Mindful Movement

Sensory Processing Disorder and Sports

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may present with individual characteristics that can affect their fit with certain sports. Some aspects of a sport may make it a great match: for example, joining the track team for a child who seeks vestibular input. Other sports may be less suitable. Take the child who is unable to sustain their vision on a focal point and experiences visual sensitivity. Sports like baseball, demanding the players keep their eye on the ball, may be more of a challenge.

Factors to consider when choosing a sport:

1. Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses:

Motor coordination and praxis level: This can change within a sport as well. A dog paddle requires low coordination in comparison to the skillful motor planning of the breaststroke.  

Muscle tone: Children with SPD often have lower muscle tone than children without SPD. This can translate to more energy being used for the child with SPD during certain quick actions, such as the stopping and turning in basketball or soccer.

On the other hand, when swinging a golf club back and forth before the hit and bouncing the ball in tennis to prepare a serve, more time is allowed for muscle fibers to be recruited, which means less energy is expended to recruit them.

2. Stimuli of Sport Environment:

Each sport has a unique sensory profile that should be considered when a child with SPD participates. Is there constant whistle-blowing? This could be over-stimulating to the auditory-sensitive child. Swimming could be an excellent fit for a child who seeks proprioceptive feedback. Read the Sport Sensory Characteristics list at the end of this handout. 

3. Energy Requirements:

Lower energy sports: bowling, fishing, hiking, recreational cycling, baseball, martial arts, horseback riding, golf, yoga, table tennis

Higher energy sports: basketball, track and field, cheerleading, cross country, dance, rock climbing, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, skiing, BMX bike racing, hockey, mountain biking

4. Dynamic vs. Static:

More static: bowling, diving, hiking, archery, trampoline, yoga, martial arts, track and field, rock climbing

Less dynamic: skiing, skating, fencing, volleyball, cycling, wrestling, racquet sports, horseback riding, baseball

More dynamic: dance, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee

Fortunately, bringing the subject to light doesn’t mean limitations must remain in place. Awareness is a step toward managing a child’s sensory processing issues so they’re able to participate in what they want! 

Clothing Sensitivity & Tactile Defensiveness

Everyone’s nervous system interprets stimuli from the environment, including stimuli from sensations. Within the nervous system, tactile receptors are designed to respond to vibration, pressure, movement, temperature, and pain. When one’s tactile system is out of balance and disorganized, interpretations to any or all of these sensations can be affected.

An individual who has problems within the tactile system may present with hypersensitivity to touch (tactile defensiveness), hyposensitivity to touch, or decreased tactile discrimination.

Tactile Defensiveness

Tactile Defensiveness is oversensitivity in the sensations perceived through the skin. This leads to aversion to the feel of light touches and particular materials, which can trigger a negative, undesirable response from the individual. 

Symptoms of tactile defensiveness may include sensitivity and irritation to specific materials and clothing, including:

- seams

- embroidery

- elastic

- waist bands

- certain shoes, such as strappy sandals or shoes with a backing

- bathing suits

- lace on clothing

- ruffles on clothing

- clothing tags

- hats, headbands, hair ties 

- strong preference for limited types of fabrics and/ or clothes to be washed in specific laundry detergent

- the feel of carpets and bed linens, etc.

As one with tactile defensiveness learns which situations feel unpleasant, they began to anticipate them and may avoid them altogether. If confronted, they may respond negatively or show an emotional outburst. Examples of such situations may include:

- haircuts

- having hair brushed or washed

- getting nails trimmed

- having dental work

- wearing sports uniforms

- wearing tights, bathing suits

- wearing helmets for a game/ activity

Children and adolescents with tactile sensitivities may choose to withdraw from certain activities and experiences to avoid unpleasant sensory input. This means they are more likely to miss out on emotional, social, physical and cognitive opportunities and areas of growth.

An occupational therapist can help a child with tactile defensiveness by slowly and systematically introducing the stimuli perceived as noxious while in a positive environment. Additional strategies to help the child include:

- Weighted vests

- Lap weights, water-bottle or bean bag pillow

- Applying deep pressure by getting a hug or massage

- Therapy ball or pressure “squishes” (pictured above)

- Brushing Protocol

- Alternating Hand Hugs (AHHs)

- Wrapping up in a blanket or yoga mat- making a “burrito” (pictured above)

- Have the child move and dance while in a body sock

- Other proprioceptive activities that introduce tactile input and help increase body awareness

Not all strategies have the same effect on every child, so it’s important to monitor the child’s response and behaviors when each one is tried.