Sensory Processing Issues – Part 2

Children with Modulation Disorders

Challenges with  behavior often result when a child is unable to cope with responses to sensory input.  This may happen when sensory input seems to be overwhelming to the child.  Frequently, the behavior may be due to a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).  The condition is referred to as a type of SPD called a  modulation disorder.

“Sensory Modulation Disorder” is a medical term.  The term refers to difficulties that arise  from an overload of sensory input.   Children who have SPD often have problems blending sensory input with daily activities. The term Sensory Modulation Disorder refers to problems responding to sensory input with appropriate physical, mental, or social reactions.  Behavior that is consistently either “over- active”  or “under-active” in response to sensory input, tends to cause problems at home and at school.   

Helping children who have SPD manage their issues with sensory input can be difficult. Managing the unwanted behavior in response to sensory input begins with identifying the nature of the behavior.  However, help can be  more easily managed when two key points are first identified.

1. Identify the type of the child’s modulation disorder
2. Identify the child’s typical responses to sensory inputs, although this is likely to vary. The nature of the response is often referred to as the child’s temperament or disposition.

Type of Sensory Input	Over-active response	Under-active response
Touch and Texture	Avoids several types of food Avoids certain types of clothes Vigorously enjoys messy play Vigorously avoids messy play	Eats almost anything Wears anything Does not respond to sharp objects Fails to recognize a bruise or how it happened Ignores messy play
Sounds	Hyper-sensitive to many sounds Becomes anxious with unfamiliar sounds Makes noises with mouth or body	Does not respond to background sounds Shows no reaction to warning sounds
Sights	Avoids looking at new sights, new people Slow to explore new things	Difficulty matching objects according to the way they look
Motion	Uses excess motion for stimulation Enjoys rough and tumble play	Tends to avoid typical outdoor play  Tends to be sedentary

If you have seen most of the responses in the first column, then you are probably thinking of a child who tends to over-respond to sensory input.  Similarly, if you have seen most of the responses in the second column, then you are probably thinking of a child who tends to under-respond to sensory input. Since most children with SPD will have responses in both columns, simply select the column with the most responses as the primary type of the child’s response pattern.

The Over-Active Responder

The child who usually tends to over- respond to sensory input generally shows strong responses. The child with this type of response generally either (a) becomes loud and active in response to the sensory input or (b) tries to strongly avoid the input. Research has shown that a child with these types of responses performs best when input that calms the nervous system is used regularly throughout the day.

Activities that slow down and calm the nervous system include steady sensory input that provides:

• Deep muscle action – such as deep pressure brushing, using sit n move cushions during tabletop work,  hopping on a bounce ball, wearing ankle weights, snug vests, or weighted vests, chewing resistive sensory tools
• Rhythmic music – such as low-pitched sounds, Native American drumming, rhythmic children’s songs, Therapeutic Listening with headphones
• Lower lighting – such as soft rather than bright light, or use of natural light ü

The Under-Active Responder

By way of contrast, the child  who tends to be under-responsive to sensory input initially seems to be less problematic.  However, when the parents or teachers notice the child’s slow response to sensory events, concern about development may begin to emerge. Research has shown that a child with under-active responses perform best when input that stimulates the nervous system is regularly used throughout the day.

Activities that activate the nervous system include steady sensory input that provides:

• Irregular muscle action – for example, sitting on  a ball chair during activities that require reaching and weight shifting, using a straw when drinking, wiggle writer for handwriting
• Music – Children’s songs with energetic marching games, or songs with hand motions, stamping feet, etc.
• Smells – scents that are stimulating such as peppermint, rather than calming scents such as lavender.

For further information about sensory modulation, click on the following links:

• Sensory Processing Issues: Part 1

• https://www.sensorymom.com/understanding-spd/