Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain processes and responds to sensory information from the environment. People with SPD may have difficulty processing sensory information from one or more of the following: touch, sound, vision, smell, taste, movement, and gravity. This can result in behaviours such as over- or under-reactivity to stimuli, difficulties with coordination and balance, and challenges with attention and self-regulation. It is important to note that SPD is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) but is commonly used and recognized by some health care professionals and therapists.
Symptoms or sensory processing disorder:
Here are some common symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):
Over-sensitivity to sensory input: being easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures
Under-sensitivity to sensory input: seeking out intense sensory experiences or seeming not to notice certain stimuli
Difficulty with coordination and balance
Avoidance of certain activities or textures (e.g. avoiding physical touch or refusing to wear certain clothes)
Difficulty with self-regulation, such as impulsiveness or agitation
Challenges with attention and focus
Clumsiness or frequently dropping objects
Difficulty with fine motor skills such as writing or using utensils
What causes sensory processing disorder?:
The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Some theories suggest that it may be related to differences in brain structure or function, or to disruptions in the development of sensory pathways. Other potential causes include prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, premature birth, or complications during birth.
Additionally, research has shown that certain medical conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays, can increase the likelihood of sensory processing difficulties. However, SPD can also occur in individuals without any other diagnosis.
Sensory processing disorder treatment:
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) typically involves a combination of strategies and therapies, tailored to each individual's unique needs and symptoms. Here are some approaches that may help:
Occupational therapy: focuses on developing the skills needed for daily life activities, such as dressing, writing, and playing.
Sensory Integration Therapy: helps to improve the brain's ability to process sensory information through targeted activities and exercises.
Behavioural therapy: can help individuals with SPD to regulate their responses to sensory stimuli and develop coping strategies for difficult situations.
Medication: can help manage related conditions such as ADHD or anxiety that may co-occur with SPD.
Assistive technology: devices such as noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets can help to regulate sensory input.
Adaptive equipment: can be used to modify the environment to reduce sensory overload, such as using soft lighting or avoiding certain textures.
How is sensory processing disorder diagnosed?:
Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, occupational therapist, or psychologist. Here are some steps involved in the diagnostic process:
Medical evaluation: a doctor will perform a thorough medical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Developmental assessment: a professional may assess the individual's developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, and talking, to determine if there are any delays or difficulties in these areas.
Occupational therapy assessment: an occupational therapist may conduct a sensory integration evaluation, which involves observing the individual's responses to various sensory stimuli and assessing their ability to process and integrate sensory information.
Psychological evaluation: a psychologist or mental health professional may evaluate the individual's behaviour and emotions to determine if there are any co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety, that may be contributing to the symptoms.
what support is out there?:
individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can access a variety of support services to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here are some options:
National Health Service (NHS): The NHS offers a range of services and support for individuals with SPD, including medical evaluations, occupational therapy assessments, and access to medication for related conditions such as ADHD or anxiety.
Educational support: schools and colleges may be able to provide accommodations and support for individuals with SPD, such as quiet spaces or sensory breaks, to help manage their symptoms in the educational setting.
Charities and support groups: organizations such as the Sensory Processing Disorder UK, Sensory Trust, and the National Autistic Society offer information, resources, and support for individuals with SPD and their families.
Private therapy: individuals can also seek private therapy or support from a qualified occupational therapist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional.
Assistive technology: there are companies in the UK that specialize in assistive technology, such as sensory lights and weighted toys, which can help to regulate sensory input and improve quality of life.
Toys that can help with sensory processing disorder:
There are many toys and games that can help with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by providing sensory input or helping to regulate sensory input. Here are some examples:
Squishy toys: provide input for the sense of touch, and can be used to improve hand strength and dexterity.
Fidget toys: can help to regulate sensory input, especially for individuals who have difficulty sitting still or focusing.
Weighted toys and blankets: can provide proprioceptive input and help to regulate sensory input by providing deep pressure.
Bubble wrap, playdough, and other tactile toys: can provide input for the sense of touch and can be used to improve hand strength and dexterity.
Sensory lights: can provide visual input and can be used to regulate sensory input, especially for individuals who have trouble with bright lights.
Sensory balls: can provide proprioceptive input and help to regulate sensory input through gross motor play.
