Patterns of sensory processing

My research in getting a better understanding of sensory processing, led me to Dunn's model of sensory processing (1997). This gave me a clearer picture. Picture which I put down in a poster to be shared here.

My research led me to the 4 quadrants of Dunn's model of sensory processing (1997), which allowed me to better organise my thoughts in regards to the understanding of each sense sensory processing challenges.

According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, there is an interaction between neurological thresholds (amount of stimuli needed to notice or react to stimuli) and behavioural responses (the manner in which one responds to stimuli). The interaction of neurological thresholds and behavioural responses provides a method for explaining sensory information processing. Reactions to sensory stimuli may indicate the influence of context on behaviour. Children with autism have consistently been reported to have more avoiding, sensitivity, seeking and low registration than typical peers. Sensory impairments in autism are present from toddlers to adults.

Sensory sensitive and sensation avoiding can be more connected to being overwhelmed by sensory information.

Sensory sensitive: the degree to which one notices sensory input. It is linked to low neurological threshold and passive behavioural responses:

• Not actively try to avoid the overstimulation but may display frustration, anxiety.

• Easily distracted, irritable, cautious, and/or uncomfortable.

Sensation avoiding: the degree to which one is bothered by sensory input. It is linked to low neurological threshold and active behavioural responses:

• Excessively responsive to sensory input actively avoiding the stimulation.

• Stimuli triggering adverse behavioural responses, avoiding certain sensations/environments.

Low registration and sensation seeking can be more connected to not recognising and/or processing all of incoming sensory information.

Low registration: the degree one misses sensory input. It is linked to high neurological threshold and passive behavioural responses:

• Do not compensate by trying to gain more sensory input to meet their needs.

• May seem uninterested or inattentive to their surroundings.

Sensation seeking: the degree to which one obtains sensory input. It is linked to high neurological threshold and active behavioural responses:

• Actively try to gain sensory input to meet their needs.

• Thrill seeking, excitement seeking; chase novel, complex, intense sensations; love experience for its own sake; may take risks to pursue those experience.