Does your child struggle with loud noises? Do they throw frequent tantrums over clothing textures? Are they constantly touching everything around them?
If so, they may be showing signs of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
SPD affects how the brain interprets sensory input, making everyday experiences overwhelming or, in some cases, completely unnoticed. A child with SPD may react strongly to bright lights, certain smells, or even the sensation of different fabrics on their skin. Others might appear indifferent to pain, struggle with balance, or have difficulty coordinating their movements.
While some children may only experience mild sensory challenges, others might face severe disruptions in daily life, affecting their ability to focus, interact with others, or participate in regular activities. Parents often mistake these signs for behavioral issues, but understanding the root cause can help in addressing the problem effectively.
Early recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder is key to providing the right interventions. With proper therapy, children can learn to manage their sensory sensitivities, improve motor coordination, and develop coping strategies to navigate their environment more comfortably.
In this article, we will discuss the common signs of SPD, how it affects different senses, and the available treatment options to help children thrive.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain interprets and responds to sensory input. It can cause children to react too strongly or not respond at all to everyday stimuli, such as sounds, textures, or movement.
For most people, the brain automatically filters out background sensory information, like the hum of a refrigerator or the texture of clothing on the skin. However, children with SPD may struggle to process these inputs, leading to distress or unusual behaviors.
How SPD Affects Daily Life
SPD can affect one or multiple senses, including:
Touch (Tactile Sensitivity): Overreaction to clothing textures, refusal to touch certain materials, or seeking excessive physical contact.
Hearing (Auditory Sensitivity): Extreme sensitivity to sounds, difficulty focusing in noisy environments, or a delayed response to verbal cues.
Taste and Smell: Aversion to strong odors or extreme pickiness with food textures.
Balance and Coordination (Vestibular System): Trouble with activities requiring balance, such as bike riding or climbing stairs.
Body Awareness (Proprioception): Frequent clumsiness, difficulty judging personal space, or using too much or too little force when handling objects.
Some children may be over-responsive (hypersensitive) to sensory input, while others may be under-responsive (hyposensitive), leading to different behavioral patterns.
Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may overreact or underreact to sensory input, affecting their daily activities. Common signs include sensitivity to loud noises, avoiding certain textures, clumsiness, or seeking excessive movement. Recognizing these symptoms early can help parents provide the right support and therapy to improve their child’s sensory processing abilities.
1. Overreaction to Loud Noises
One of the most common signs of SPD is a heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds. While most children may flinch at sudden, loud noises like a siren or fireworks, children with SPD may:
Cover their ears when toilets flush, vacuums run, or alarms sound.
Become distressed in crowded or noisy places like shopping malls or playgrounds.
Struggle to focus in environments with background noise, such as a classroom.
Some children experience the opposite effect, failing to respond to loud noises or seeming unaware of their surroundings when spoken to.
2. Avoids Certain Textures or Clothing
Children with SPD often have strong reactions to textures, which can make dressing, eating, and playtime challenging. Signs include:
Refusing to wear clothes with seams, tags, or specific fabrics like wool.
Insisting on wearing the same comfortable clothing repeatedly.
Avoiding certain surfaces, such as sand, grass, or finger paint.
In contrast, some children seek out excessive tactile input and may constantly touch objects, surfaces, or people.
3. Unusual Response to Pain or Temperature
Children with SPD may not react as expected to injuries or extreme temperatures. For example, they may:
Not notice cuts, bruises, or even burns.
Walk barefoot on hot pavement or ice without showing discomfort.
Not flinch when getting shots or experiencing minor injuries.
On the other hand, some children may have an exaggerated response to minor discomfort, crying over small bumps or scrapes.
4. Constantly Seeks or Avoids Touch
Touch sensitivity can go in two directions:
Hypersensitive children may avoid hugs, hold their hands up to avoid contact, or become anxious in crowded places where they might be bumped.
Hyposensitive children may seek out strong touch, constantly grabbing or rubbing objects, or pressing against walls for sensory feedback.
