Does your child see the world differently? Let's talk about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)!

Have you ever noticed that some young children, and sometimes adults, are very uncomfortable with a small piece of fabric on their clothes? Or startle at the slightest sound? Maybe it's your own child. Think about it, some children cry all day even if the collar of their school uniform is slightly closed. The reason for such things may not be as simple as we think. This is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) .

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Simply put, SPD is a subtle change in the way your brain interprets and responds to information from your senses – your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. This can affect not only what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, but also your movements.

Doctors and parents usually recognize this condition in young children. However, it can also affect adults. It is especially common in people with neurodevelopmental and neurodivergent conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, it is possible to have SPD alone without any other conditions.

SPD is not currently an officially recognized medical diagnosis, but even doctors are now recognizing the benefits of recognizing and treating this condition, especially for those who have difficulty performing daily tasks.

Research suggests that between one and three in every twenty people in the general population may have SPD. This number is even higher among people with neurodevelopmental conditions.

How do people with (SPD) see the world? What are the types of (SPD)?

There are different types of SPDs. This means that not everyone is affected in the same way. Let's look at the main types.

Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)

This type of person reacts to sensitive information much more quickly, intensely, or for a longer period of time than the average person. Even small things that would normally go unnoticed or be tolerated by others can cause them great distress.

Think about it, does your child not like the new tag on their school uniform? Or does they turn a deaf ear to the sound of the blender? Does they sometimes struggle when someone touches them? These could be signs of SOR. These are not things they do intentionally.

Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR)

Here, the opposite is true. That is, in order to feel a certain sensation, they need a greater amount of sensory information than the average person. Sometimes they may not even feel some sensations, or they may be delayed in responding.

For example, have you ever seen a small child fall or get seriously injured and not care? Or does he or she not look back when you call his or her name, or show no interest in picking up a toy when you give it to him or her? These may be related to (SUR).

People who are constantly seeking sensations (Sensory Craving - SC)

These types of people are always looking for stimulation. They are always looking for some kind of sensation. However, when they get that stimulation, they become even more confused, and that desire is not satisfied.

Think of a child who is constantly fidgeting, running, jumping, bumping into things, trying to touch everything, putting it in their mouth, jumping up and down, spinning around. Sometimes this kind of behavior can be due to (SC). It seems like they just have a hard time being still.

People who have difficulty distinguishing and identifying sensations (Sensory Discrimination Disorder)

This is when you have difficulty understanding subtle differences in sensory information. There are several subtypes of this disorder. For example, someone with Auditory Discrimination Disorder has difficulty understanding what they hear. They may get confused when someone is speaking, or they may not be able to distinguish one sound from another.

Postural Disorders

People with this condition have a poor sense of their body's position in space. This means they have difficulty maintaining core stability when walking, running, or even just standing. They may try to lean against a wall when standing, or they may find themselves unable to sit properly in a chair and sway back and forth.

Movement coordination problems (Dyspraxia)

This can cause a wide range of problems with movement and coordination. It can affect both your gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing stairs, and your fine motor skills, such as writing, buttoning, and cutting with scissors.

What are the common symptoms of (SPD)?

The symptoms of SPD vary depending on the type. There can be a wide variety of symptoms. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• He's always bumping into things and dropping things (it's like his hands are numb).
• Some types of clothing are very uncomfortable due to the nature of the fabric. Even if you cut off the label, it feels like it's irritating the skin.
• Some foods can cause nausea and vomiting upon consumption, especially due to their texture.
• I always feel the need to touch and caress something.
• It's hard to understand other people's personal space. They're always touching and hugging other people.
• Reacts strongly (gets scared, screams, cries) to things like sudden movements, someone touching their body, loud noises, and bright lights.
• Difficulty using fine motor skills. Difficulty holding a pencil properly, tying shoelaces, or using a spoon properly when eating.

SPD can affect just one organ or multiple organs. Also, the severity of these symptoms varies from person to person.

What are the causes of SPD? Who is most at risk?

Researchers have not yet found a specific cause for SPD, but studies suggest that both genetics and environmental factors may play a role.

There is a strong link between SPD and neurodivergence. There are also links with certain mental health conditions. SPD is more likely to co-occur with the following conditions:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Developmental Delays
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia-emotional `(Schizophrenia)`
• Specific Learning Disorders

But remember, you can have SPD even without any other neurodevelopmental or mental condition.

