveness and how might it impact my child?
Essentially, sensory defensiveness is when a child has aversive, defensive, negative or avoidant reactions in one or more sensory system. This includes the systems;
- Touch
- Hearing
- Smell
- Visual
- Taste
- Vestibular (Movement)
- Proprioceptive (Deep pressure)
When a child has sensory defensiveness the area in our brain called the “survival brain” (otherwise known as the amygdala) produces an overreaction of the threat response, telling the rest of the brain that the incoming stimulus is “dangerous” – even if it is not. For example, the brush of fabric against the skin gets interpreted as something dangerous and attacking.
So what can sensory defensiveness look like? Some examples include…
- Not liking certain fabrics, textures, feeling of things brushing against their skin
- Not like loud, sudden or certain noises
- Not like certain smells or tastes
- ‘Overreaction’ to small sensory input that seems normal to others
- Not like bright lights, wears sunglasses, gets visually overwhelmed easily
What impact can this experience of sensory input have? Some examples include…
- Anxiety and controlling/obssessive behaviours
- Appear defiant and resistant to trying new things
- Sleep difficulties
- Difficulty with eating, trying new things, digestion, allergies,
- Challenges with aspects of toileting
How might the child be trying to cope? Some examples include…
- Avoiding certain sensations/events/environments or social interactions
- Needing rigid routines so they can control the sensory input coming in
- Sensory seeking behaviours such as; seeking out movement, mouthing objects, repetitive actions
- May try to make loud noises, humm etc to drown out other noise in their environment
- Seek out deep pressure, firm hugs, weighted items etc in order to feel comforted
What are the options for helping a child with sensory defensiveness?
- The adults surrounding the child (parents, teachers, grandparents etc) need to understand sensory defensiveness. This includes what it looks like and what the triggers are.
- The child to learn about their own sensory preferences and have tools to feel calm
- A sensory program to be implemented with the support from an Occupational Therapist who has received additional training in this area.
- Professionally guided treatment may be recommended and implemented by a qualified Occupational Therapist. These can often be intensive in nature and aim to reduce the overall reaction the sensory input is having on the survival brain.
Not sure if your child has sensory defensiveness or not? Speak to one of our Occupational Therapists and they will be able to assist you further!
0430645086
contact@calmandconnected.com.au
Written by Steph Aylmore, Occupational Therapist