Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)-Full Article-All you need to know

January 3, 2023

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)-Full Article- All you need to know

What you are about to read
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Everyday Life
Questions

What is sensory processing disorder?

SPD is a disorder that alters the way in which the brain interprets sensory information (stimuli). Sensory data consists of what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. SPD can affect one or all of your senses. SPD typically involves heightened sensitivity to stimuli that others do not experience. However, the disorder can also have a reverse impact. In such situations, it takes more stimuli to have an impact. Children are more prone to develop SPD than adults. However, adults can also exhibit symptoms. It is likely that these symptoms have existed in adults since childhood. However, adults have evolved coping mechanisms that allow them to hide the SPD from others.

Doctors are divided on whether SPD is a distinct condition. Some physicians claim it is not. Some argue that it is diagnostic for behaviours that may be explained as typical child behaviour. Others claim that certain children are simply hypersensitive. Some physicians assert that SPD is a sign of other disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, etc., rather than a disorder on its own. Other physicians believe that your child may have SPD without the additional disorder. Some claim that it is evident that some children have difficulty processing regular sensory input (stimuli). SPD is not currently recognised as a medical diagnosis.

sensory processing disorder symptoms

SPD can impact one sense or multiple senses. Children with SPD may have exaggerated responses to sounds, clothing, and food textures. Or they may not react adequately to sensory information. This results in an increased need for more intense thrill-seeking stimuli. Examples include jumping off of towering objects and swinging too high on playground equipment. Moreover, children with SPD are not necessarily a single type. They may exhibit both oversensitivity and hyposensitivity.

Children may be oversensitive if they exhibit the following characteristics:

Consider garments to be too irritating or rough.
Consider lighting to be overly bright.
Consider noises to be too loud.
Consider mild touches to be unpleasant.
The experience of food textures causes individuals to gag.
Lack of balance or appear awkward.
Are hesitant to use the swings.
Poorly responding to quick movements, touching, loud noises, and bright lights.
Have behaviour difficulties.

Occasionally, these symptoms are also associated with inadequate motor abilities. Your child may have difficulty grasping a pencil or pair of scissors. They may have difficulty climbing stairs or low muscle tone. Additionally, he or she may have linguistic delays.

In older children, these symptoms may contribute to low self-esteem. They may result in social isolation and sadness.

Children may be sensory seeking (under-sensitive) if they:

Cannot be still
Pursue thrills (loves jumping, heights, and spinning).
Can spin without dizziness.
Do not recognise social cues.
Don't recognise personal space.
Chew on items (including their hands and clothing).
Seek visual stimulation (like electronics).
Have trouble sleeping.
Do not acknowledge that their face is unclean.

What causes sensory processing disorder?

Doctors do not understand the cause of SPD. They are investigating a genetic relationship, which suggests that it may run in families. Some physicians feel there may be a connection between autism and SPD. This may suggest that adults with autism are more likely to have children with SPD. However, it is crucial to highlight that most persons with SPD do not have autism.

How does one diagnose sensory processing disorder?

Parents may detect their child's unusual behaviour. But most parents may not understand why. Discuss your child's conduct with your paediatrician without fear. The physician may recommend the patient to an occupational therapist. These specialists can evaluate your child for SPD. He or she will likely observe your child's behaviour in particular settings. The therapist will pose questions to your youngster. All of these factors will aid in the diagnosis.

Can sensory processing disorder be averted?

SPD cannot be prevented or avoided because its causes are unknown.

Treatment of sensory processing disorder

Typically, treatment is administered via therapy. Research indicates that early therapy initiation is essential for curing SPD. Children can learn how to manage their issues through therapy.

A qualified therapist conducts therapy sessions. The therapist will assist you and your child in learning how to manage the disorder. Sessions are focused on whether your child is oversensitive, undersensitive, or both.

There are various forms of therapy:

Integration of sensory input therapy (SI). This sort of therapy employs enjoyable activities in a controlled setting. Your youngster experiences stimuli with the therapist without feeling overwhelmed. It is possible for him or her to build coping abilities to deal with these stimuli. Through this therapy, these coping techniques can become automatic, daily responses to stimuli.

Sensory diet. Frequently, a sensory diet complements other SPD therapy. A sensory diet differs from a standard food diet. It is a list of home and school sensory activities. These exercises are intended to help your child maintain concentration and organisation throughout the day. Like SI, a sensory activity/diet is tailored to your child's needs.

A sensory activity at school could consist of:

An hourly interval during which your child could take a 10-minute walk.
Twice every day, your youngster will get 10 minutes to swing.
Access to headphones within the classroom so that your child can listen to music while working.
Use of fidget toys.
A desk chair bungee cord is available. This allows your child to stretch his or her legs while seated in class.

Occupational treatment Your child may also require this therapy to treat additional SPD-related symptoms. It can aid in the development of fine motor skills, such as writing and using scissors. It can also improve gross motor skills, such as stair climbing and throwing a ball. It can teach skills such as putting on clothing and using utensils.

Check your Medicare or NDIS funding

Discuss how a therapist fits into your health insurance with your physician. Frequently, insurance will not cover the therapy needed to treat SPD. Because SPD is not yet an officially recognised disorder.

Experiencing sensory processing disorder

Living with SPD may be difficult. Parents of children affected by SPD may feel alone. They may refrain from bringing their child out in public to prevent sensory overload. Additionally, parents may feel the need to justify their child's behaviour.

Adults with SPD may also feel alone. They may be prevented from leaving the house by sensory overload. This can make going to the supermarket or even work difficult.

Occupational therapists should be consulted by adults struggling with SPD. The therapist may be able to assist them in learning alternative responses to stimuli. This can result in adjustments to how they handle specific situations. And this may result in a better lifestyle.

Even if SPD improves with therapy or age, it may never completely disappear. A major life event or stress can produce symptoms.

Questions to pose to your physicians/Doctors