Using the Sensory Processing Resource Pack: Early Years

Working with Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties in Early Years settings

•We all experience sensations all the time…. from within our body and from outside through our 7 senses

•Sensory processing is the central nervous system’s understanding, and organisation of, all this sensory information

•When our senses are working correctly we are able to respond appropriately to the sensations…..

What is Sensory Processing?

The 5 senses

Taste

Touch – the whole body

Hearing

Vision

Smell

Vestibular

which way up am I?

ProprioceptionWhere am I in space?

The other 2 senses…..

See the pack for more information!

Has the correct level of arousal and attention needed for the task

Has the correct level of arousal and attention needed for the task

A well modulated nervous system:

Adapts to changes in it’s environment

Adapts to changes in it’s environment

Attends to relevant stimulation

Attends to relevant stimulation

Has an appropriate level of response to the sensory input

Has an appropriate level of response to the sensory input

Blocks out irrelevant information

Blocks out irrelevant information

See behaviour……..

first….. think sensory

Did a sensory reaction triggerthis behaviour initially?

Is the behaviour now a result of the consequence the child experiencedfollowing that reaction?

If we address the sensory issue then can we change the behaviour?

Reasons for behaviour….

The under responsive child does not seem to notice inputs from one or more sensory inputs and may be very passive

The sensory seeking child craves excessivestimulation from one or more sensory systems

The sensory avoiding child is over responsive to sensations from one or more sensory systems,Some children are passive, trying to get away from stimuliSome children are overly aggressive or forceful in their response

Think about…..• What is the effect of the child’s responses on your

behaviour?• Is your reaction prompting a repeat of the

behaviour? For example if you use a raised voice does the child enjoy the volume and tone….

• How do you feel, can you change this? For example you may feel the child knows exactly what they are doing, however they may just be reacting to a sensory situation which is challenging for them.

Use the pack to help you understand what are you observing….

•Discuss the observations with colleagues and carers•Use the pack to identify issues•Use it to inform your next steps…..•Use it to gather information to support referral to relevant services or resources

•For further support contact your Area Senco