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There are a range of behavioral responses to sensory input that reflect the child’s self regulation strategies. At one end of this continuum are passive self regulation strategies, in which the person lets sensory events occur. Passive self regulation can mean that persons miss things, or feel overtaken by things that are happening around them. For example, a person with passive self regulation might miss the visual input of facial expressions or gestures during socialization. Conversely, a person with passive self regulation might notice everyone fidgeting in a class, and this input could compete with the teacher’s lecture.
At the other end of this continuum are active self regulation strategies; people with active strategies select and engage in behaviors to control their own sensory experiences. Active self regulation can yield more or less sensory input. For example, a person might hum or whistle while playing cards to add sensory input to keep attentive to the game. Conversely, a person might move to a quiet room while studying as a means of controlling auditory input to increase concentration.
Both passive and active strategies for self regulation can be useful and helpful to the person, or can interfere with the ability to participate in daily life. [[[link to hyperresponsive and hyporesponsive]]]
References:
Dunn, W. & Daniels, D….
Dunn 1997
Also see bib at www.sensoryprofile.com
Return to Sensory Processing Concepts