About Sensory Processing and Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (formerly known as "sensory integration dysfunction") is a condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. Pioneering occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., likened SPD to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.

SPD can affect people in only one sense–for example, just touch or just sight or just movement–or in multiple senses. The disorder may lead one child to over-respond to sensation and another to under-respond. Sadly, misdiagnosis is common because many health care professionals are not trained to recognize sensory issues. These sensory issues can drive some children to seek sensation (which can look like hyperactivity) and others to avoid sensation (which can look like aggression or withdrawal).

The symptoms of SPD vary depending upon the sense that is affected, the way in which it is affected, and other variables. Children who have challenges in the proprioceptive and/or vestibular sensory system often display motor delays, poor muscle tone, handwriting difficulties, or postural problems. These sensational kids may be clumsy and awkward and have trouble with coordination in sports (such as with ball handling) and other activities. Children who are over-responsive to sensation exhibit "sensory defensiveness" – an aversion to touch, sound, light, or other sensory input. Many of these children are fussy babies who grow into toddlers and grade schoolers who are anxious, have trouble making transitions, have frequent tantrums or meltdowns, and/or have difficulty in social situations. In still another subtype of SPD, children who are sensory seekers are often thought to have ADHD because the behaviors their craving for sensory input produces look like some behaviors of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Symptoms of SPD, like those of most disorders, occur within a broad spectrum of severity. While most of us have occasional difficulties processing sensory information, for children and adults with SPD, these difficulties are chronic, disrupting everyday life. Diagnosis of SPD requires careful assessment by a trained therapist.

SPD in Children

Studies indicate that at least 1 in 20 children exhibit diagnostic symptoms of SPD. At STAR, we call these children our "sensational kids."

Without effective intervention, sensational kids struggle with everyday routines and activities at home, school, and in the community. Daily "occupations" such as eating, sleeping, dressing, playing, and learning cannot be performed the way that typical kids perform them. Children who can't perform these routines with the ease of their peers often grow up feeling "different" and may be ridiculed or rejected by other children. Life-altering issues with self-confidence, self-esteem, self-regulation, and social participation can develop.

The goal of treatment for children with SPD is to get neural "traffic" flowing smoothly so that they can participate in the normal activities of daily life and enjoy the social and emotional rewards that come with success.

SPD in children is treated non-invasively in a friendly community setting with occupational therapy and other therapies described in Our Services.

SPD in Adults

Sensational children who are not treated in childhood often grow into adults whose daily lives continue to be affected by their inability to accurately and appropriately interpret sensory messages.

These "sensational adults" may have difficulty performing routines and activities involved in work, close relationships, and recreation. Because adults with SPD have struggled for most of their lives, they may also experience depression, underachievement, social isolation, and/or other secondary effects.

The goal of treatment for adults with SPD is to help them live fulfilled and happy lives. Most adults with SPD struggle because they've been misunderstood all their lives. Often, they don't even understand themselves. Why don't I like to be with people, or go shopping, or go to movies? Or Why am I so clumsy? Or Why is it so hard for me to stick with things?

Once adults receive treatment for their sensory issues, understanding grows. With direct treatment, changes in the way sensation is perceived take place. Strategies can be identified for avoiding those relationships and situations that cause failure and lead to anxiety and depression. Sensory techniques for home can be taught.