{"id":142402,"date":"2025-04-23T11:58:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T15:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/?p=142402"},"modified":"2025-04-23T12:00:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:00:40","slug":"sensory-superstars-strategies-for-mastering-sensory-processing-challenges-by-madi-pearl-s-ot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/sensory-superstars-strategies-for-mastering-sensory-processing-challenges-by-madi-pearl-s-ot\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory Superstars: Strategies for Mastering Sensory Processing Challenges by Madi Pearl, S\/OT"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b088bb0caebb1fba6af1ef3ade1bd211 wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine a world where the tags on your clothes feel like pinpricks, the hair dryer sounds like a front row seat at a concert, or the lighting in the room feels like a fluorescent spotlight shining directly into your eyes. For some, this is their normal everyday experience. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can make everyday sounds, textures, lights, and movements extremely overwhelming or discomforting. Understanding SPD is the first step in assisting your child to feel seen and understood in a world that may often feel like too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:33% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"885\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-885x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142404 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-885x1024.jpg 885w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-259x300.jpg 259w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-768x889.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-1327x1536.jpg 1327w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/files\/2025\/04\/Griff-1769x2048.jpg 1769w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-8dbaefb761aac5ef9407bd1033317821 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is Sensory Processing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSensory processing involves the collection, integration, and interpretation from multiple sensory systems, including touch, movement, joint position, visual, auditory, smell, and taste\u201d (Baumer &amp; O\u2019Neill, 2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-cba19d5247882017fafd055b1df779ae wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is Sensory Processing Disorder?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD, occurs when the brain has difficulty processing sensory signals, resulting in disruptions within their everyday lives including self-care, academics, and social skills (Foster, 2013). SPD looks different for every individual and can affect one or more of the body&#8217;s internal senses (Foster, 2013).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-header-bg-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b2171229514b5344880913c59602bc6f wp-block-paragraph\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-db31e6f3bc9a134551064f81bf37cffa wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our Body\u2019s Senses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contrary to what we were taught in elementary school, our body has 8 different sensory systems!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visual &#8211; <\/strong>Responsible for seeing. Including color, shape, orientation, motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Auditory &#8211; <\/strong>Responsible for hearing. Processes different sound frequencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tactile &#8211; <\/strong>Responsible for processing touch. This includes texture, shape, size, weight, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gustatory &#8211; <\/strong>Responsible for processing taste. This system allows for discrimination between safe and harmful foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Olfactory &#8211; <\/strong>Responsible for processing smell. Allows us to detect and discriminate between odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proprioceptive &#8211; <\/strong>Provides input from our muscles and joints. Allows our body to determine where it is in space (Pearce, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vestibular &#8211; <\/strong>Provides our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial awareness. Very important for balance and smooth, purposeful movements (Murphy, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Interoception &#8211; <\/strong>The ability to sense internal signals from your body. Examples include noticing when you are hungry or thirsty, determining the need to use the restroom, etc (Barker et al., 2021).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-3b9d5de3a86bcd49b7d6946dfd942961 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hyper or Hypo?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to processing our senses, individuals can experience hypersensitivity and\/or hyposensitivity. This can also vary depending on which sensory system we are referring to. A hypersensitive sensory system is more responsive\/sensitive to sensory input. Therefore, certain sensory situations can become overwhelming and result in an individual avoiding future situations that may look similar. Whereas, a hyposensitive sensory system is under-responsive to incoming sensory input. Meaning, more intense stimulation is required to notice the sensation, resulting in an individual seeking out these sensory experiences (\u201cHypersensitivity or hyposensitivity\u201d, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-56547a7fa56f05c563dc56afa7d886b6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What can this look like? Sensory Processing Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e91301ba042feb1545a0f3e1fe80052a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visual<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased sensitivity to light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty sustaining attention on a visual task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty maintaining eye contact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased desire to be in the dark.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty with handwriting\/shape and letter discrimination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of the dark.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoys being up close to light up objects \/ flashing lights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty with visually stimulating activities such as puzzles, mazes, look and find, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble finding objects that are within their visual field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoys flicking objects close to eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f8a99051b51892f05188e0058c14f296 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Auditory<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sounds are perceived as very loud.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sensitive to sounds such as the vacuum, blender, hair dryer, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constantly covering their ears with their hands or crying\/ running away from loud sounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distracted by sounds others typically don\u2019t notice such as the clock, the fridge, a fan, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place a speaker right by their ear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoys making noise just to hear it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does not respond when their name is called.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unable to tell where a sound is coming from.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cd5e9847bc309786ef91fa4060ac36cd wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tactile<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Defensive when washing or brushing their hair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does not like when their hands get messy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distressed when tags from clothing touch their body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disliking socks\/shoes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picky eater \u27f6 only certain textures\/types of foods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding or overreacting to being touched by another person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not noticing messy hands or face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May not notice when they are touched.