Sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of how we interact with the world around us. For many, sensory input—such as sights, sounds, touch, and movement—is processed in a way that allows them to respond appropriately to their environment.
However, for some individuals, this process is not as smooth, leading to sensory processing challenges like hyposensitivity. This condition, where the brain under-reacts to sensory stimuli, can affect both children and adults. In this blog post, we’ll explore what hyposensitivity is, its symptoms across different age groups, its impact on daily life, and effective strategies for managing it.
What is Hyposensitivity?
Hyposensitivity, also known as sensory under-responsiveness, is a condition in which an individual’s brain does not register or respond to sensory input as it typically would. This under-reaction can affect any of the senses, including touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell, as well as the proprioceptive and vestibular systems responsible for body awareness and balance.
People with hyposensitivity often need stronger or more intense sensory experiences to feel the same level of stimulation that others might get from less intense stimuli. This can lead to sensory-seeking behaviors as they try to compensate for the lack of sensory input, and these behaviors can manifest differently in children and adults.
Symptoms of Hyposensitivity in Children and Adults
Hyposensitivity can present itself in various ways depending on the individual and the senses affected. Below are some common symptoms, broken down by age group:
In Children:
- Lack of Response to Pain: Children with hyposensitivity may not react to injuries or discomfort in the same way as others, potentially not crying or showing signs of pain from cuts or bumps.
- Sensory-Seeking Behaviors: To compensate for the lack of sensory input, children might engage in activities like constant touching of objects, rough play, or being unusually active. They may also crave strong tastes or smells.
- Difficulty with Balance and Coordination: Hyposensitivity can affect the vestibular system, leading to challenges with balance and coordination. Children may appear clumsy or struggle with fine motor skills.
- Under-Reaction to Environmental Stimuli: Children may not notice changes in their environment that others would, such as loud noises or strong odors. They may also have a higher tolerance for cold or heat.
In Adults:
- High Pain Tolerance: Adults with hyposensitivity might have a high tolerance for pain, sometimes not noticing injuries or discomfort until they become severe.
- Craving Intense Sensory Experiences: Many adults with hyposensitivity seek out intense sensory experiences, such as loud music, vigorous exercise, or strong flavors in food.
- Difficulty with Focus and Attention: Hyposensitivity can make it hard for adults to focus on tasks that do not provide enough sensory stimulation. This may lead to restlessness or a need to move around frequently.
- Challenges in Relationships: Because adults with hyposensitivity might not pick up on subtle social cues or may invade others’ personal space, they could face challenges in forming and maintaining relationships.
- Workplace Difficulties: In a work environment, the need for constant sensory input can lead to difficulty staying on task or engaging in work that doesn’t provide sufficient stimulation. This can affect productivity and job performance.
The Impact of Hyposensitivity on Daily Life
Hyposensitivity can significantly impact daily life for both children and adults, affecting their ability to function effectively in different environments.
In Children:
- Learning Challenges: In school, children with hyposensitivity might struggle to focus on tasks or follow instructions due to their need for extra sensory input.
- Social Interactions: Unusual behaviors such as rough play or not recognizing personal space can make it difficult for children to form friendships.
- Safety Concerns: Children with a high pain tolerance or poor body awareness may engage in risky behaviors, leading to frequent injuries.
In Adults:
- Workplace Challenges: Adults may find it difficult to concentrate on tasks that do not offer enough sensory stimulation, leading to decreased productivity and potential job dissatisfaction.
- Social and Relationship Struggles: Difficulty in picking up on social cues or an overwhelming need for sensory input can create barriers in personal and professional relationships.
- Emotional Regulation: Adults with hyposensitivity may experience anxiety or frustration when they cannot get the sensory input they need, leading to emotional outbursts or withdrawal.
Strategies for Managing Hyposensitivity Across All Ages
Managing hyposensitivity involves creating environments that provide the necessary sensory input while helping the individual develop better sensory processing skills. Here are strategies that can help both children and adults:
1. Incorporate Sensory-Rich Activities:
Engaging in activities that provide the needed sensory input is essential. For children, this might include playing with textured materials, swinging, or engaging in deep-pressure activities. For adults, activities like vigorous exercise, using weighted blankets, or engaging in hobbies that involve tactile or intense sensory experiences can be beneficial.
2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment:
Whether at home, school, or work, having a sensory-friendly space can make a significant difference. This might include soft lighting, calming music, tactile objects, or areas for movement. Adults might benefit from having a dedicated workspace with sensory tools like stress balls, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones.
3. Use Sensory Diets:
A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities designed to provide the right amount of sensory input throughout the day. For children, this might involve structured playtime or specific exercises. Adults can also benefit from sensory diets, which could include regular breaks to engage in sensory-rich activities that help maintain focus and emotional balance.
4. Practice Safe Sensory Exploration:
Encourage safe sensory exploration by providing opportunities for both children and adults to engage in sensory-rich activities that are structured and supervised. For adults, this might mean participating in activities like yoga, hiking, or creative arts that offer the necessary sensory input in a controlled manner.
5. Work on Awareness and Self-Regulation:
Teaching both children and adults to recognize when they need more sensory input and how to seek it appropriately is crucial. This involves developing self-awareness and learning coping strategies to manage sensory needs effectively.
6. Look at the Underlying Cause:
While all the strategies above are helpful for people with hyposensitivity, none of them are getting to the root of the challenge. In order to do so, it’s important to look at what’s going on in the primitive brain.
How the In the Cortex Brain Reorganization Program Can Help
Hyposensitivity is often linked to underlying neurological issues, such as a disorganized brain or unintegrated primitive reflexes. Addressing these root causes can significantly improve sensory processing in both children and adults.
At In the Cortex, our Brain Reorganization Program is designed to help individuals of all ages integrate their sensory processing through targeted movement and brain-based exercises. Our program supports the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself, forming new neural connections that enhance sensory processing and overall functioning.
You can also read: From Runaway Train to Brain Coach: Dani Perrecone’s Transformational Journey from a Survival Brain