5. Trouble with Balance and Coordination
Children with SPD may struggle with motor skills, leading to challenges in physical activities. Signs include:
Frequent tripping, bumping into things, or dropping objects.
Difficulty learning to ride a bike, climb stairs, or participate in sports.
Poor posture or trouble sitting still for extended periods.
6. Strong Reactions to Smells and Tastes
A child with SPD may have an extreme aversion to certain smells or food textures, including:
Refusing to eat foods with specific textures (e.g., mushy, crunchy, or slimy).
Gagging or covering their nose when exposed to strong scents like perfumes or cleaning products.
Becoming upset when exposed to common smells, such as cooking odors or fresh laundry.
7. Difficulty with Bedtime Routines
Children with SPD may resist bedtime because their nighttime routine triggers sensory discomfort. This can include:
Avoiding brushing their teeth due to the sensation of the toothbrush.
Crying when having their hair brushed or washed.
Struggling with changes in clothing or temperature during bedtime.
8. Unusual Eating Habits
Extreme pickiness with food is another common sign of SPD. Children may:
Reject foods based on texture rather than taste.
Avoid trying new foods and prefer only familiar options.
Show strong reactions to food textures, sometimes gagging or vomiting.
9. Difficulty in Social Situations
SPD can impact a child’s ability to interact with peers. This may include:
Struggling with personal space, either standing too close or too far.
Avoiding group activities due to sensory overload.
Displaying frustration or meltdowns in unfamiliar environments.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
While sensory sensitivities are common in young children, SPD becomes a concern when it significantly impacts daily life. If your child’s reactions interfere with their ability to participate in school, social events, or self-care, it may be time to seek professional guidance.
How Is SPD Diagnosed?
SPD is typically identified through:
Parent and teacher observations of sensory behaviors.
Standardized assessments conducted by an occupational therapist.
Sensory integration evaluations to determine sensory processing difficulties.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may overreact or underreact to sensory input, affecting their daily activities. Common signs include sensitivity to loud noises, avoiding certain textures, clumsiness, or seeking excessive movement. Recognizing these symptoms early can help parents provide the right support and therapy to improve their child’s sensory processing abilities.
A pediatric occupational therapy specializes in helping children with sensory difficulties. Treatment plans may include sensory integration therapy, structured activities, and coping strategies to help children process sensory input more effectively and improve their daily functioning.
Gradual exposure to sensory experiences in a controlled environment.
Activities like swinging, brushing techniques, and weighted blankets to help with regulation.
2. Deep Pressure Therapy
Uses weighted vests, compression clothing, or firm hugs to provide calming sensory input.
3. Structured Routines
Developing predictable routines to ease sensory-related anxiety.
Sensory-friendly strategies for dressing, eating, and hygiene.
4. Fine and Gross Motor Activities
Strengthening coordination through targeted exercises.
Improving handwriting, balance, and spatial awareness.
FAQs
1. What causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
SPD is believed to be linked to differences in brain development. Factors such as genetics, premature birth, and environmental influences may contribute to it.
2. Can a child outgrow Sensory Processing Disorder?
While some children develop better coping mechanisms, SPD is a lifelong condition. Occupational therapy can help children manage their symptoms effectively.
3. How is Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosed?
A pediatric occupational therapist evaluates a child’s responses to sensory input and daily activities to determine whether they have SPD.
4. Is Sensory Processing Disorder the same as autism?
No, but the two conditions often overlap. SPD affects sensory processing, while autism involves challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
5. How can schools support children with SPD?
Teachers can provide quiet spaces, allow sensory breaks, and use flexible seating to help children with SPD stay comfortable and engaged in the classroom.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of Sensory Processing Disorder early can help parents take the right steps to support their child. Whether they struggle with loud noises, clothing textures, or balance issues, occupational therapy can provide strategies to manage their sensory needs.
If you suspect your child has SPD, scheduling an evaluation with a pediatric occupational therapist can help them build coping skills and improve their daily life.