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May be more likely to injure themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-935ec8e44037049c00ceb9ade03b155a wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gustatory<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Picky eating \u27f6 may gag or become overly anxious at the idea of trying a new food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dislikes brushing their teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frequently chewing on things, even if it is not edible (clothes, pencils, toys, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loves brushing their teeth, especially with a vibrating toothbrush.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequently drooling (not being aware of the excess saliva).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seeking out strong flavors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fb52095b3e4b4faed8fbb8aad6b82686 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Olfactory<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong reactions to smells that other do not usually notice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refusing to be in the same room as people when they are eating certain foods due to smells.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying away from someone with strong perfume\/cologne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong need to smell objects (soap, candle, perfume, gasoline, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does not notice unpleasant smells or changes in odor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5708abe1b256a80663d71c4d059fd328 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proprioceptive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u200b\u200bAvoid certain movements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid deep pressure contact (hugs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nervous around playground equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appear stuck when walking\/walk with feet wide apart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using too little force when writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frequently crashing, bumping, climbing, falling into things.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kicking feet while sitting\/stomping feet while walking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses too much force when writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often plays too rough with others\/pets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer tight clothing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak grasp \/ dropping items frequently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ffe1421bace4a61a7c54b1edf1fc822 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vestibular<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of activities in which their feet must leave the ground (swinging, climbing, sliding).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often moving slowly\/cautiously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefers sedentary activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seeking out activities in which their feet leave the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appearing to never become dizzy when spinning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constant rocking, spinning, twirling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intently watching moving objects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-accent-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d6e1f3446fc2a8550ec6fd0be1bbb8a4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Interoception<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypersensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Constantly feeling their heart beating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heightened reaction to pain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hyposensitive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficult sensing stomach signals &#8211;&gt; may over- or under-eat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty sensing pain signals &#8211;&gt; may get hurt more often, may have bathroom accidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty sensing thirst &#8211;&gt; may lead to dehydration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-58919b969739988e1ee777ac88760772 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For strategies to assist with sensory processing challenges, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1AwGqU0zCOFcAc9LVBPOsaep5Eb2Tj0z_?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sensory Superstars<\/strong><\/a><strong>. <\/strong>This contains general information on sensory processing, the difference between hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, as well as strategies for each sensory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-fl-heading-text-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-3c38ca42f5e54f4a8a19ac5a37bb185b wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acknowledgements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many sources in <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1AwGqU0zCOFcAc9LVBPOsaep5Eb2Tj0z_?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sensory Superstars<\/strong><\/a> have been borrowed from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toolstogrowot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Tools To Grow<\/strong><\/a><strong>. <\/strong>This is a website for pediatric therapists and contains resources with a paid subscription. Other resources are borrowed from individuals who have SPD and post about their strategies on their own blogs. All sources have the link or the owner\u2019s logo provided on it for copyright reasons. If you have any questions, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Resources:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Auditory. <\/em>(2018). [ToolsToGrow]. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toolstogrowot.com\/therapy-resources\/sensory-processing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.toolstogrowot.com\/therapy-resources\/sensory-processing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Barker, M., Brewer, R., &amp; Murphy, J. (2021). <em>What is interoception and why is it important?.<\/em> Frontiers for Young Minds. doi: 10.3389\/frym.2021.558246<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Baumer, N., &amp; O\u2019Neill, M. (2022).<em> Chapter 5 &#8211; Neurological and neurodevelopmental manifestations in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.<\/em> International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities, 63, 187-246. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/bs.irrdd.2022.09.004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/bs.irrdd.2022.09.004<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Foster, M. (2013). <em>Activities to Provide Sensory Input.<\/em> Childrens Therapy Team. https:\/\/www.childrenstherapyteam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Star-Sensory-Handout.pdf<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Gustatory<\/em>. (2018). [ToolsToGrow]. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toolstogrowot.com\/therapy-resources\/sensory-processing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.toolstogrowot.com\/therapy-resources\/sensory-processing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity? &#8211; valley oaks health.<\/em> Valley Oaks Health. (2024, February 19). https:\/\/www.valleyoaks.org\/health-hub\/hypersensitivity-or-hyposensitivity\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Murphy, L. (2024, December 19). Understanding the vestibular sense and vestibular input. NAPA. https:\/\/napacenter.org\/vestibular-input\/#:~:text=The%20vestibular%20sense%2C%20often%20called,%2C%20motion%2C%20and%20spatial%20awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Pearce, A. (2024). The power of active and passive proprioceptive input. KidSense Therapy Group. https:\/\/www.kidsensetherapygroup.com\/the-power-of-active-and-passive-proprioceptive-input\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine a world where the tags on your clothes feel like pinpricks, the hair dryer sounds like a front row seat at a concert, or the lighting in the room feels like a fluorescent spotlight shining directly into your eyes. For some, this is their normal everyday experience. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can make everyday&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1730,"featured_media":142404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpo365_audiences":[],"wpo365_private":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[19,27,43,44,42,41,45],"class_list":["post-142402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-autism","tag-downsyndrome","tag-hypersensitive","tag-hyposensitive","tag-occupationaltherapy","tag-sensoryprocessing","tag-sensoryprocessingdisorder"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1730"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142402"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142402\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/cleveland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}