Imagine a world where everyday sights, sounds, and textures feel intensified, overwhelming, and even painful.
This is the reality for many children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), a neurological condition that makes it hard for the brain to process and respond to sensory input.
SPD was initially considered part of autism spectrum disorder. While no longer under the autism umbrella, SPD is still not an official medical diagnosis. SPD exists on a spectrum, meaning its presentation varies from child to child.
To understand SPD disorder, it’s helpful to think about sensory information as a continuous flow. Like intricate computers, our brains constantly receive, organize, and respond to signals from our senses. This includes:
In children with SPD, this complex system of processing information faces a “traffic jam.” Instead of directing sensory traffic, the brain gets overwhelmed. It might misinterpret signals or react unpredictably. These processing problems can cause a variety of challenges, ranging from sensory over-responsivity to sensory seeking.
For a child with sensory over-responsivity, typical sensory experiences can be uncomfortable and trigger anxiety or meltdowns. Here are some examples:
Some children with SPD crave intense sensory input. Unlike those with over-responsivity, sensory-seeking children have a lower sensory threshold. Because of this, they are constantly seeking ways to fulfill their sensory needs.
Below are some common examples of sensory seeking:
Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and sensory processing disorder are two different things. Sensory Processing Sensitivity is a temperament trait, while Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition.
Some children have more sensitive sensory systems, similar to how some people have naturally higher anxiety levels.
Children with sensory processing sensitivity and children with SPD both experience stronger responses to sensory input. However, there’s a key difference: the impact on daily living.
While Highly Sensitive Children experience heightened awareness of their senses, they can typically adapt and learn to manage their sensitivities.
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder, however, often find that their sensitivities disrupt their daily routines, relationships, and ability to participate in age-appropriate activities. The intense responses of a child with SPD often lead to meltdowns, anxiety, and functional difficulties.
Understanding SPD helps parents understand their child better. With a thorough understanding of SPD’s meaning and its effects, you can become a sensory detective for your child.
Knowing that atypical reactions to sounds, touch, or other sensations aren’t “bad behavior” can drastically change your parenting. When you start seeing the world through your child’s sensory lens, you can respond with understanding, not frustration.
For example, imagine a child who has meltdowns at the grocery store. Instead of viewing this as defiance, a parent aware of sensory sensitivities will start looking for possible triggers. In this situation, triggers for this emotional reactivity might be:
When you understand these challenges, you are better equipped to help your child. You might bring noise-canceling headphones, plan trips during less crowded hours, or break the experience into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can also incorporate calming sensory experiences before or after outings, such as a warm bath or deep pressure massage.
Early identification and intervention are crucial to helping children with SPD thrive. There’s no one right way to treat sensory issues; treatment plans must be tailored to each child. A trained occupational therapist can develop an individualized sensory diet.
A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities aimed at helping regulate sensory input. Sensory therapies often include things like:
Many parents find relief when they discover their child’s difficulties stem from atypical sensory processing. Sensory processing disorder is not a life sentence; it’s a call for different tools, strategies, and a lot of compassionate support.
For instance, you may need to collaborate with educators to make school environments more sensory-friendly or connect with other families who understand SPD. Parents can also advocate for their child’s sensory needs in social settings and teach them coping mechanisms like deep breathing exercises.
It can be tempting to self-diagnose based on things you read online. However, if you have concerns, schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor. They can assess your child for other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If ADHD is ruled out, a trained occupational therapist can use specialized tools and observations to thoroughly assess a child’s sensory responses across various areas.
Treatment for SPD depends on the child’s sensory issues and how much they affect the child’s daily life. A professional may use several therapies, like occupational therapy and speech therapy, to help a child manage their sensory issues.
The four most common types of SPD are:
For someone with SPD, everyday sensations may be turned up or down. For example, a scratchy sweater feels like sandpaper, loud noises cause pain, or there’s an urge to constantly touch everything. It’s important to remember that SPD is a neurological condition, not a behavioral issue or a personality trait.
SPD is not a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SPD is a disorder that affects how the central nervous system processes sensory information. ASD is a condition that affects a person’s communication, behavior, and how they interact with other people. Though it’s uncommon, it’s possible for someone to have both ASD and SPD.
The causes of SPD are unknown. Children with SPD may be triggered by lights, sounds, certain touch sensations, or food textures. Exactly how the condition manifests varies between children.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit disorder (ADHD) can often be mistaken for SPD. In fact, it’s not uncommon for ASD to be misdiagnosed as ADHD. Working with a trusted and reputable healthcare professional can decrease the risk of misdiagnosis.
SPD is a neurological difference in how the brain processes sensory stimuli. Parenting a child with SPD requires empathy, knowledge, and a toolbox of effective strategies.
When you, as parents, understand what sensory processing disorder is, recognize the signs, and advocate for appropriate interventions, you can empower your child and help to create a sensory-supportive environment which helps them flourish.
Every child with SPD is different and their journey will look different. With compassion and support, you can equip your child with the tools to confidently navigate the world around them.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Jill Gilbert
September 5, 2024
Published by
on
fREE DOWNLOAD
Transform challenging moments before they escalate with the Magic Scripts guide - your handbook for preventing meltdowns through the power of clear, calm communication.
GET ACCESS NOW
