Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. It’s a fundamental process that enables individuals to interpret and interact with the world around them. Sensory processing involves the reception, modulation, integration, and response to sensory stimuli from the environment and one’s own body. This includes inputs from the five traditional senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as well as inputs from the vestibular system (which helps with balance and spatial orientation), and proprioception (which informs about the position and movement of the body).
For most people, sensory processing occurs automatically and efficiently, allowing them to adapt to varying sensory environments seamlessly. However, some individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, where the sensory signals are either not detected, or are over- or under-emphasized. This can lead to challenges in performing everyday tasks, discomfort, or even distress in environments that others might find normal or even stimulating. These difficulties are often observed in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but can also be present in those without any diagnosed condition.
Understanding sensory processing is crucial for developing strategies and interventions that can assist individuals in managing their sensory experiences more effectively, thereby improving their quality of life and ability to engage with their environment.