Most commonly diagnosed in children, sensory processing disorder (SPD), previously called sensory integration disorder (SID), creates difficulties in managing and responding to sensory input. A child might over- or under-react to sensory stimuli including sight, sound, touch, smell and balance. Because SPD is not yet included in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a single diagnostic instrument is not available. Professionals rely on various tools and checklists to identify issues relating to sensory processing disorder.
Tactile Dysfunction
A child with hypersensitivity to touch may react with pain or discomfort to certain cloths, sheets or towels. They may resist eating or touching certain textures. On the other hand, a child with under-sensitivity to touch may crave excessively spicy foods, pinch or hurt herself, or may touch certain textures repeatedly.
Auditory Dysfunction
Children who experience auditory dysfunction related to SPD might cover their ears and complain about sounds barely heard by others. They might be fearful of regular background noises including a radio, bath running or dog barking. Alternatively, children may not respond to loud, startling noises or be unable to identify from where a sound originates.
Oral Dysfunction
Children suffering from oral dysfunction might be fussy eaters, dislike going to the dentist, have difficulty swallowing or chewing, and complain about toothpaste and mouthwash. They might also chew excessively on their hair or shirt, or put things into their mouths long after the toddler years.
Visual Input Dysfunction
Children with SPD may struggle with visual input. They might complain about certain types of light or bright sunny days. Additionally, movement can easily distract them, causing them to lose their place when reading or playing a game. They might also struggle to differentiate shapes, colors and letters.
Vestibular Dysfunction
Difficulties with equilibrium, position in space, movement experiences and gravitational changes characterize vestibular dysfunction. Children might bump into objects, be fearful of swings and slides, and move over-cautiously in ordinary situations. They can also crave spinning and jumping, or never seem to get dizzy. Some children with vestibular dysfunction appear clumsy, unable to learn dance steps or movement games, or have poor fine motor skills.
Olfactory Dysfunction
Olfactory dysfunction, as part of SPD, produces extreme responses to common smells. A child might resist eating a common fruit because the smell bothers her. Some children with olfactory dysfunction might become nauseous from certain smells.
