Deciphering Behavioural vs. Sensory Issues in Children

As parents, caregivers, or educators, it's not uncommon to face challenges in understanding and addressing children's attitudes and behaviours. Sometimes, a child's actions may seem puzzling or frustrating, leaving us wondering if their behaviour stems from behavioural issues or sensory sensitivities. This dilemma is particularly relevant in the realm of pediatric occupational therapy, where precise identification of the root cause is crucial for effective intervention and support. Let's delve into this topic to gain clarity and explore ways to differentiate between behavioural and sensory issues.

Understanding Behavioural and Sensory Issues

Behavioural issues typically refer to actions or responses that arise from a child's thoughts, emotions, and learned patterns of behaviour. These may include defiance, aggression, or difficulty following instructions. On the other hand, sensory issues involve atypical reactions to sensory input, such as touch, sound, taste, smell, or movement. Children with sensory sensitivities may exhibit behaviours like aversion to certain textures, sensitivity to loud noises, or seeking intense sensory experiences.

Differentiating Between the Two

1.    Observation: Pay close attention to the child's behaviour in various contexts. Notice whether the behaviour seems to be triggered by specific stimuli or situations. Behavioural issues often arise in response to social interactions, demands, or changes in routine, whereas sensory issues may manifest in reaction to sensory input, such as crowded environments or certain textures.

2.    Patterns and Consistency: Behavioural issues may follow a pattern related to specific events or emotions. For instance, tantrums might occur when a child is frustrated or seeking attention. In contrast, sensory issues may show consistency across different situations involving sensory stimuli. If a child consistently reacts negatively to certain textures or noises regardless of the context, it could indicate sensory sensitivity.

3.    Response to Intervention: Experiment with different approaches to address the behaviour. Behavioural issues might respond to strategies like positive reinforcement, behaviour charts, or social skills training. If the behaviour persists despite these interventions or worsens when exposed to specific sensory stimuli, it could suggest underlying sensory issues that require specialized sensory integration techniques or environmental modifications.

4.    Professional Assessment: Seek guidance from pediatric occupational therapists or other qualified professionals experienced in working with children. They can conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the child's sensory processing abilities, identify specific sensitivities or challenges, and tailor intervention strategies accordingly.

Support and Intervention Strategies

Regardless of whether the child's behaviour stems from behavioural or sensory issues, a supportive and understanding approach is essential. Here are some strategies to support children:

1. Sensory Diet Implementation: Research suggests that sensory diets, comprising activities designed to meet a child's sensory needs, can effectively improve self-regulation and attention in children with sensory processing difficulties (Case-Smith & Bryan, 1999; Schaaf et al., 2014). Sensory-based interventions have been found to positively impact sensory processing abilities, reducing sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours (Miller et al., 2007).

2. Environmental Modifications: Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of environmental modifications in reducing sensory triggers and enhancing participation and engagement in daily activities for children with sensory sensitivities (Wilbarger & Wilbarger, 2002; Roley et al., 2007). Creating sensory-friendly spaces at home and school has been associated with decreased sensory overload and improved behaviour and attention (Schaaf et al., 2013).

3. Sensory Integration Therapy: Sensory integration therapy, guided by a qualified occupational therapist, has shown promising results in improving sensory processing abilities and adaptive behaviours in children with sensory processing disorders (Parham & Mailloux, 2015; Bar-Shalita et al., 2009). Systematic exposure to sensory stimuli within a therapeutic context has been linked to enhanced sensory modulation and motor coordination skills (Miller-Kuhaneck et al., 2007).

4. Executive Function Training: Interventions targeting executive functioning skills have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing organizational abilities, planning, and self-regulation in children with ADHD and related conditions (Diamond & Lee, 2011; Zelazo & Carlson, 2012). Executive function training programs have been associated with improvements in academic performance and behavioural outcomes (Raggi & Chronis, 2006; Tamm et al., 2012).

5. Behavioural Strategies: Behaviour management techniques, such as token economies and self-monitoring strategies, have been widely used to promote adaptive behaviours and reduce challenging behaviours in children with ADHD and other developmental disorders (Pelham & Fabiano, 2008; Fabiano et al., 2009). Social stories have been found to effectively teach social skills and promote understanding of appropriate behaviours in various social contexts (Gray & Garand, 1993; Crozier & Tincani, 2005).

6. Parent Education and Training: Parent education and training programs have been shown to enhance parents' understanding of their child's sensory processing issues and improve their ability to implement supportive strategies at home (Case-Smith et al., 2014; Schaaf et al., 2011). Empowering parents with knowledge and skills in advocating for their child's needs has been associated with improved parent-child interactions and child outcomes (Pfeiffer et al., 2008; Cohn et al., 2014).

By understanding the distinction between behavioural and sensory issues and implementing appropriate intervention strategies, we can better support children in reaching their full potential and navigating the complexities of their world with confidence and resilience. Remember, every child is unique, and patience, empathy, and collaboration are key in unlocking their strengths and helping them thrive.