Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), or environmental sensitivity (ES), is
a biologically-based trait characterized by increased awareness and sensitivity to the environment
. A highly sensitive person — whether child or adult — processes sensory stimuli and information more strongly and deeply than do others.
What is sensory sensitivity disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is
a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information (stimuli)
. Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. SPD can affect all of your senses, or just one. SPD usually means you’re overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not.
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.
How do you know if you have sensory sensitivity?
Signs of sensory processing
hypersensitivities
(over-responsiveness): Extreme response to or fear of sudden, high-pitched, loud, or metallic noises (flushing toilets, clanking silverware, etc.) May notice or be distracted by background noises that others don’t seem to hear. Fearful of surprise touches.
What is sensory sensitivity in children?
Sensory issues occur
when a child has a difficult time receiving and responding to information from their senses
. Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.
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).
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
.
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.
Can a child outgrow sensory issues?
Sensory Processing Disorder is frequently seen in children who have other conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Much like autism spectrum, the symptoms of this disorder exist on a spectrum. However, unlike autism,
it is possible for the child to outgrow this disorder
.
What is sensory seeking behavior?
If your child has a sensory processing disorder, he or she may be sensory craving, sensory seeking or exhibit sensory offensiveness. This is defined as
highly interested in movement, lights, colors, sounds, smells and tastes that excite
.
What is sensory anxiety?
Sensory overload and anxiety are
mental health conditions that are deeply related to one another
. When a person feels anxious or already overwhelmed, they may be more prone to experiencing sensory overload in certain situations. Likewise, experiencing sensory overload can make you feel a sense of anxiety.
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.
Why can’t I touch certain textures?
Tactile defensiveness
is a term used to describe the reaction that occurs when someone is very sensitive to touch. Someone who experiences tactile defensiveness will be more sensitive to touch compared to others. Often their skin is more sensitive to every day things clothing textures and hair brushing.
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.
Can sensory processing disorder cause speech delay?
It is no surprise that
children with SPD are often delayed in speech and/or language
. If a child is distracted by discomfort caused by their environment, or if they are busy seeking sensations that are not readily available, they are less likely to be able to attend to speech and language learning opportunities.
Can a child with sensory processing disorder lead a normal life?
No, of course not
. Many factors go into both a child’s and an adult’s ability to improve and manage their SPD and the impact it has on their life. Some factors are obvious: a safe and supportive home life, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, early identification, and appropriate intervention.
