Sensory Deficits: Definition, Characteristics, and Treatment
Abstract
Sensory deficits are disruptions in the ability to perceive information from the environment through the senses. These deficits can be caused by a variety of neurological, developmental, and genetic disorders, as well as trauma to the body. Characteristics of sensory deficits can vary depending on the affected sense, but may include difficulty recognizing objects, impaired movement, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. Treatment of sensory deficits can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disruption, and may include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, sensory integration, and pharmacological interventions.
Keywords: Sensory Deficits, Sensory Processing Disorder, Treatment
Introduction
Sensory deficits are disruptions in the ability to perceive information from the environment through the senses. These deficits can be caused by a variety of neurological, developmental, and genetic disorders, as well as trauma to the body. The most common forms of sensory deficits are visual, auditory, and tactile, although deficits can occur in any of the senses. Sensory deficits can have a major impact on a person’s life, as they can interfere with their ability to interact with the world around them. It is important to understand the causes, characteristics, and treatments of sensory deficits in order to provide effective interventions.
Causes
Sensory deficits can be caused by a variety of neurological, developmental, and genetic disorders, as well as trauma to the body. For example, autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that is associated with sensory deficits, such as difficulty recognizing objects and decreased responsiveness to stimuli (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Sensory deficits can also be caused by genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, which is associated with visual deficits (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012). Trauma to the body, such as a stroke or head injury, can also result in sensory deficits (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019).
Characteristics
The characteristics of sensory deficits can vary depending on the affected sense. For example, visual deficits can include difficulty recognizing objects, impaired movement, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012). Auditory deficits can include difficulty hearing or understanding speech, or difficulty processing auditory information (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019). Tactile deficits can include difficulty feeling or recognizing objects with the hands (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019).
Treatment
Treatment of sensory deficits can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disruption. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can be used to improve the ability to perceive and interact with the environment (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019). Sensory integration is a therapeutic approach that is used to help a person become more aware of their environment and to develop strategies to cope with sensory overload (Ayres, 1972). Pharmacological interventions such as medications can also be used to improve a person’s ability to perceive and interact with their environment (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019).
Conclusion
Sensory deficits are disruptions in the ability to perceive information from the environment through the senses. These deficits can be caused by a variety of neurological, developmental, and genetic disorders, as well as trauma to the body. Characteristics of sensory deficits can vary depending on the affected sense, but may include difficulty recognizing objects, impaired movement, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. Treatment of sensory deficits can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disruption, and may include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, sensory integration, and pharmacological interventions.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Ayres, A. (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2012). Down syndrome. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/downsyndrome.html
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Sensory deficits. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/sensorydeficits.html