What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory processing disorder, SPD, is the inability to organize the use of the senses. People who struggle with sensory issues can misinterpret just one type of signal---such as touch or hearing---or struggle with all of the senses working together. The inability to interpret and regulate senses stems from the brain. SPD impacts at least one in 20 children. In children, it can be hard to tell if the problem is sensory related or bad behavior. Most people have experienced an overreaction to a sensation at one time or other, but sensory processing disorder impacts everyday life. Therapies are available to help a person with SPD cope and function in everyday life.

Gross Motor Challenges

Children with sensory processing disorder may lack gross or fine motor skills. Their muscles may not be receiving and channeling messages from the brain appropriately. It's common to see SPD kids have trouble with coordination, posture, body positions and handwriting. They may walk on their toes and have low muscle tone.

Auditory, Visual Sensitivities

People with SPD often have either a heightened sensitivity to noises or appear oblivious to loud noises. They prefer dark rooms and may avoid eye contact or stare at an object for an abnormal amount of time. They may prefer to spin an object instead of playing with it.

Under-responsive or Over-responsive

A child with SPD can either overreact or show too little of a reaction to sensory input. A child who is over-responsive cannot seem to get enough sensory input. A constant craving for sensory input is common. A child who is under-responsive does not jump or turn when a loud sound is heard.

Strong Craving for Order, Routine

Children with SPD challenges often crave order and routine. Since they cannot make appropriate sense of things, predictability seems to help keep them calm.

Often Combines With Other Disorders

Sensory processing disorder is very common in children with autism, ADHD and fragile X syndrome. If your child has any of these disorders, you should consult a doctor regarding the possibility of a sensory processing disorder.

Avoids Textures, Touch

People with SPD may have strong resistance to certain textures, foods or clothes. They avoid getting too dirty or playing in anything messy. They can also sometimes avoid touch or crave too much touching.