Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder in Kids

As parents, we celebrate each milestone, each new sound, each wobbly step. But sometimes, a child’s reactions to the world seem out of sync. A gentle touch might cause them to recoil, while a cacophony of sounds barely registers. Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder is often the first step toward providing the right kind of support for your child.

Sensory processing is the intricate dance between the world around us and our brains. This neurological process translates sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and even the movement of our own bodies into a coherent experience. For some children, this translation doesn’t go smoothly, but boosting development through sensory play can help bridge the gap, allowing them to better connect with their surroundings.

Imagine feeling a soft sweater as if it were made of sandpaper, or the hum of a refrigerator as a jarring roar. These sensory differences, while subtle to some, can significantly impact a child’s life.

Table of Contents:

• What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
• Decoding the Signs and Symptoms
  • Over-Responsivity: When the World Feels Too Intense
  • Under-Responsivity: Seeking More From Their Senses
  • Mixed Sensory Experiences: A Blend of Sensory Preferences
• Navigating the Causes of SPD
• Understanding SPD: Is it Part of a Larger Picture?
• Finding the Right Path: Getting a Diagnosis
• Providing Support: Nurturing a Child’s Sensory Wellbeing
  • At Home: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Oasis
  • At School: Partnering for Success
  • In Social Situations: Building Confidence & Connection
• Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: A Journey Toward Thriving
• Conclusion

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder, sometimes referred to as sensory integration dysfunction, isn’t just about disliking certain sensations. It goes deeper than that. A child with SPD struggles with how their brain processes and responds to sensory information. This can result in them feeling overwhelmed, even in situations that seem perfectly ordinary to others.

Children with SPD might be over-responsive, under-responsive, or crave specific sensations more intensely than others. Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder means understanding the unique ways a child experiences and reacts to their world.

Decoding the Signs and Symptoms

One of the trickiest parts of understanding Sensory Processing Disorder is the wide range of ways it can present. Every child experiences sensory input differently. Here are some common signs parents might observe. This is not an exhaustive list.

Over-Responsivity: When the World Feels Too Intense

• Becoming anxious, fearful, or upset in noisy environments.
• Refusing to wear certain clothes because the textures are unbearable.
• Covering ears or becoming distressed at seemingly normal sounds.
• Extreme sensitivity to bright lights or patterns.
• Picky eating habits related to food texture, taste, or smell.
• Avoid being touched or hugged, even by loved ones.
• Having difficulty calming down after sensory overload, often resulting in tantrums or meltdowns.

Under-Responsivity: Seeking More From Their Senses

• Seeming oblivious to pain or temperature changes.
• Constantly touching things or people.
• Having a high pain threshold.
• Craving intense movement, such as spinning, jumping, or crashing.
• Making humming or repetitive noises.
• Being unusually clumsy or having poor coordination.
• Chewing on non-food items.

Mixed Sensory Experiences: A Blend of Sensory Preferences

Some children exhibit a combination of sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviors, making it tricky to fit neatly into one category. They may be overly sensitive to sounds, yet crave lots of physical contact or movement.

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder involves recognizing that children can be both over- and under-responsive in different sensory areas. This can lead to children with SPD being labeled as “picky” or “difficult.” However, it’s important to remember that these behaviors are not intentional. They are a way for the child to cope with their sensory processing issues.

Navigating the Causes of SPD

While the exact cause of SPD is still being researched, scientists believe several factors could contribute.

• Genetics: Sensory processing differences often run in families. Research indicates that genetics might influence how a child’s brain interprets sensory data. For example, if a parent has a heightened sensitivity to sound, their child might inherit this trait.
• Prenatal or Birth Complications: Issues during pregnancy or delivery, like premature birth or low birth weight, could be associated with sensory processing challenges later on.
• Environmental Factors: While more studies are needed, some experts believe that extreme environmental factors could play a role. For example, extreme sensory deprivation or, conversely, sensory overload in early childhood could contribute to the development of SPD.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A strong link exists between TBI and sensory processing issues, especially for young children. This connection aligns with what we know about how even mild head injuries can disrupt brain pathways responsible for processing sensory information, leading to sensory challenges later on. This possibility highlights the importance of protecting young children from head injuries whenever possible. Traumatic brain injury can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.

Understanding SPD: Is it Part of a Larger Picture?

Although sensory processing disorder is not currently recognized as a stand-alone medical diagnosis in the DSM-5, many experts agree that these challenges are real and deserve attention.

