Recognizing the Impact of Sensory Processing Differences: Social Work Assessment and Intervention

Abstract

Sensory processing differences impact up to 20% of the general population of the United States, yet social workers may not receive training on this neurobiological condition. Sensory processing in an important concept for practicing social workers to understand, as the underlying cause of behavior is what guides our treatment; accurate intervention relies on accurate assessment. This presentation will introduce the theory of sensory integration and current neuroscience understandings of sensory processing, discuss symptom presentation, co-morbid and differential diagnoses, and implications for social work assessment and intervention.