Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known as Sensory Integration Disorder, is a condition that makes it difficult for the brain to accurately process sensory information, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sensory inputs, which can impact how they respond to their environment. Through strategic and individualized Sensory Processing Disorder Therapy, our team of clinicians at Behaved Brain can advise on lifestyle changes and therapies that limit undesired stimuli while supporting an optimal environment for the individual to thrive.
Sensory Processing Disorder Vs Autism
Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder are two distinct conditions, and while they share some similarities in terms of sensory challenges, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention strategies. Since it can be common for those diagnosed with Autism to also exhibit some form of Sensory Processing Disorder, it’s easy to see how these two conditions get conflated. However, our goal is to help our clients, and our community, recognize that these two conditions exist independently while highlighting that SPD exists in many formats, and can be greatly supported with the right therapy and lifestyle changes.
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Myths about Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is generally thought to arise in early childhood as part of an individual’s natural neurodevelopment. It is usually first identified in children as they encounter challenges with sensory integration during early life stages. However, while SPD is most commonly associated with developmental origins, sensory processing difficulties can emerge later in life under certain circumstances. This means that Sensory Processing Disorder can also occur in adulthood. For more on that, scroll down to the section where we discuss “Developmental” vs. “Acquired” Sensory Processing Disorder.
Also, though many people tend to think of SPD in its “over responsive” state, causing visible anxiety or distress, Sensory Processing Disorder can actually be extremely varied. Some individuals with SPD, for instance, are relatively unresponsive to sensory stimulation. This can distort their reaction to things like pain and fear, or encourage them to seek overly stimulating situations. That’s why seeking the help of a qualified medical and therapy team, like Behaved Brain, is so important to properly diagnose SPD. We can prescribe a customized therapy model to help alleviate stimuli that cause dysregulation while creating a more enriching environment for the individual.
Types and Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Over Responsive Sensory Processing Disorder
Those who exhibit the “Over Responsive” form of SPD tend to have sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, certain textures of clothing, or strong smells. These triggers can be overwhelming and cause distress or discomfort.
Under Responsive Sensory Processing Disorder
Those who exhibit the “Under Responsive” form of SPD are much less sensitive to touch, pain, or sounds, which can lead to difficulties recognizing environmental cues or engaging in social interactions. This is in exact opposition to Over Responsive Sensory Processing Disorder.
Sensory Seeking SPD
Those with Sensory Seeking Sensory Processing Disorder are prone to repetitive experiences, such as spinning, rocking, or touching objects excessively in an effort to regulate their sensory systems. They can also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors to achieve desired stimulation.
Poor Sensory Discrimination SPD
Those who are challenged with Poor Sensory Discrimination might have trouble distinguishing between different textures or identifying where a stimulus is coming from. As an example, they can struggle to tell the difference between two sounds or identifying objects by touch.
Poor Motor Coordination SPD
Those who suffer with Poor Motor Coordination face challenges with activities that require strategic movement and concentration such as writing, tying shoelaces, or using utensils. Since their body awareness and coordination is compromised, it can lead to clumsiness and trouble balancing as well.
Emotional and Behavioral SPD
Those with Emotional and Behavioral SPD are easily overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, or have meltdowns when confronted with sensory triggers.
Transitional SPD
Those with Transitional Sensory Processing Disorder have problems when a change in routine or new environments occur, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with SPD, as they struggle to adapt to unfamiliar sensory experiences.
Therapy we offer for Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder is not a condition that can be healed with medication, rather, treatment includes distinguishing the exact triggers of SPD symptoms and helping alleviate or control them with behavioral therapy and environmental modifications. Therefore, therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder focuses on helping individuals manage sensory challenges and improve their ability to function in daily life even when stimuli is present. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, various approaches can provide significant benefits.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is the most common therapy approach for Sensory Processing Disorder. It involves addressing sensory challenges in three ways: Adjusting the environment, gradual exposure to stimuli, and exercises or activities to improve symptoms. Since this is such a broad category, your therapist will determine exactly how occupational therapy is implemented into your Sensory Processing Disorder therapy approach.
Sensory Activities
Those who have SPD require the right amount sensory input in their daily lives to feel balanced. Because of this, our therapists work with each individual to prescribe a set of sensory “exercises” that can be used to stay regulated and focused. Some examples include trampoline jumping for proprioceptive input, or using a weighted blanket for calming deep pressure input.
Environmental Adjustments
Our team works with each individual and their families to determine if environmental changes can be adjusted at home, in school, or at work to support their SPD symptoms. By adjusting sensory overload in the environment, the individual can experience a more calming atmosphere with less triggering stimuli. Some examples include reducing noise, adjusting lighting, and creating calming “zones.”
Coping Strategies
When a stimulus cannot be avoided, it’s important for the individual to have a “toolbox” of strategies to help alleviate overstimulation. Some strategies include breathing exercises, concentration tools or using noise-cancelling headphones. We also discuss the importance of articulating needs. When the individual is experiencing stimulus overload, letting those around them know about it can quickly help everyone make changes to the environment to avoid a full-blown episode.
Specialized Therapy
Because SPD triggers are very specific to the individual, we usually layer diversified therapies along with our traditional therapy approach with the help of specialists. This may include speech therapy, physical therapy, or working with a psychologist to address and improve the unique symptoms of the individual.
School and Work Accommodations
For children, our team helps families get Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans for the child, which can include sensory-friendly accommodations in the classroom. For adults, we help with workplace adjustments, collaborating with employers to implement changes such as quiet workspaces or flexible schedules.
Developmental Vs Acquired Sensory Processing Disorder
While a great many of those who contend with SPD have dealt with symptoms since early in life, Sensory Processing Disorder can absolutely manifest from an environmental standpoint. To that end, adults are more likely to “acquire” SPD because of the way in which it tends to manifest through environmental mechanisms.
For those who are born with SPD, it’s often linked to atypical brain development and is commonly recognized in childhood, but can absolutely be diagnosed later in life. In contrast, Acquired Sensory Processing Disorder develops later in life. Some of the most common reasons for Acquired Sensory Processing Disorder include brain injuries like trauma, stroke or concussion, diseases like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s, chronic stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, neurological decline, aging, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and can even be the byproduct of certain medications and treatments like chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sensory Processing Disorder
Is Sensory Processing Disorder curable?
Sensory Processing Disorder is not a condition which can be “cured” with medication or drug therapy. Rather, SPD can include a range of symptoms that, with great therapy and environmental changes, can be well managed.
Can Sensory Processing Disorder develop in adults?
While true SPD is typically developmental and diagnosed in childhood, sensory processing difficulties can emerge at any age due to external factors or neurological changes. If sensory challenges appear later in life, they are often secondary to an underlying issue, such as trauma, injury, or a medical condition.
Is Sensory Processing Disorder the same as Autism?
SPD and Autism are distinct from one another and may or may not occur in conjunction. This means that an individual may have SPD and not Autism. Both require a separate diagnosis using specialized testing, which can be performed at Behaved Brain.
