What is sensory processing disorder? 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, 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: sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, movement (vestibular), body awareness (proprioception), and internal sensations (interoception).
However, this complex processing system faces a “traffic jam” in children with SPD. 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. These children, unlike those with over-responsivity, are constantly seeking ways to fulfill their sensory needs. Here are some common examples of sensory seeking:
It’s important to realize that sensory processing sensitivity 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.
Knowing about SPD helps parents understand their child better. It allows them to become a sensory detective for their 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. Maybe it’s the fluorescent lighting, crowded aisles, or the incessant beeping of cash registers.
When you understand these challenges, you are better equipped to help your child. For example, 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 in 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 in discovering 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 those issues 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.
Parenting a child with SPD requires empathy, knowledge, and a toolbox of effective strategies. SPD is a neurological difference in how the brain processes sensory stimuli.
When you, as parents, understand what sensory processing disorder is, recognize the signs, and advocate for appropriate interventions, you empower your child. It is important to create sensory-supportive environments where your child can flourish. Every child with SPD is different and their journey will look different. However, with compassion and support, you can equip your child with the tools to confidently navigate the world around them.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder? Differentiating Between SPS and SPD
Jill Gilbert
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