February 1, 2024

Sensory Defensiveness

Sensory defensiveness is a “fight or flight” reaction to a stimulus that most people would not perceive as negative. Children over-respond to sensory input.

WHAT IS SENSORY DEFENSIVENESS?

Sensory defensiveness is a “fight or flight” reaction to a stimulus that most people would not perceive as negative. Children with sensory defensiveness over-respond to sensory input and react by displaying negative emotions or behaviors. Children who over-respond to sensory input may inefficiently process sensory information from the auditory, olfactory, visual, vestibular and tactile systems.

WHAT CAUSES SENSORY DEFENSIVENESS?

Sensory defensiveness indicates a low neurological threshold–it takes very little for the brain to respond to sensory information. For example, a child may be lightly touched while standing in a line with peers and may respond by acting out aggressively. Sensory defensiveness is frequently linked to poor limbic or reticular system processing.

HOW DOES THIS CONDITION AFFECT MY CHILD?

Sensory defensiveness affects the daily functioning of children at home, school and in all social circumstances. Children with this condition may avoid, withdraw, or even lash out at any stimulus they perceive to be negative. These consistent patterns of behavior may limit opportunities for exploring their environment, interacting with peers, or communicating their needs to others. The following are a few examples of sensory defensiveness:

  • Auditory defensiveness: fearful reactions to noise, such as covering ears to loud noises (leaf blower, train, vacuum, etc.)
  • Tactile defensiveness: aversive reactions to tags in clothing, light touch, brushing of hair and avoidance of play activities that involve body contact
  • Visual defensiveness: hypersensitivity to light or avoidance of eye gaze
  • Olfactory defensiveness: distress to certain odors that others do not seem to mind
  • Vestibular defensiveness: aversive sympathetic nervous system reactions to swinging or other forms of vestibular-proprioceptive input, such as nausea or vertigo, or fearful emotional reactions (also known as gravitational insecurity)

HOW CAN I HELP TREAT MY CHILD’S SENSORY DEFENSIVENESS?

Sensory integrative strategies are commonly used to treat sensory defensiveness. Sensory experiences are introduced slowly and gradually so the child does not react negatively to the introduction of the stimulus. It is important to communicate safety and comfort to the child during the introduction of these stimuli, so he does not feel threatened by these therapeutic experiences.

OUR APPROACH AT NORTH SHORE PEDIATRIC THERAPY

At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, our occupational therapists provide a rich sensory environment for your child, which meets his specific needs. For example, our therapists might introduce your child to interaction and play with sand, water, and finger paints, which may help decrease extreme reactions to tactile experiences. We might also utilize a sound-based intervention called “Therapeutic Listening,” which improves auditory regard. Our therapists will accommodate your child’s needs in a safe and secure environment, and we will work to improve his sensory processing both in our facility and in his every day life.

Download our Guide for Families

We know that choosing a local ABA facility can be a hard decision. We’ve created an informational guide to help you understand more about the questions you should be asking while meeting with different providers.

Although we talk about our services here, our highest goal is for you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about picking a provider that is the best fit for your needs. You are making a decision that will impact the entire trajectory of your child’s life!
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The cover of the NSPT Guide for Families, which helps families to figure out the questions to ask when picking an ABA provider.

Testimonials

Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months.  Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter.  Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home.  While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

Emily

I love this place! Chista is an amazing person, so sweet and kind and very professional in her work. All staff are very kind with children. I feel happy to find this place for my daughter. Thank you!!!

Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

Jennifer Peyer

We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing.  They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

Jennie Meyer

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