Processing Disorder Exercises

Processing disorders are characterized by a central nervous system that is ineffective in processing sensory information--from any of the senses. The two main types are auditory and visual processing disorders. In central auditory processing disorder there is an inability to differentiate, recognize and understand sounds despite normal hearing and intelligence. Visual processing disorders involve deficits in such areas as visual discrimination, visual sequencing, visual memory and spatial relationships.

Research

• In a study published in the June/July 1972 Journal of Learning Disabilities, A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., found that children with sensory processing disorders had greater gains on academic tests after an intervention program designed to enhance sensory integration than those that did not undergo the intervention program.

Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms

• Some signs that a child has a sensory processing disorder include an over or under sensitivity to touch or movement, poor muscle tone or coordination, difficulty completing fine and gross motor tasks, sensory seeking behaviors and a hypersensitivity to sound, vision or smell. Other signs are auditory-language processing problems and social, emotional, play and self-regulation problems. The array of individual symptoms depends on how the disorder manifests itself. Some examples of specific symptoms are becoming fearful or aggressive at unexpected touch; mouthing objects excessively; difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as zipping and buttoning; spinning for hours and never feeling dizzy; and seeking out jumping, bumping and crashing.

Tactile Exercises

• All children need a variety of textures to play with to develop normal tactile functioning, but children with sensory processing disorders have a special need to play with a variety of textures. Exercises using clay and goop help these children with sensory integration. Heavy work exercises--such as jumping, pushing, pulling, bouncing and swinging--help children receive regular input to their muscles and joints, which in turn helps them settle down.

Visual Processing Exercises

• The brain processes visual information in many ways. Weaknesses often manifest themselves in specific, everyday activities. Strategies to help discriminate among similar shapes, letters or objects include clearly spacing objects on a page, and anticipating problems and pointing out correct answers in advance. Practicing "Where's Waldo" or highlighting items on a page helps you to see an image within a background. Color coding and combining reading and oral presentation help distinguish the sequence of words or order on a page.

Auditory Processing Exercises

• Auditory exercises focus on auditory analysis, memory and integration skills. A primary strategy is to improve the listening environment by decreasing background noise and visual distractions. Gaining the person's attention before speaking, using visual aids, varying loudness of speech and using simple brief instructions are strategies to increase comprehension of speech. Written instructions and basic outlines assist with auditory memory and auditory sequencing problems.

Sensory Diet

• A sensory "diet" and activities for your body and neurological system typically are designed specifically for an individual by an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist who will determine the amount, type and frequency of activity that will help an individual function at an optimal level.