Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder:
What Parents Need to Know
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding appropriately to sensory input from the environment.
Though SPD is not officially recognized in the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with these sensory inputs.
People with SPD may be overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-responsive (hyposensitive) to sensory stimuli like sounds, textures, lights, or tastes.
SPD occurs when the brain has trouble interpreting sensory signals. Normally, our brains organize and make sense of information from our senses — such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and movement — so we can respond appropriately to the world around us. In people with SPD, this process is disrupted. This disruption leads to either hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory stimuli.
Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsive)
People who are hypersensitive may react strongly to what others might consider normal levels of sensory input. Examples include:
Clothing tags or certain fabrics may feel unbearably itchy or painful.
Everyday noises, like vacuum cleaners or the hum of fluorescent lights, may be overwhelming.
Bright lights, crowded spaces, or even the texture of certain foods can trigger distress.
Hypersensitive people may become easily overstimulated, experience meltdowns, or avoid situations they find uncomfortable.
Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsive)
People with hyposensitivity may seek more sensory input because they don't process it strongly enough. Examples include:
Seeking physical touch, like bumping into objects or people, or preferring tight hugs or clothing.
Craving intense sensory experiences, such as spinning, swinging, or chewing on objects.
Being unaware of personal space, not noticing pain, or seeming clumsy or uncoordinated.
Hyposensitive people may appear disengaged, inattentive, or in need of constant stimulation to feel balanced.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some may show signs of hypersensitivity, others of hyposensitivity, and some may exhibit a combination of both. Common signs of SPD include:
Tactile issues: Avoiding certain textures in clothing, foods, or surfaces, or becoming distressed by touch.
Auditory challenges: Being overwhelmed by loud or unpredictable noises or ignoring sounds that require attention.
Balance and movement difficulties: Fear of heights, trouble with motor coordination, or seeking constant movement like spinning or jumping.
Visual overstimulation: Sensitivity to bright lights or patterns, or difficulty focusing in visually complex environments.
Oral sensory issues: Picky eating, rejecting certain food textures, gagging on foods, or constantly chewing on objects.
Impact of Sensory Processing Disorder
The struggle to process sensory information can significantly impact daily life when a person is over- or under-responsive to stimuli.
They may have trouble participating in activities, forming friendships, or handling transitions between environments. For some, daily routines like getting dressed, eating, or attending noisy social events can be overwhelming.
Sensory overload can lead to emotional outbursts or meltdowns, further complicating interactions with others. Some people may seem disconnected or unengaged, leading to concerns about attention.
Without proper support, children with SPD can experience difficulties with self-regulation, social skills, and even academic performance. The emotional toll of feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed by their environment can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, or withdrawal from activities. Adults can struggle in the workplace or social situations.
Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
The exact cause of SPD is not fully understood, but researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute.
It is commonly seen in people with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD, suggesting that there may be a neurological basis related to how the brain processes sensory information.
Premature birth, prenatal exposure to toxins, and early life trauma have also been suggested as possible contributing factors.
Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD is not yet included as a distinct diagnosis in major diagnostic systems like the DSM-5 or ICD-10, which can complicate the process of getting formal recognition or support for the condition.
Pediatricians, occupational therapists, and specialists in developmental disorders can assess sensory processing challenges through clinical evaluations and sensory checklists. An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify specific sensory issues and design a treatment plan tailored to the child's needs. This includes observing how a person responds to sensory stimuli in various environments.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
While there is no cure for SPD, early intervention and therapy can help people manage their sensory difficulties and improve their quality of life. Treatment usually involves:
Occupational Therapy (OT) with Sensory Integration
OT is the most common and effective form of treatment for SPD. Sensory integration therapy involves exposing people to sensory stimuli in a controlled, structured way to help their brain learn to process and respond more appropriately. Therapists design activities to challenge the person’s senses without overwhelming them, gradually building their tolerance and ability to cope with different sensory inputs.
For example, a person who is hypersensitive to touch might play with different textured materials like sand or foam, while a person who is hyposensitive might engage in activities that provide deep pressure or heavy work, such as pushing or pulling objects. Creating a visual schedule can be helpful for someone with visual processing difficulties.
Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a personalized plan that provides a series of sensory activities throughout the day to help regulate the person’s sensory system. These activities are designed to provide the right amount of sensory input to keep the person alert and focused.
A sensory diet might include movement breaks, calming activities, or exposure to certain textures and sounds. Work with occupational therapists to integrate these activities into daily routines at home and school or work.
Environmental Modifications
Modifying the environment to reduce sensory triggers can also help. This might include using noise-cancelling headphones in loud settings, providing fidget tools, adjusting lighting, or creating quiet spaces for the person to retreat to when overstimulated.
How Can Parents Support Their Child?
As a parent, understanding your child's sensory needs is crucial to supporting them effectively. Here are some ways you can help:
Observe your child’s triggers: Keep a log of when sensory overload occurs. Is it in noisy environments, with certain textures, or when there’s too much visual input? Identifying patterns can help you anticipate and reduce triggers.
Communicate with teachers and caregivers: Ensure that your child’s school and any other caregivers are aware of their sensory challenges. They may need accommodations like sensory breaks or changes in seating arrangements.
Advocate for therapy: Occupational therapy can be life-changing for children with SPD. Work with your child’s healthcare provider to get the necessary referrals and access to therapy.
Be patient and understanding: Sensory overload can be overwhelming for your child, and their reactions are often beyond their control. Approach their challenges with empathy and offer them strategies to cope.
What Can Teens Do?
I invite teens to join me at the November ADHDKCTeen meeting where we’ll dive into sensory overload and how it impacts us every day. Whether it’s clothes that are too tight, lights that are too bright, or sounds that are way too loud, we’ve got strategies to help!
Topic: "Too tight, too bright, too itchy, too loud... what to do with sensory overload"
When: November 5th
Where: Online
Who: Middle and High School Students
Cost: Free!
Don’t miss this chance to learn ways to calm the chaos in your environment!
RSVP now and get the tools you need to take control of your sensory world!
Sensory Processing Disorder can make navigating daily life challenging but with the right support and intervention, many people can learn to manage their sensory experiences more effectively.
Understanding unique sensory needs, working with healthcare professionals, and creating a sensory-friendly environment are key steps to manage SPD.
With time and support, people with SPD can develop the tools they need to better engage with the world around them.