We all experience the world through our senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. Because we often feel many sensations simultaneously, our brains have a filter system that helps us prioritize our focus. Children’s and adults’ brains process sensory information, or stimuli, differently. A child with sensory processing issues may behave in ways their parents might find confusing or distressing. Early intervention is key to providing your child with effective treatment to manage this condition.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
A sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes, regulates, and interprets sensory information or stimuli from one or more senses. Some children with SPD may be excessively sensitive to certain stimuli, while others may generate intense sensory experiences. A child with SPD has chronic difficulties with sensory input that can be highly disruptive to their everyday life.
What are the symptoms of SPD?
Symptoms of sensory processing issues include sudden mood swings and strange reactions.
Children with SPD often exhibit extreme behaviors such as:
- Increased movement, such as jumping, spinning, or running
- Increased stimming, such as hand flapping, making repetitive noises, or rocking back and forth
- Talking faster and louder, or not talking at all
- Covering ears at loud noises, and eyes at bright lights
- Difficulty recognizing sensations like hunger, pain, or bathroom
- Refusing or insisting on certain types of foods or clothing
- Frequent chewing on non-food items
- Frequently touching others or playing rough
- Crashing into objects or people
- Shutdowns: non-responsive as the brain shifts energy to manage sensory input
- Meltdowns: a sensory overload of escalating emotions, or “flight response” to escape a situation
What causes SPD?
The exact cause of SPD is unknown, but some experts believe that genetics may play a role. SPD is a common co-occurring condition with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The majority of children and adults with ASD also have significant sensory challenges. Other causes of SPD may stem from:
- Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters
- A damaged cerebellum
- An imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
How is SPD diagnosed?
Although not officially recognized as a “diagnosable” condition, SPD can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist (OT) with advanced sensory processing and integration training. An OT will link sensory responses to present challenges in day-to-day functioning. In addition to standardized assessments, clinical observations are conducted to assess a child’s real-life movements and how they react to sensory stimulation in multiple environments, including their home and school settings.
What treatments are available for SPD?
Treatment can vary depending on the child’s unique spectrum of sensory challenges.
Some of the most common therapies include:
- Sensory integration therapy
- Physical therapy
- Sensory diet
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and Language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Hippotherapy
- Vision therapy
- Perceptual Motor Therapy
Can adults have SPD?
Children are more likely than adults to have SPD. For adults, they’ve probably experienced symptoms since childhood. However, many adults have developed ways to manage their SPD and can disguise their disorder from others.
Is SPD a recognized disorder?
There’s a lot of debate about whether SPD should be a recognized, diagnosable condition. Currently, it’s not included in the DSM-5, the authoritative reference on mental health and brain-related conditions. Mostly, in part, because SPDs are typically a dominant symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, many children with SPD don’t have ASD or other developmental delays. This can be somewhat confusing for parents, especially when seeking to understand their child’s condition and how best to help them.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder with Roman Empire Agency
If you have concerns about your child’s sensory processing challenges, Roman Empire Agency offers comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help your child thrive.
Our aim is to support your child’s ongoing development through a personalized approach, helping them achieve their full potential now and into adulthood.
If you’d like to learn more about our specialized services and how we can help you and your child, contact us today!
