Understanding Sensory Processing and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

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What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is a complex system in which the brain receives and interprets sensory information from the environment. It integrates input from all senses—including sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, balance, and body awareness—allowing us to create a cohesive picture of the world and make decisions based on that information. For example, this system helps us recognize sensations like warmth from a hug, hear and react to a sound, or balance on a moving vehicle. Without sensory processing, we wouldn’t be able to respond appropriately to daily stimuli.

 

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain struggles to organize and respond to sensory input properly. It affects how a person reacts to different stimuli, and the severity can vary widely. Formerly referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, SPD is not officially recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis, but it is widely acknowledged by professionals who observe its effects on everyday functioning.

SPD is categorized into three primary patterns:

  1. Over-Responsiveness (Hypersensitivity): Individuals are overly sensitive to sensory stimuli and respond too intensely or for too long. For example, everyday sounds or textures that most people find tolerable might overwhelm someone with hypersensitivity.
    Common behaviours:
    1. Becoming irritable or aggressive when overwhelmed.
    2. Avoiding certain textures, sounds, or physical contact.
    3. Showing fear or distress in new environments or when facing unexpected changes.
    4. Difficulty forming relationships or participating in group activities.
  2. Under-Responsiveness (Hyposensitivity): Those with hyposensitivity may seem unaware of sensory stimuli or respond much less than others. They might not react to extreme sensations such as pain or temperature or take longer to respond.
    Common behaviours:
    1. Appearing passive, quiet, or withdrawn.
    2. Being difficult to engage socially or in conversation.
    3. Displaying low motivation and a lack of interest in exploring.Seeming slow to respond to instructions or complete tasks.
  3. Sensory Craving: These individuals constantly seek sensory input but never feel satisfied, which leads to disorganized behaviour.
    Common behaviours:
    1. Acting intense, demanding, or hard to calm.
    2. Constantly interrupting or wanting control over situations.
    3. Becoming angry or explosive when required to sit still or stop an activity.
    4. Frequently creating situations that may seem disruptive or dangerous.

Helping Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties:

If your child shows signs of sensory processing challenges, there are several strategies that can help:

  • Increase Awareness: Learn why your child behaves a certain way and help them understand their own sensory experiences.
  • Self-Regulation: Teach your child to recognize when they are becoming overwhelmed or under-stimulated and how to manage their responses.
  • Environmental Changes: Create predictable, structured environments where your child can feel more relaxed and in control. Organizing spaces and routines helps them process sensory input more effectively.
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: These can help a child develop better social, communication, and motor skills.
    • Sensory Diet: This is a tailored range of activities that provide necessary sensory feedback, improving the child’s sensory regulation. Activities might include obstacle courses, trampolining, swinging, and heavy lifting with items like weighted blankets or backpacks.
  • Calming Strategies:
    • Tactile: Use firm touch (like a bear hug) and avoid irritating textures.
    • Vestibular: Slow, rhythmic movements such as gentle rocking or swinging.
    • Visual: Reduce visual stimuli with dim lighting and fewer distractions.
    • Auditory: Keep noise levels low and avoid sudden loud sounds.
    • Proprioception: Engage in steady, weight-bearing activities that involve the muscles, such as rhythmic walking or pushing.
  • Alerting Strategies:
    • Tactile: Light touches or exposure to different textures.
    • Vestibular: Fast-paced, varying movements such as spinning (with caution).
    • Proprioception: Activities that require shifting body positions and quick stretching of muscles.

Why Therapy is Crucial?

Occupational and speech therapy play a critical role in helping children with sensory processing difficulties. These therapies enable children to manage their sensory responses, cope in social settings, and succeed in school. Therapy also helps prevent long-term issues such as behavioural problems, social isolation, learning disabilities, and poor communication skills.

Children do not “grow out” of sensory processing difficulties; rather, these issues may change or evolve over time. Without early intervention, sensory challenges can impact academic success, peer relationships, sleep habits, and the ability to adapt to daily life. Through targeted therapy, children can develop better coping strategies and thrive in various environments.

The Long-Term Impact of Sensory Processing Difficulties:

If left untreated, sensory processing difficulties can lead to a range of challenges, including:

  • Behavioural Issues: Difficulty regulating emotions and behaviours, leading to frustration and acting out.
  • Learning Challenges: Trouble focusing in class and mastering academic tasks.
  • Social Integration Problems: Struggles to play cooperatively or form friendships due to poor body awareness and communication skills.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Sensory issues can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and hindering overall development.
  • Rigid Routines: Children may become reliant on strict routines to reduce anxiety.
  • Language and Communication Delays: Sensory processing difficulties can delay speech and language development, making it harder for children to express themselves or understand others.
  • Academic Struggles: Difficulties processing auditory and visual information can lead to problems with reading, writing, and other school-related tasks.

Understanding sensory processing and recognizing Sensory Processing Disorder is key to helping children overcome the challenges they face. Early intervention through occupational and speech therapy, combined with a structured environment and targeted sensory activities, can make a significant difference in a child’s ability to thrive. By supporting their sensory development, you can help them navigate their world with confidence and ease