How do doctors diagnose SPD?

(SPD) is not yet fully recognized as an official medical condition, and there are no precise diagnostic criteria for it, so it is sometimes misdiagnosed. However, doctors and healthcare providers are becoming increasingly aware of the condition and the importance of treating it.

If you think your child's sensory behavior is unusual, your child's pediatrician may refer you to an occupational therapist . These professionals can observe your child's behavior and assess whether they have SPD. They will also ask about your child's symptoms, behavior, and medical history to help make a diagnosis. Depending on your child's specific needs, your pediatrician may also refer you to other specialists.

What are the treatments for (SPD)?

There is no cure for SPD. However, various occupational therapy methods can help manage the symptoms of SPD. This treatment is especially important if the condition is affecting your or your child's daily life.

Occupational therapists (especially pediatric occupational therapists) can help you with things like:

• Reach children's developmental milestones (e.g., fine and gross motor skills).
• Improve self-care and activities of daily living.
• Improve play and social skills.
• Develop self-regulation skills and behaviors.

(SPD) can affect all aspects of life. Occupational therapists provide strategies to help people of all ages deal with these sensory challenges.

Sensory Integration Therapy

This is the most commonly used and successful treatment for SPD. It involves providing you or your child with the necessary sensory input and experiences and teaching them to adapt, or get used to it. This is done in conjunction with an occupational therapist.

This usually involves doing specific sensory activities that are tailored to your needs. These help you regulate your sensory responses. You can engage with your senses without being overwhelmed by them. You can also learn coping skills to cope with some of the sensory information you encounter in everyday life.

Studies have shown that Sensory Integration Therapy increases concentration , improves behavior , and reduces anxiety levels.

Things you can do at home and at school

For school-age children, the child's occupational therapist may recommend daily sensory activities and tools that can be done at home and at school, in addition to sensory integration therapy.

These activities and devices help your child stay focused and organized throughout the day. They are tailored to your child's specific needs.

For example, a child with SPD at school may need things like:

• Opportunity to use headphones to reduce ambient noise while working.
• Opportunity to use fidget toys.
• Designated breaks to do sensory activities like walking, spinning, or riding a swing.

Your child's occupational therapist will recommend the method that is best for your child.

Occupational Therapy to develop fine and gross motor skills

If your child has Dyspraxia or Postural Disorder, they may need help strengthening their fine and/or gross motor skills.

An occupational therapist can work with your child to help them develop these skills. Fine motor skills include things like handwriting, buttoning, and cutting with scissors. Gross motor skills include things like climbing stairs, throwing a ball, and riding a bike.

When should we see a doctor?

If you or your child has Sensory Processing Disorder, you will need to see an occupational therapist regularly to continue receiving treatment. As children grow older, their environment and learning challenges may change, so their treatment may need to change accordingly.

Important questions to ask the doctor

It may be helpful to ask your doctor these questions:

• What are the treatments for (SPD)?
• What can I do at home to help with SPD?
• What should I expect for my (or my child's) future?
• Can you help me find out if my insurance covers SPD treatments?

Things to know about living with (SPD)

Living with SPD, whether it's for a child or an adult, can be challenging. It can also be difficult for loved ones. But the good news is that with treatment, you or your child can get help to cope with these sensory issues.

SPD affects everyone differently. So, being adaptable and understanding is key. If your child has SPD, it's important to advocate for them to make sure they get the best care possible. By advocating for care – and for accommodations at school – you can give them the best possible quality of life.

If you and your family are able, consider joining a support group to meet others who have had similar experiences to yours.

If not treated properly, unmanaged SPD can put your child at increased risk of depression , behavioral issues , and social isolation .

Finally, what to remember

We all experience the world around us differently. Most people don't even think about all the sensory information they're experiencing at any given time. But for people with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), it can make everyday life very challenging.

The more you learn about SPD, the more you'll be able to understand how your child experiences their environment, what triggers their emotions, and perhaps even connect with them in a way you couldn't before.

Remember, occupational therapists can help you or your child adapt and cope with these sensory issues. They know that SPD affects everyone differently, so they can create a unique treatment plan for you or your child. With patience, love, and the right support, you can get through this journey.

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