Nathan's Sensory Profile Analysis

Nathan also presents with vestibular over-responsivity, whereby he is fearful and avoidant of certain movements; in particular, those which he is not expecting or able to control. He did not appear to be fearful of heights and enjoyed climbing high. However, he avoided all the moving equipment. His mother mentioned that he will get onto the carousel at the mall, but will climb off immediately when it stops. He also “avoids climbing/jumping on uneven surfaces”, and “hesitates going up or down curbs”. Therefore, although he appears to be processing gravitational information adequately, he is sensitive to slow and linear movements. Movements also appear to disorganise and overstimulate him. Nathan, therefore, presents with a fluctuating response to vestibular input, which appears to be affecting his attention, modulation, and behaviour.
Tactile processing refers to the ability to make sense of and respond appropriately to light touch, pain and temperature. Poor tactile processing may result in poor body scheme, motor planning, and difficulties with fine motor abilities. Nathan’s Sensory Profile reflected some tactile processing difficulties, whereby he occasionally “expresses distress during grooming”, and
Nathan was able to catch a ball symmetrically using both hands in a bucket grasp. He also caught the ball against his chest for stability. This action is appropriate for his age. His catching was, however, inconsistent. His throwing was poorly graded, and inaccurate. He was able to kick a stationary ball, but he used his arms to maintain his balance. The quality of his ball skills may be related to his attention and sensory processing. He was able to use both hands and legs to climb up the monkey bars. He could use both hands in fine motor tasks, such as snipping