We all process sensations. It’s what keeps us protected, it’s what keeps us alive. Sensations come from the external environment. They flood the brain and quickly and efficiently go to specific brain centers for a motor action. What happens when the way in which we register, process, and integrate sensations is different?
Those who process their world differently, in unique and wonderful ways, don’t always fit into the neurotypical world. Questions may arise such as: “Why is this so easy for others, and not for me?”
As a child, I was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. Over the years, I have discovered strengths within myself, many which I attribute to the specific wiring of my brain. Yet, I have also experienced moments of heartache; when things felt too hard, I didn’t fit in with peers, and lost confidence and sense of self. I now run a surf therapy company for neurodivergent children and teens. Come with me as I dive into the unique benefits of surf-therapy and how these relate to our sense of self.
Sensory Integration is defined as the organization of sensation for use. Did you know that we have eight sensory systems: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, vestibular (movement in space), proprioceptive (awareness of muscles and joints), interoception (awareness of organs, etc)? Furthermore, these eight individual systems are receiving countless bits of information into the brain at every moment. Our senses give us information about our body and the environment.
Another way to think about sensory integration is by locating the information of a sensation, like noticing sandy feet while walking on the beach. Next, sorting that information; the sand on your feet is painful or harmful. Finally, integrating or organizing of the sensation.
Your tactile sensation works together with other sensory systems to inform your brain of what each sensation means, how important that sensation is to participate in everyday activities, and most importantly, how all eight sensory systems can work together in such a way that we can act or move.
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It is important to take note of differences so we can support bridging the gap between challenges and strengths.[/perfectpullquote]
Through movement, for example, we can develop cognitive and emotional intelligence skills, and when we learn these skills, we can feel confident to explore. The more we participate in specific activities the more mature our sensory systems become. With repetition of very specific sensory inputs to the brain, neural pathways are developed and strengthened.
Ideally, when processing and organizing sensations, we ignore sensations that are not important, and pay attention to the ones we need in specific moments. However, if our brains are wired differently, noises can feel too loud, touch can be uncomfortable, motor coordination might seem awkward? This impacts us physically, and it can undercut out confidence and sense of self.
The nervous system doesn’t always play fair. The words “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” are broad. A definition to consider is: “brain differences impacting how the brain works.” It is important to take note of differences so we can support bridging the gap between challenges and strengths. The importance in bridging the gap lies within the development of sense of self.
If you are an educator or parent of a 2e kid, you know that a twice exceptional child is identified as being intellectually gifted and accompanied with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder. You also know that though these children think and process information differently, 2e children have very strong gifts in specific areas. This may be in the sciences, the arts, vocabulary, advanced ideas, or special talents.
What you may not be familiar with is the wonder of their brain chemistry. Neurologically, gifted children have been found to have faster neural processing speed and more efficient neural activation functions. They have also been shown to have greater interconnectivity between areas of the brain (often reacting more strongly to certain stimuli). I believe this is one such factor that can make “showing up in the world” scary, fatiguing, uncertain, or hard. There are so much more stimuli to filter, notice, and make meaning of. Research shows that 2e children can have internalized feelings of failure, depression, low self-efficacy, and worthlessness.
Surf Therapy can curate positive meaning of the experiences formed in the twice exceptional brain. When provided with intentional support, areas that were once challenging can be celebrated as strengths.
It uses the sensations of the sand, water, surfboard, and the ocean as therapeutic tools to achieve specific outcomes. The movement of the ocean waves, negative ions produced by ocean air, send calming signals to the brain. The balancing act of staying on the surfboard provides intense and specific sensory input to the brain and body. Theses aspects are exactly what is needed to organize the sensory systems so that a child may act, learn, and grow.
Surf therapy also provides a playful, guided, and safe environment for a child to develop skills such as core strength, motor coordination, executive functioning, and practice regulating emotions such as frustration. It helps them gain positive emotions such as self-confidence. It is challenging and calming all in one. A child earns the right to call themselves a surfer.
In my own work with surf therapy, I have witnessed the ocean’s ability to provide physical regulation to a child. I have seen kids become more confident in their physical and cognitive abilities in and out of the water. I have watched as components of surfing have organically allowed for children to walk through emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration.
As we grow into our bodies, we begin to develop our sense of self. How do I feel in my own body? How do I feel about the ways in which I show up in the world and with others? How do I overcome what feels insurmountable? How do I develop confidence, and the feeling that if I put my mind to something, I will achieve it? Each child is unique in the ways in which they understand sensations and the ways in which these sensations inform their life.
It is from the understanding of sensory integration in twice exceptional children that powerful tools such as surf therapy cansbridge gaps, create internal worlds that are joyful, and teach that no matter how big the waves, we can learn how to surf.
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Naomi is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, surf therapy, and childhood and infant development.
