When children are affected by Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD, it can cause them to be overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory stimuli, making everyday experiences overwhelming or confusing – significantly affecting their behavior, emotional regulation, social interactions, and overall development. As a result, children with SPD may struggle with tasks that require coordination, focus, or self-regulation, making navigating everyday activities and engaging with peers challenging. Understanding SPD is crucial for supporting these children, including helping them develop the skills necessary to cope with sensory experiences and thrive in various settings.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to environmental sensory information, such as light, sound, touch, or movement. Children with SPD have trouble processing sensory input, making it difficult for them to respond in the correct or “expected” manner. These children typically have one or more senses that react too much or too little to stimulation, which can affect their development and behavior. Unfortunately, sensory processing disorder is not officially recognized as a distinct disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) – the standard classification of mental health disorders used by healthcare professionals. However, SPD is widely acknowledged by occupational therapists, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers as a legitimate condition that can significantly impact a child’s development.
Signs and Symptoms of SPD
Sensory processing disorders (SPD) in children often lead to behaviors that can be confusing or concerning for caregivers and parents. Children with SPD may display extreme over- or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli, which can manifest in various ways. For example, they may react intensely to everyday experiences, such as throwing tantrums when getting dressed, screaming if their face gets wet, or crashing into walls or people. Conversely, some children may exhibit a high tolerance for pain or discomfort. Other common signs include sensitivities to touch, such as perceiving soft touches as painful, finding lights too bright, or feeling overwhelmed by loud noises. They may also be uncomfortable with certain fabrics, such as clothing that feels too itchy or scratchy, or have difficulty with movements like swinging, sliding, or navigating inclines.
In addition to sensory sensitivities, SPD can be associated with challenges in motor skills, such as struggling to hold a pencil or scissors or displaying low muscle tone. These symptoms can significantly impact a child’s ability to engage in daily activities and interact with their environment.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorders
Although the exact cause of sensory processing disorder is not fully understood, research suggests it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Many experts believe that SPD is related to how the brain processes and interprets sensory information, with potential disruptions in how sensory signals are received, organized, and responded to.
Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorders
While SPD is not classified as a formal medical diagnosis, its symptoms often overlap with other recognized conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety disorders. As a result, many experts consider SPD an important area of concern for children’s health and development, even though it is not specifically included in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
Identifying or diagnosing sensory processing disorders in children typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who specializes in recognizing sensory processing issues and distinguishing them from other conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The therapist also evaluates the child’s motor skills, coordination, and ability to adapt to everyday activities. Their thorough assessment helps rule out other potential causes for the child’s difficulties, ensuring the diagnosis is accurate. Additionally, the evaluation provides valuable insights into a child’s specific sensory challenges, which can guide the development of an individualized treatment plan.
Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder
Although plans will vary depending on each child’s unique needs, treatment for children with sensory processing disorder symptoms can include sensory integration therapy, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications. These can help the child better manage sensory stimuli and improve daily functioning. For example, sensory integration (SI) therapy aims to challenge a child in a fun, playful way so that they can learn to respond appropriately to sensory input. Therefore, a Pediatric OT might engage a child with heightened sensitivity to touch in tactile play by providing a range of textures for the child to explore, such as textured balls, soft fabrics, sand, or clay. The goal is to gradually increase the child’s tolerance to different sensations, helping them process the tactile information more effectively.
Pediatric OTs may also incorporate a sensory diet, which is not a food diet. Rather, it is a list of sensory activities for home and school designed to help your child stay focused and organized during the day. Examples can include a time every hour when the child goes for a 10-minute walk or access to in-class headphones for listening to music while working.
Living with Sensory Processing Disorder
Living with sensory processing disorder can present daily challenges for both children and their families, as sensory sensitivities can affect many aspects of life, from school to social interactions to home routines. In addition to sensory processing disorder therapy, creating a supportive environment that reduces sensory overload and provides opportunities for sensory regulation is helpful. Depending on the child’s specific needs, examples can include using soft lighting, minimizing background noise, offering sensory breaks, and selecting clothing with comfortable fabrics.
Parents and caregivers should also advocate for accommodations at school and other settings. Additionally, seeking support from communities of families dealing with sensory processing disorders provides valuable resources, practical strategies, and emotional support.
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SPD Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sensory Processing Disorder a disability?
Sensory processing disorders can be considered a disability, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how they impact a child’s daily functioning. While SPD is not officially classified as a distinct disorder in the DSM-5, it can still have a significant effect on a child’s ability to process sensory information in a way that allows them to engage fully in daily activities. In the context of education, SPD may qualify as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) if it significantly impacts the child’s ability to learn and participate in school, leading to the provision of accommodations and specialized support.
Is SPD a form of autism?
Sensory processing disorder and autism spectrum disorder are not the same thing, i.e., SPD is not a form of autism. While sensory processing difficulties are common among individuals with autism, not all children with SPD have autism.
How to help a child with SPD?
Helping involves understanding the child’s unique sensory needs and creating strategies and environments that support their ability to cope with sensory challenges, including seeking support from professionals, creating sensory-friendly environments, advocating for accommodations, and establishing predictable routines that include sensory breaks.