Children with sensory processing disorder have difficulty processing information from the senses (touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing) and responding appropriately to that information. These children typically have one or more senses that either over- or under react to stimulation.
What are examples of sensory issues?
Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food, and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.
What are the signs of sensory processing disorder?
- Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy.
- Think lights seem too bright.
- Think sounds seem too loud.
- Think soft touches feel too hard.
- Experience food textures make them gag.
- Have poor balance or seem clumsy.
- Are afraid to play on the swings.
What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?
- Pattern 1: Sensory modulation disorder. The affected person has difficulty in responding to sensory stimuli. ...
- Pattern 2: Sensory-based motor disorder. ...
- Pattern 3: Sensory discrimination disorder (SDD).
What happens when you have sensory processing disorder?
Sensory processing disorder may affect one sense, like hearing, touch, or taste . Or it may affect multiple senses. And people can be over- or under-responsive to the things they have difficulties with.
How do you get diagnosed with sensory processing disorder?
Currently the standardised assessment tool used to diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests . This consists of 17 tests that are used to test several aspects of sensory processing.
Can anxiety cause sensory issues?
Mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD can also trigger sensory overload . Anticipation, fatigue, and stress can all contribute to a sensory overload experience, making senses feel heightened during panic attacks and PTSD episodes.
Are you born with sensory processing disorder?
Preliminary research suggests that SPD is often inherited . If so, the causes of SPD are coded into the child’s genetic material. Prenatal and birth complications have also been implicated, and environmental factors may be involved.
How do I know if my child has sensory processing disorder?
- Refuses to wear certain clothing or fabrics because they feel itchy, painful or just don’t feel right.
- Is clumsy or constantly bumps into walls or objects.
- Reacts strongly to loud noises and bright lights.
Can a child have sensory issues and not be autistic?
Sensory processing problems are now considered a symptom of autism because the majority of children and adults on the autism spectrum also have significant sensory issues. However, many children with sensory issues are not on the spectrum .
What is another name for Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD in short , is a neurological disorder where individuals give abnormal responses to sensory information that the individual perceives. SPD in a way is difficult to integrate information from the senses.
What is the difference between autism and sensory processing disorder?
Children with autism have disruptions in brain connectivity along social and emotional pathways , whereas those pathways are intact in children with SPD alone. Children with SPD tend to have more problems with touch than do those with autism, whereas children with autism struggle more with sound processing.
Who treats sensory processing disorder?
SPD treatment often means working with an occupational therapist on activities that help retrain the senses. Many therapists use a sensory integration (OT-SI) approach that begins in a controlled, stimulating environment, and focuses on making SPD easier to manage in day-to-day life.
How do you discipline a child with sensory processing disorder?
Understand what sensory input your child is seeking and redirect. Take a look at your child’s behavior and see what senses they are looking to stimulate. Rather than punish them for engaging in a behavior, redirect them to another activity that stimulates their senses in a similar way.
Is SPD a disability?
While SPD may affect the child’s auditory, visual, and motor skills, and the ability to process and sequence information, it is not, at present, specifically identified as a qualifying disability , making a child eligible for special education and related services.
Does medication help Sensory Processing Disorder?
Currently, there are no medications approved for SPD , but some professionals believe that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) might help. Having said that, medications for any accompanying disorders (including addiction) may help to improve functioning and quality of life.
