Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD (also referred to as Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with taking in, processing, and responding to sensory information from the environment and within your own body. This can be Hypo Reactive or Hyper Reactive. For example: one child may show no sign of pain when they hurt themselves whilst for another the slightest touch can cause pain.

Sensory processing disorders cause children to have an unclear sense of their surroundings, which often disrupts their learning and relation to the world around them. Sensory integration is our brain’s ability to interpret and respond to sensory information, and those with sensory processing disorder often have difficulty with this.

Using sensory integration products is one key way to help a child with sensory processing disorder make sense of the world around them. These products are also ideal for children who do not have sensory processing disorder to help them reach important developmental milestones.

How does it affect learning?

For those with SPD, sensory information may be sensed and understood in a way that is different from most other people. Unlike blindness or deafness, sensory information can be received by people with SPD, the difference is that information is often registered, interpreted, and processed differently by the brain. SPD can affect not only how they move and learn, but also how they behave, how they play and make friends, and especially how they feel about themselves.

Why undertake sensory programs?

As stated above, SPD can have a huge impact on learning and behavior. By creating an appropriate sensory programme you can reduce fears, confusion, and difficulty and provide long term change.

11 Common Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder or Difficulties Sometimes you need to be a detective to recognize sensory difficulties as the underlying cause of a problem. Here is a list that may help you identify children’s underlying sensory difficulties:

1. Extra sensitive to touch – they don’t like to be touched or can’t be touched enough.

2. Sensitivity to sounds – they may cover their ears when the same noises don’t bother others.

3. Picky eaters – they will only eat a limited range of foods and those they are familiar with.

4. Movement – unusual body posture, seek constant movement, or have difficulty with movement.

5. Hyperactivity – they can’t sit still during the day, get to sleep at night, or calm themselves down.

6. Fear of crowds – crowded areas bother them to the point of frequent public meltdowns.

7. Poor fine or gross motor skills – they have difficulty with handwriting or kicking a ball.

8. Excessive risk taking – they may be unaware of touch, pain, heights, or danger.

9. Avoidance of sensory stimulation – they won’t put their hands in anything messy such as glue, clay, or mud. They only wear certain clothes.

10. Trouble with balance – they may be accident-prone or fall more often than others and have a preference for sedentary activities.

11. Easily distracted – particularly by noise, movement, and touch.