Sensory processing disorder and movement

To learn and gain knowledge, Diamond (2013) mentions that there must be motivation, arousal, concentration and most importantly there needs focused attention for the duration of the information being presented if not much of the information being presented will be missed. Different factors can direly impact the brain’s ability to maintain attention in the classroom through the brain’s executive function and ability to tune in to salient information and tune out information that is not important can affect attention and learning (Diamond, 2013), these being genetics, health, sleep, diet, developmental variations within an age group and sensory processing (Dunn & Bennett, 2002). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2015) mentions that everything a person does takes neurons and neurotransmitters to carry messages to different parts of the brain and the nervous system. However, for many this transient process of neuronal connections, which occurs after sensory experiences, is not a linear one (Kolb & Gibb, 2011) and for so many produces issues regarding sensory processing and integration (Howie, Shatz, & Pate, 2015). One area of sensory integration issues occurs (Miller, 2006). According to Miller (2006) Sensory-Based, Motor Disorders describe the dysfunction that occurs when the hidden proprioceptive and vestibular senses that allow our bodies to move and sense our body position, are impaired. Miller (2006) also states that the proprioceptive system is, tells us where our body parts are concerning each other, and our vestibular system tells us where we are in space, with each of the systems requiring physical movement to fully activate them. Kawar, et. al (2005) states that without a properly functioning vestibular system, sights and sounds in the environment do not make sense and they are only isolated pieces of information disconnected from the meaningful whole. Kawar, et. al (2005) also states that it is the integration of the sensory information that holds the key to finding the meaning in the world and because movement is part of everything it is the vestibular system that supports all behaviour's, acquisition of skill, as well as helping to balance the stream of sensory information that constantly flows into the brain. According to Vestibular input seems too “prime” the entire nervous system to function effectively. When the vestibular system does not function consistently and accurately, the interpretation of other sensations will be inconsistent and inaccurate, and the nervous system will have trouble getting started (Ayers, 1979) with Greutman (2014) mentioning that the vestibular system is the first system to develop in utero and to have an organized response to sensory output and has a very close relationship to gravity, safety, survival, arousal, and attention. If there is an underdeveloped vestibular system, Gruetman, (2014) mentions that the brain will not be getting the correct information from the eyes, ears, and the sense of gravity or movement of the body, this, in turn, makes the brain and body feel unsafe initiating the instinctive survival mode responses to become dominant. This increase in survival mode will directly impact short-term and long-term memory, concentration, attention levels, arithmetic, and reading (Vidoni et al, 2013). It has been suggested by Howie, Shatz, & Pate (2015) that individuals with Sensory-Based Motor issues cannot correctly organize sensory information and often seek out the physical movement to meet the stimulation their brains need Walbam (2013) suggests that individuals with Sensory-Based Motor issues often struggle to interact and function properly within the classroom, which often leads to obstacles to maintain their attention. When individuals are asked to sit for long periods in a classroom their central nervous system is on overload and they start to crave movement to activate neurons in the cerebellum, as well to increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin (Craft & Perna, 2004) and to increase blood flow to the brain, which provides an increase in oxygen level which has the potential to have an impact on brain function, reduce stress and increase sensory integration due to the integrated senses that occur when an individual is moving during stressful occasions (Perrey, 2013). Willis (2016) highlights that when an individual is under stress, which occurs when the sensory information is not correctly integrated little information ends up in the long-term memory, this is because information must pass through an emotional channel called the amygdala before it reaches the prefrontal cortex (Willis, 2016). The amygdala, according to Willis (2016) activates when students’ brains become overwhelmed, anxious, or exceedingly confounded causing the amygdala to shut down. As spoken about above when an individual is seated for long periods, it makes it hard for them to pay attention and learn (Craft & Perna, 2004). As the brain craves movement sitting for periods will naturally start the process of fidgeting to get the movement their brains and bodies require to stay awake and attentive (Willis, 2016). According to Gibbs (2007) when the body starts to move or fidget, it is trying to turn the brain back on for students to be able to learn, they need to be able to pay attention, and be able to pay attention need to be allowed to move. Simple exercises such as tuning in to music, laughing, moving, or collaborating with peers can refocus the brain and calm the amygdala to transfer to the next learning activity (Willis, 2016). Integrating movement in the classroom is a proactive approach to help refocus individuals with Sensory-Based Motor issues (Howie, Shatz, & Pate, 2015) as simply allowing individuals to get up and move is providing the sensory input that is vitally needed. According to Willis (2016) For the brain to restore a calm focus; these planned learning activity breaks must revitalize the part of the brain that is being blocked by stress or the intensity of higher-order thinking. Desautels (2016) suggests that the process of movement in Sensory processing Disorders like Sensory Motor issues is vital as it allows for the flow of sensory input to become integrated and regulated and allows the brain to become accustomed to filtering the sensory information it requires to stay stress-free.