Sensory processing disorder (SPD), also called sensory integration dysfunction, is a neurological condition that changes how the brain processes sensory input and stimuli in everyday life. Due to these cognitive differences, children and adults with SPD may have sensitivities of sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. Each individual will experience SPD differently, some exhibiting more apparent symptoms than others.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
- Symptoms Of Sensory Processing Disorder
- Does Anxiety Cause Sensory Issues?
- Is ADHD A Sensory Disorder?
- Treatment For Sensory Processing Disorder
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
At its core, SPD is caused by changes in the brain’s development and how it processes stimuli. The exact cause of SPD is not fully understood in the medical community. Some research suggests genetics or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may play a role in the condition’s development. More specifically, children of autistic parents may be more likely to have autism or SPD symptoms.
Symptoms Of Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD will manifest in various ways depending on a person’s levels of sensitivity to stimuli and underlying conditions, but the most commonly seen symptoms include:
- Clothing materials are too itchy or scratchy
- Certain lights are too bright
- Sounds are too loud
- Food textures or flavors cause gagging
- Poor balance
- Find soft touch too rough or hard
Along with the primary symptoms of SPD, people with this condition may experience low self-confidence, social isolation, and poor mental health, such as depression. In some extreme cases, SPD can make it difficult for a person to leave their home. Likewise, the adverse effects of stimuli can cause problems with focus, sleep, and personal space.
Does Anxiety Cause Sensory Issues?
Individuals with an anxiety disorder may be more prone to sensory overload. Still, they typically report high sensitivity to be the core of their symptoms rather than the anxiety itself. That said, anxiety and sensory issues are highly intertwined, and either one could contribute to symptoms of the other. A person experiencing high levels of anxiety may also have a temporary heightened sensitivity to sound. Similarly, the discomfort associated with overstimulation can increase anxious feelings.
Is ADHD A Sensory Disorder?
It’s common for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also to experience co-existing SPD. Both conditions impact a person’s sensory intake and reaction to stimuli. ADHD can make it difficult to regulate behavior and emotions, and being triggered by minor sensations can lead to outbursts. Likewise, overstimulation due to SPD can lead to extreme reactions, including shutting down or having an outburst.
Treatment For Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD may come with a unique set of challenges, but there are plenty of treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms. These types of treatments are designed to help a person process sensory information so that they experience less overstimulation.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy to help adults and children with sensory processing disorder. They incorporate various sensory stimulation activities into sessions to help patients regulate their sensory responses. The exact activities incorporated into a therapy session will depend on the patient. Some examples of these activities include brushing teeth, finger painting, shaping play dough, and carrying grocery bags.
Feeding Therapy
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists lead feeding therapy and use different techniques to help patients with problematic feeding behaviors. They specifically target the sensory challenges of food textures and flavors. It’s common for SPD to cause difficulties with feeding, so with feeding therapy, patients can increase their tolerance to certain foods and expand their preferences.
