Sensory processing is the brain’s ability to make sense of information that comes from the senses. All information coming to your child in the classroom through listening, looking, touching and movement must be interpreted by the brain to give your child the right information to function effectively in the classroom. All the sensory systems need to work together for effective sensory processing.
If the processing of sensory information is affected, it will be very difficult for your child to learn and participate at school. Children who have difficulty processing sensory information have what is known as Sensory Processing Disorder.
If your child has difficulties with sensory processing they might:
- Have poor attention
- Show inappropriate behaviour
- Being overly active or very lethargic
- Have difficulties in learning and retaining learn skills
- Be unable to comfortably manage crowds or group settings
- Show immature social skills
- Suffer from heightened anxiety
Click on the video to hear from Dr Chapparo about sensory perception in the classroom.
Sensory perception in the classroom
What happens if my child has difficulty with visual perception?
Other links
SPD Australia has information about sensory processing disorder including details of occupational therapists trained in sensory processing.
Handyhandouts website has useful handouts on visual perception and auditory processing as well as many other educational topics.
