What is sensory processing

Sensory processing (SP) is “the neurological process of how we use the things we sense to make sense of the world around us.” (2:50). Human beings have eight sensory systems, of which five are generally taught and discussed (4:33): Visual (looking), Gustatory (tasting), Olfactory (smelling), Tactile (touching), Auditory (hearing), Vestibular (movement) (7:56), Proprioceptive (muscle & joint sensation) (10:10), and Interoceptive (internal organ sensation) (12:00). These sensory systems are integral to human development in utero and during the first months after birth (13:00). 

Sensory function models

Through sensory processing integration (SI), human beings learn to identify what we feel and give meaning to those feelings – it is “how we learn to be in the world” (13:49). Successful integration of the eight sensory systems is paramount to the proper development of motor skills and control and interpersonal, academic, and vocational capabilities (Schoen et al, 2019). (14:00)  

There are two theoretical model types for understanding sensory processing and integration: 

• Functional models (14:25) focus on the integration of senses to produce end results (15:45) i.e. concentration, self-control, and self-confidence, adaptive responses, etc. 

• Dysfunctional models (27:45) focus on the responsivity of sensory systems and categorize that responsivity into disorders, i.e. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (33:35), Sensory Discrimination Disorder (32:35), and Sensory Modulation Disorder (30:45). 

Contemporary neuroscience has enhanced understanding of how sensory systems and differences in SP and SI affect developmental processes before and after birth. This has transformed the definition of SP and SI in autism from something peripheral – only impacting some people – to being accepted as a core characteristic of ASD that impacts lived experiences across an individual’s lifetime (25:00). This discourse adjustment has huge implications for developing and treating SP and SI issues and provides a more inclusive therapeutic goal based on the quality of life. 

Well-being

Well-being or flourishing (35:00) has become the focus of theoretical models and most therapy types. This ideal aims to increase the quality of life for individuals with SP and SI issues through the personal application of sensory therapy techniques. The presenter discusses how this aim has transformed the idea of an autism “spectrum” (37:27) from something very linear to something more dimensional and questions how to map SP and SI areas using both dysfunctional and functional model ideas (38:35). She concludes by describing the importance of sensory well-being as, “… the bridge between physical and mental health.” (40:40)