Empowering Participants Through Sensory Processing in Behaviour Support

At helpz we love delivering transdisciplinary training sessions and approaching Behaviour Support from a sensory processing lens.

Sensory processing is the way that a person perceives, processes and organises the information that they receive through their senses – hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste, proprioception, vestibular and interoception. This sensory information comes from one’s own body and the environment around you.

Did you know?

Difficulty regulating sensory information such as touch, smell, taste, sound, body movement, or body position can lead to patterns of hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli or sensory-avoidance (shying away or intensively reacting to loud noises, bright lights, being held, etc.), hypo-sensitivity to sensory stimuli (needing high levels of sensory input such as firm touch or a loud noise in order to register the sensation), sensory- seeking behaviours (seeking constant and intense sensory input such as repeatedly crashing into walls or banging toys), or a mixed pattern of under-responsivity, sensory seeking and/or sensory avoidance.

Occupational Therapists conduct a Sensory Profile Assessment which helps identify the participants sensory processing needs. They can then work with the participant to develop sensory diets to support their ability to regulate and manage stimuli. Some examples of activities that may be included in a sensory diet include heavy work activities including carrying a heavy bag, pushing a heavy item such as a trolley, skipping, running, jumping, deep pressure input such as a massage on the shoulders, vibrating toys, squeezing a stress ball and many others. Movement helps us regulate and when we regulate we can focus.

By using a sensory processing approach we can support participants to function at a more optimal baseline, improve their regulation, thus reducing behaviours of concern.