Sensory Processing Challenges in Children

The identification of sensory processing challenges in children is important because the challenges can affect their behavior, learning, and the way they negotiate the world. Symptoms may be difficult to assess and can be found alone or embedded within disorders, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or cognitive disorder. Left unrecognized and untreated, children are often mislabeled, mismanaged, and misunderstood. Herein we provide information regarding the identification and treatment of sensory processing challenges in children and outline the role of the nurse practitioner in helping children and families navigate these unique challenges.