Sensory information processing

Sensory information processing, also called stimulus processing, ensures that stimuli that come in via our sensors (senses) are processed properly by our brain. Smell, taste, hearing, seeing and feeling are senses that we all know. There are also senses that we know less well, for example our balance organ.

All these senses ensure that we can respond well to all stimuli in our environment every day. The extent to which you respond to these stimuli determines whether you have good or bad stimulus processing:

Good stimulus processing

Good stimulus processing is very important for a child to be able to learn, play and for the general daily functioning. With good stimulus processing:

• for example, do you go to the toilet when you feel a full bladder;
• ignore the radio in the background when you are reading something.

How do you recognize sensory information processing problems?

Of course, it is not self-evident that everyone has good sensory information processing.

Poor stimulus processing

Poor stimulus processing causes a child to be oversensitive or undersensitive to stimuli. A normal stimulus can then trigger a defense reaction in a child. A child can then react very aggressively or emotionally to a stimulus that you would normally not even notice. A child who is undersensitive to stimuli hardly reacts to his or her environment.

Examples of oversensitive to stimuli

• Often crying
• Quick to get going
• Easily distracted
• Feels threatened quickly
• Often arguing and fighting

Examples of hyposensitivity to stimuli

• Not interested
• Takes little initiative
• No friends
• Awkward
• Often tired