Modifying Sensory Threshold Levels

Judy Benz Duncan, Occupational Therapist

TheraPlay4Kids.com 

Sensory processing disorder and sensory integration deficits may be used to describe how your child’s brain and body reacts to different sensations and situations. These sensory issues refer to the way a sensation is felt, experienced, for example, and in turn organized and interpreted by the brain. Having sensory integration difficulties are typically found to be at the root of sensory processing issues and impact a child’s sensory threshold.  

Sensory Threshold

Sensory threshold in basic terms describes just how much sensory information your child can tolerate before they react. Some children react to a clothing tag touching their skin, other children seek out loud chaotic situations. Every child is different in how they interpret and experience their world. Understanding your child’s sensory threshold is a beginning step in helping them manage living in their normal surroundings, as well as being able to develop greater tolerance for new situations and social activities.

Sensory Threshold Levels

o   For a child with hypersensitive sensory threshold levels they may act out, cry out, have a sensory meltdown, withdraw, or shut down, when they get more sensory input than they can manage or tolerate. Children with hypersensitivity issues may be easily pushed over their sensory threshold by a hug, a busy situation, a squeaky shopping cart wheel, and normal daily activities like taking a bath, getting their hair brushed, or putting a sock on.

o   Children with hyposensitivity sensory threshold levels has its own issues, where a child may not react to cuts and pain from falls or from running into walls and hard objects. You may find these children seem to seek out dangerous situations, like climbing too high or out a window, or attempting activities that could result in injury.  A child who has sensory hyposensitive issues may seek out more sensory input by pushing, hitting, making noise, screaming, acting aggressively toward others, jumping on and off of furniture, spinning and either falling down or running into the wall, and so on. While these children may look like they are “out of control,” it is important to understand that they may just be seeking out more sensory experiences at a different level.

Click a Link Below and Go!

CLICK for HYPERSENSITIVE Sensory Threshold Activities

CLICK for HYPOSENSITIVE Sensory Threshold Activities

CLICK for Is Your Child a Seeker or Avoider?

CLICK for Oral Sensory Seeking Mouthing, Chewing & Sucking Behaviors: Sensory Based Ideas, Activities, Exercises

SPD: What Type of Sensory Issues Does Your Child Have?

CLICK for Sensory Touch Issues: Tactile Defensiveness

CLICK for Improving Impulse Control in Your Child

Disclaimer Note: Before beginning any new program, activity, exercise, or make changes, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor, and service providers for individualized guidance, direction, and supervision. These ideas and suggestions presented on TheraPlay4Kids are meant to help support and promote, however, since each child, diagnosis, medical status, and situation is different, one should seek help and approval from your child’s providers in order to achieve the best outcomes and ultimate safety for all involved. Please make use of this site and all the information presented at your own discretion for the safety and well-being of all involved.

Please Share!

Thanks for your support of TheraPlay4Kids.com