Children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental delays often experience sensory challenges as a significant part of their experience. Researchers believe that shared neurological pathways might explain this connection. Understanding sensory processing issues is crucial for providing these children with effective support strategies.

Finding the Right Path: Getting a Diagnosis

If you suspect something is different about how your child interacts with sensory input, don’t ignore it. Talking to your pediatrician is a great first step. They may refer you to a specialist, such as an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapists trained in sensory integration can use standardized assessments and observation to understand your child’s sensory profile better. They can also rule out other conditions that may be contributing to your child’s challenges. Early intervention is essential for children with sensory processing issues.

It’s not always easy. Understanding sensory processing differences in a child’s development can be tricky because a child might not use words like “overwhelmed” but rather show their sensory overload through behaviors like hiding, tantrums, or complete avoidance. A sensory profile can help to identify a child’s specific sensory needs.

Providing Support: Nurturing a Child’s Sensory Wellbeing

Getting the right diagnosis, whether it’s SPD or another condition with accompanying sensory sensitivities, is just the first step. Parents want to know—what next? How do you help your child thrive amidst the overwhelming cacophony of sights and sounds? This is where a sensory diet can be helpful. Occupational therapists can create a sensory diet to help children regulate their sensory systems.

At Home: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Oasis

For children with SPD, a calm and predictable home environment can be their haven. A few changes can go a long way:

• Quiet Zones: Set aside a specific area where your child can go to decompress when overwhelmed. Equip this space with calming tools like soft blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys. This will give them a safe space to go to when they are feeling overwhelmed.
• Sensory Diet: This isn’t about food; it’s a customized plan developed by an occupational therapist that incorporates regulating activities. Think deep pressure squeezes, swinging, or playing with textured materials to help children regulate their sensory systems throughout the day.
• Communication is Key: Let your child know about potentially overwhelming events, like trips to the grocery store or birthday parties. This way, they can mentally prepare and even be a part of coming up with solutions. Visual schedules can be helpful for children who have trouble with transitions.

At School: Partnering for Success

A child might be academically gifted, but sensory overload could hinder their full potential. Working with the school can make a huge difference.

• Individualized Education Program (IEP): If your child needs specialized support, like sensory breaks, preferential seating away from noisy areas, or modified assignments, an IEP might be helpful in ensuring those needs are met. The IEP can also provide accommodations to help your child succeed in school.
• Sensory Tools in the Classroom: Even small additions like weighted lap pads, fidget toys used discreetly, or noise-reducing headphones can make the classroom environment less overwhelming. These tools can help children with SPD to focus and learn.
• Educate the Educators: Sharing information with your child’s teacher about SPD can help them better understand and respond to their sensory-related behaviors. Sensory challenges are often misconstrued as behavioral issues, but open communication can create a more supportive classroom culture. It’s important to advocate for your child’s needs.

In Social Situations: Building Confidence & Connection

Sensory sensitivities can sometimes make social interactions a challenge. Helping children develop their social confidence while respecting their needs is crucial.

• Social Stories: Create or use social stories to help your child navigate various social scenarios and sensory triggers they might encounter. For example, you could create a story about going to a birthday party that addresses potential sensory overload from loud music or crowds.
• Practice Makes Progress: Engage in role-playing different social situations. This rehearsal of expected behavior in a safe and supportive setting allows your child to develop coping strategies to feel more comfortable and successful.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize and celebrate your child’s social achievements, no matter how small. Did they manage a trip to a friend’s house without a meltdown? That’s something worth applauding. Each step contributes to growing their sense of social competency.

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: A Journey Toward Thriving

Navigating the world of a child with sensory processing differences can feel like charting a course through uncharted territory. But there is hope. With increased awareness, early intervention strategies such as sensory integration therapy, parental advocacy, and the right support, children with SPD can learn to self-regulate and navigate their world with greater ease. For many children, occupational therapy is an important part of managing sensory processing issues.

It is important to keep in mind that each child is different. Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder is an ongoing journey of observation, understanding, and adaptation, working closely with your child’s therapist to determine the most effective approach for their individual needs.

Conclusion

Navigating the nuances of sensory processing differences can feel daunting. Remember this: With continued learning and understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder, you empower your child. Through compassionate observation, tailored strategies, and collaborative efforts with therapists and educators, you equip them with the tools needed to manage their sensory experiences better and thrive in their own way.

Embrace this journey of discovery, whether at home or in a sensory disorder school—it’s one that ultimately benefits the entire family, fostering empathy, understanding, and an unwavering sense of togetherness. Your support and love can pave the way for their confidence to shine through, one sensory experience at a time.