Sensory Integration Difficulties At Different Ages
By Sensory Integration Education, 30 March 2023
As humans, our senses allow us to experience the world around us. But have you ever thought about how our brain and body deal with this sensory information? The way our brain processes and organises all of this information is called sensory integration or sensory processing. Sensory integration difficulties can have a big impact on how we cope with or react to things and how we complete activities in our daily lives.
We're all unique, so it's normal to have differences in how we process sensory information. But for some people, these differences can make things tricky, especially when it comes to certain activities. These differences can affect how well we understand or cope with sensory information, which then impacts how we can participate in daily activities.
Sensory Integration Education has created a series of new sensory stories to illustrate how people living with sensory differences may find that those differences impact their day. Some sensory differences can have positive impacts, such as a keen eye for detail or a rich enjoyment of music. However, these stories focus on the challenges of sensory differences to highlight areas where individuals may need support and adaptations to routines and environments.
Do people grow out of sensory integration difficulties?
The simple answer is no, although individuals may learn to better manage challenges posed by their sensory differences as they mature. Traditionally, more attention has been given to children with sensory processing differences, however, evidence shows that sensory differences exist across all ages. We know from developments in neuroscience that our brains continue to change right the way through our lifespan. Therapists are seeing the success of using sensory-informed strategies when working with adults and older adults, and also with people who have acquired sensory differences due to brain trauma or dementia.
"A Day in the Life of" Stories
Let's take a look at these new "A Day in the Life of" stories that showcase the experiences of people with sensory integration difficulties across different age groups:
Ben: A Child with Sensory Integration Difficulties
Meet Ben, a 10-year-old boy who struggles with sensory integration. He’s a bright boy, but due to his sensory integration challenges, his behaviour is often misunderstood by his family members, teachers and friends. Read Ben’s story to find out how he copes with morning routines, the school day, after-school activities and bathtime.
Rose: A Teenager with Sensory Integration Difficulties
Rose is a 16-year-old girl. Due to her challenges with processing sensory information, she has difficulty making friends and her behaviour is often misunderstood by her family members, teachers and other individuals she comes into contact with. Follow a typical day for Rose as she navigates getting the bus to school and see how trying to meet her sensory needs can be isolating for her.
Lauren: An Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties
Meet Lauren, a 43-year-old woman who has only just recognised that she has the same sensory differences as her newly diagnosed son. Lauren has experienced difficulties with motor coordination and sensory differences which have impacted her ability to study and participate in daily activities and also her relationships with others ever since she can remember. Follow Lauren’s busy day as she juggles childcare, school and work commitments.
Mike: An Older Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties
Finally, we meet Mike - an 85-year-old man who is experiencing sensory integration difficulties as he ages. He has recently moved into a care home after a number of falls at home left his family concerned that he was not able to manage independently in his own home. For a big part of his life, he participated in adventure sports and he misses the thrills of skiing down a slope or a fast bike ride. Mike’s mobility has declined to the point where he needs a wheelchair for longer distances and going out in the community. Read Mike’s story to see how difficulties with sensory processing and integration can affect older adults in everyday life.
These stories highlight the challenges that people with sensory integration difficulties may face in their daily lives. It's essential that more of us are aware of sensory differences and recognise the challenges they may pose. And also how to seek help in providing or accessing support and adaptations to routines and environments to help everyone lead fulfilling lives.
You can read all the stories here and download them as free, printable sheets.
Want to learn more about accessing a qualified Sensory Integration Practitioner? See our free guide How to Access a Sensory Integration Practitioner.
