Sensory Interpretation and Emotional Control
In the realm of sensory processing disorders, Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) stands out as a significant challenge that affects emotional regulation in various ways. SMD can be inherited and is often exacerbated by prenatal stressors.
SMD presents itself in three distinct subtypes: over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, and sensory-seeking. Each subtype influences how individuals perceive and respond to sensory stimuli, thereby impacting their emotional awareness, reactivity, and regulation.
The over-responsive subtype is characterised by heightened or exaggerated reactions to sensory input. This can lead to increased emotional arousal, difficulty calming down, and emotional dysregulation such as anxiety or irritability. Over-responsive individuals often struggle to manage overwhelming sensory experiences, leading to emotional overwhelm and behavioral outbursts.
On the other hand, under-responsiveness involves diminished or delayed reactions to sensory stimuli. People with this subtype may have blunted emotional responses and difficulty detecting internal emotional states, which can impair emotional awareness and adaptive regulation.
The sensory-seeking subtype describes a tendency to actively seek out sensory input to satisfy an under-aroused nervous system. While this behavior can enhance engagement and positive emotional states, failure to obtain desired sensory input or overstimulation from self-generated input may cause frustration or emotional dysregulation.
Sensory modulation difficulties influence emotional regulation by affecting how sensory information is processed and integrated with emotional brain centres like the amyggdala, contributing to challenges in recognising, interpreting, and managing emotions effectively. This is especially relevant in conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where sensory processing and emotional regulation issues frequently coexist.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which affects 5-15% of school-aged children, with higher rates among internationally adopted children, is a common condition related to SMD. Lack of proper sensory stimulation in a child's early years can impact the brain's ability to process sensory information effectively.
Practical measures like allowing sensory breaks throughout the day, creating a sensory-friendly environment with reduced sensory stimuli, and engaging in calming activities can help manage SMD and its impact on emotional regulation.
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[3] Kern, J. K., & Tantisira, S. (2008). The Sensory Integration and Autism Handbook: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
[4] Ayres, A. J. (1972). Sensory Integration and Learning Disabilities. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Women with Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) might face challenges in executive functions, such as focus, planning, and emotional regulation, due to their sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
- Routines and consistent environments can provide essential support for neurodivergent individuals dealing with SMD, helping them manage anxiety and maintain their emotional equilibrium.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, science underscores the importance of understanding SMD and incorporating strategies like mindfulness, deep breathing, and sensory integration exercises to help manage sensory processing challenges and emotional regulation.
- SMD, often present in conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can impact a person's ability to recognize, interpret, and regulate emotions effectively due to sensory processing difficulties.
- Adequate sensory stimulation during a child's early years plays a crucial role in proper neurodevelopment and the ability to process sensory information effectively, which can help reduce the prevalence of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) among school-aged children.
- With appropriate support, including education and practical measures like sensory breaks, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and engaging in calming activities, individuals with SMD can effectively manage their emotional regulation, improve their overall quality of life, and overcome the challenges associated with this condition.
