Return to Sensory Processing Concepts
Sensory sensitivity refers to a pattern of sensory processing that is characterized by low sensory thresholds and a passive self regulation strategy (Dunn, 1997); when people have a sensory sensitivity pattern of sensory processing, they detect more input than others. The Sensory Profile measures cover the life span, and use informant report to evaluate a person’s sensory sensitivity tendencies. Children who have sensory sensitivity patterns are distractible, hyperactive and can be complainers. They notice many more sensory events than others do, and comment about them with regularity. We hypothesize that they have low thresholds that enable them to have a high rate of noticing what is going on around them. These children use passive strategies in that they allow things to happen and comment rather than removing themselves (as a Sensation Avoider is likely to do). Dunn and colleagues have conducted national studies of infants, children and adults with and without disabilities, and have found that persons without disabilities of all ages seldom engage in sensory sensitivity behaviors, and that people with disabilities such as autism, Asperger syndrome and ADHD are significantly more likely to engage in a high amount of sensory sensitivity patterns. When a person has sensory sensitivity patterns, interventions are directed at providing more structured input, so that the person does not become overwhelmed in everyday life.
References(s):
Dunn, W. (1997). The impact of sensory processing abilities on the daily lives
of young children and their families: a conceptual model. Infants and Young
Children, 9(4), 23-35.
Suggested Reading(s):
Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: theoretical, conceptual and
pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 608-620.
Return to Sensory Processing Concepts