One in six individuals in the US have sensory processing needs. These diagnoses includes Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, dementia and many more. Think about how many among our congregation and community that might include. For example, in VBS we had one in nine children whom their parents indicated on their registration that they had a sensory processing need.
What is Sensory Processing?
We don’t think about sensory processing much as it’s automatic. But when it won’t function properly it causes trouble. So what is sensory processing? We interact with God’s creation through our senses. Our brain takes in stimuli and sorts it into meaningful information. Sensory Processing is the method our nervous system uses to recognize, organize, and make sense of that sensory input and turns it into sensory memory. Therefore it is foundational for all learning and higher function; the gatekeeper between the world and your brain. If sensory processing isn’t running correctly or smoothly it can cause your brain to panic or even shut down.
You likely know the five senses: visual (sight), auditory (hearing), gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), and tactile (touch). But did you know four more senses help anchor us in the world? These include proprioception (body position), interoception (internal), vestibular (movement), and haptic (pressure). We receive input from all of these senses all of the time. Do you need food or to relieve your bladder? Thank interoception for telling you. Walking to the refrigerator or restroom? Vestibular is crucial. Now to open the door or turn on the light? Proprioception and haptic get you there.
When Processing Goes Wrong
When sensory processing is optimal getting a snack or going to the bathroom are easy tasks. We take the sensory input we need for the task and filter out the rest. But have you experienced trying to listen to someone talk while someone else is talking louder? Our brain can have difficulty processing sensory inputs (focusing and filtering) and a simple task becomes much more difficult. Not only does it become hard to listen, but you might notice yourself becoming increasingly irritable. How about when someone is being so loud not only can you not think, but it physically hurts. This is a typical experience of many with sensory processing needs.
It’s hard to choose a snack when you can’t filter out the music playing. Or it’s hard to avoid bumping the table when your brain isn’t telling you you’re too close. Sometimes sensory processing is so off it can’t filter any unnecessary sensory information so it all bombards you. This is ‘sensory overload’ and very unpleasant for not only the one experiencing it but also everyone else around.
Sensory Inclusion at Faith
There are ways to manage sensory processing needs. That is why the Board of Christian Education is looking to become certified as a Sensory Inclusive organization through KultureCity. KultureCity is a nonprofit that has worked with churches, zoos, sporting arenas, and even the NFL for the Super Bowl to make sensory spaces available to those who need them. Certification requires training and provides resources. Training is about 30 minutes long and must be completed by at least 50% of our staff/volunteers. Materials including bags full of sensory tools, signage, and outfitting for a sensory room. Becoming Sensory Inclusive helps us better care for and include people already in our community and provides connections and opportunities for those who aren’t.
We pray you will support and join us in this endeavor! We will keep you updated on the process.