What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and could your child have it? SPD is a disorder of the brain where sensory input (touch, sight, sound, smell) is received but is then poorly interpreted. Kids with SPD often "over-feel" or "under-feel" noises, sounds, smells, and sensations. Experts now believe that up to 16.5% of children may have Sensory Processing Disorder and that the majority of that number are boys. Here’s what you need to know about SPD.
Symptoms of sensory processing disorder
Help for sensory processing disorder: Treatment options
If you think your child is exhibiting symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder, you’ll want to explore treatment options sooner than later to help them better adjust to the world around them. Treatment will start with your child working with an occupational therapist. The goal is to retrain the brain to respond differently to the stimulation received from the senses. If your child has issues with eating, you may also be advised to introduce them to a sensory diet so that they get the nutrition they need without being overwhelmed by sensations.
In the process of diagnosis and treatment, your therapist will determine if your child is over-stimulated or under-stimulated. From there, the therapist will work with your child to better understand and process stimulation. You may also need to make lifestyle changes so that your child is better able to deal with day-to-day stimulations.
“In occupational therapy, families learn to recognize triggers,” explained mom Sully Montero who’s been helping a family friend and her daughter with the disorder. The therapist helped teach them ways to “manage SPD-related tantrums,” and has been a massive help in the entire family coping with the disorder and helping the child, Montero shared.
Here are five quick facts about SPD:
Sensory Processing Disorder is not autism. Though kids who have autism, ADHD, and Fragile X syndrome are at higher risk for SPD, kids with SPD do not necessarily have autism.
SPD appears to run in families. So when your mother-in-law pops up and says that your son or daughter is "just like her dad," she might just be right.
Kids don't outgrow SPD. Though SPD is often identified (these days) in early childhood, it is a lifelong condition. However, learned coping strategies can reduce the severity of symptoms in adulthood.
SPD is controversial. SPD is not yet a "stand-alone" diagnosis like autism or ADHD, but many believe that it should be.
Help is available. If you think that your child is showing signs of SPD, your school's occupational therapist may be able to help. If your child is not yet school-age, contact your local early intervention program for an evaluation.
