Children with hyposensitivity have a condition where their bodies do not react properly to everyday sensory inputs such as sights, sounds, smells, textures, and other stimuli. As a result, these stimuli may not feel as vivid or lively as they do for individuals without this condition. To compensate for this, children with hyposensitivity may actively seek out intense sensory experiences.
While too much sensitivity gets more attention, not enough reactivity also changes kids’ lives. Studies estimate that up to 16% of children have sensory processing issues, with sensory overload also called hypersensitivity, being the most commonly recognized form of Sensory Processing Disorder.
Despite hyposensitivity being the subject of many analyses, it often gets seen as misbehaving rather than a condition needing support.
In this article, we’ll discuss hyposensitivity in children, how to identify it, and how to address root causes to help their sensory systems function properly.
What is Hyposensitivity?
Hyposensitivity is a condition in which the nervous system responds less to sensory information around it. It is also known as Sensory under-responsivity, which means that there is a decreased sensitivity to sensory input. Hyposensitivity is a common occurrence in children with autism. Hyposensitive kids do not receive enough sensory feedback from the world.
Many kids experience difficulties processing sensory information at times. For some children, the sensory input is too much, and they become hypersensitive. On the other hand, for others, the sensory input is not enough, and they become hyposensitive. Both of these conditions are two sides of one issue that involves the brain and nerves processing sensory input differently than expected.
Hypersensitivity can overwhelm a child, while hyposensitivity can leave them feeling dull and lifeless.
Established research reveals that 1 in 6 kids in the U.S. experiences trouble processing sensory inputs. Hyposensitivity falls under this sensory integration dysfunction.
Traits of Hyposensitivity
To understand hyposensitivity, we need to recognize that children may experience everyday sights, sounds, smells, and textures differently than adults. What seems strong to adults may be weak and lifeless to their systems.
Hearing Hyposensitivity
Many kids with Sensory Processing Disorder have sound processing issues. But unlike hypersensitive kids, these children tune out noises around them. Common traits of auditory hyposensitivity include:
- Ignoring their name being called
- Needing directions repeated frequently
- Loving making loud noises like stomping feet
- Unable to locate where sounds come from
Smell Hyposensitivity
Other children with hyposensitivity notice that the scents strongly barely register for kids with smell hyposensitivity. These kids might:
- Sniff people or objects to engage with them
- Crave extreme foods like onions or vinegar
- Struggle telling smells apart
Vision Hyposensitivity
The world appears visually bland for a child with vision hyposensitivity. A child with visual sensory-seeking may struggle with:
- Spotting specific things, among others
- Tracking moving stuff like balls
- Judging distance and depth
Balance Hyposensitivity
The world may seem flat and stationary to children who lack sensory input about their body position. As they seek lots of movement, kids with balance hyposensitivity tend to enjoy:
- Spin, swing, or bounce for long periods without dizziness
- Flip upside down frequently
- Always be in motion
When nerves don’t get enough sensory feedback, children seek stimulation through sight, sound, smell, touch, and movement without realizing their brains and bodies need it.
The “Perfect Storm” of Sensory Disruption
Hyposensitivity develops early due to overwhelming stressors during childhood, known as the “Perfect Storm.”
The “Perfect Storm” begins even before birth when the mom’s emotional or physical stress, infections, inflammation, or toxins affect the baby’s growing brain and nerves, making them extra sensitive. Research links pregnancy issues to many neurological issues, including higher sensory dysfunction for kids later on.
Established research proves there is a link between, cesarean delivery, and other birth trauma with the neurological development of infants. Medical interventions or restricted positioning can alter the tiny nerve pathways, which can cause issues like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other neurological problems like ADHD.
These issues can result in the emergence of neurological irritation areas called subluxations. A subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction of the vertebrae that disrupts the communication between the brain and body by placing abnormal stress on the nervous system. This disruption can lead to dysautonomia, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that impairs essential bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory control.
After birth, repeated issues like ear infections and overuse of antibiotics can put more stress on the system. Other factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or poor diet can also contribute to hidden impacts, which can undermine sensory processing skills over time.
The combination of all these events creates a “Perfect Storm,” which can lead to the development of hyposensitivity at the neurological level.
Getting to the Roots: Specialized Neurological Care
While occupational therapy targeting surroundings, physical therapy exercises, and counseling aid with some hyposensitivity effects in kids’ lives, they often can’t fully restore neurological function and regulation.
If your child has experienced limited results or plateaued with traditional therapies, it’s likely that subluxation and nervous system dysfunction are at play, and getting them checked by a Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor could be the missing link you’ve been looking for.
PX Docs use a unique “Sensory Processing Disorder Test” technology called INSiGHT Scans to evaluate nervous system stress patterns driving subluxation and dysautonomia underlying sensory dysfunction. These incredible scans, especially the NeuroCORE EMG Scans can help pinpoint and target the dysfunction leading to the hyposensitivity and fatigue within the nervous system, allowing your child’s PX Doc to provide a personalized care plan and targeted adjustments to get things back on track.
First Steps Forward
If your child constantly seeks stimulation or exhibits possible hyposensitivity challenges, it may be a good idea to get an assessment from a Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor.
Check out the PX Docs Directory, which connects families to PX Docs’ global network, to find the right specialist for your child. The answers you’re looking for await you!