Liquid floor tiles: are a visual and tactile powerhouse with many benefits to children and adults with SPD. Check them out here.
Symptoms or sensory processing disorder:
Here are some common symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):
Over-sensitivity to sensory input: being easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures
Under-sensitivity to sensory input: seeking out intense sensory experiences or seeming not to notice certain stimuli
Difficulty with coordination and balance
Avoidance of certain activities or textures (e.g. avoiding physical touch or refusing to wear certain clothes)
Difficulty with self-regulation, such as impulsiveness or agitation
Challenges with attention and focus
Clumsiness or frequently dropping objects
Difficulty with fine motor skills such as writing or using utensils
What causes sensory processing disorder?:
The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Some theories suggest that it may be related to differences in brain structure or function, or to disruptions in the development of sensory pathways. Other potential causes include prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, premature birth, or complications during birth.
Additionally, research has shown that certain medical conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays, can increase the likelihood of sensory processing difficulties. However, SPD can also occur in individuals without any other diagnosis.
Sensory processing disorder treatment:
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) typically involves a combination of strategies and therapies, tailored to each individual's unique needs and symptoms. Here are some approaches that may help:
Occupational therapy: focuses on developing the skills needed for daily life activities, such as dressing, writing, and playing.
Sensory Integration Therapy: helps to improve the brain's ability to process sensory information through targeted activities and exercises.
Behavioural therapy: can help individuals with SPD to regulate their responses to sensory stimuli and develop coping strategies for difficult situations.
Medication: can help manage related conditions such as ADHD or anxiety that may co-occur with SPD.
Assistive technology: devices such as noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets can help to regulate sensory input.
Adaptive equipment: can be used to modify the environment to reduce sensory overload, such as using soft lighting or avoiding certain textures.
How is sensory processing disorder diagnosed?:
Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, occupational therapist, or psychologist. Here are some steps involved in the diagnostic process:
Medical evaluation: a doctor will perform a thorough medical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Developmental assessment: a professional may assess the individual's developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, and talking, to determine if there are any delays or difficulties in these areas.
Occupational therapy assessment: an occupational therapist may conduct a sensory integration evaluation, which involves observing the individual's responses to various sensory stimuli and assessing their ability to process and integrate sensory information.
Psychological evaluation: a psychologist or mental health professional may evaluate the individual's behaviour and emotions to determine if there are any co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety, that may be contributing to the symptoms.
what support is out there?:
individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can access a variety of support services to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here are some options:
National Health Service (NHS): The NHS offers a range of services and support for individuals with SPD, including medical evaluations, occupational therapy assessments, and access to medication for related conditions such as ADHD or anxiety.
Educational support: schools and colleges may be able to provide accommodations and support for individuals with SPD, such as quiet spaces or sensory breaks, to help manage their symptoms in the educational setting.
Charities and support groups: organizations such as the Sensory Processing Disorder UK, Sensory Trust, and the National Autistic Society offer information, resources, and support for individuals with SPD and their families.
Private therapy: individuals can also seek private therapy or support from a qualified occupational therapist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional.
Assistive technology: there are companies in the UK that specialize in assistive technology, such as sensory lights and weighted toys, which can help to regulate sensory input and improve quality of life.
Toys that can help with sensory processing disorder:
There are many toys and games that can help with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by providing sensory input or helping to regulate sensory input. Here are some examples:
Squishy toys: provide input for the sense of touch, and can be used to improve hand strength and dexterity.
Fidget toys: can help to regulate sensory input, especially for individuals who have difficulty sitting still or focusing.
Weighted toys and blankets: can provide proprioceptive input and help to regulate sensory input by providing deep pressure.
Bubble wrap, playdough, and other tactile toys: can provide input for the sense of touch and can be used to improve hand strength and dexterity.
Sensory lights: can provide visual input and can be used to regulate sensory input, especially for individuals who have trouble with bright lights.
Sensory balls: can provide proprioceptive input and help to regulate sensory input through gross motor play.
Liquid floor tiles: are a visual and tactile powerhouse with many benefits to children and adults with SPD. Check them out here.
What works for one person with SPD may not work for another, and it may take time and experimentation to find the right toys and activities that work best. Working with a qualified occupational therapist can help to determine the most effective toys and activities for each individual's needs.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, leave a comment below!