What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) happens when the brain has trouble understanding sensory information, which includes sights, sounds, touches, tastes, smells, movements, and body positions. People with SPD may react differently to these sensations.
Types of Sensory Reactions
People with SPD might be overly sensitive (hyper-responsive) or not sensitive enough (hypo-responsive) to sensory inputs. For example, a child might be very bothered by bright lights or loud noises (hyper-responsive) or not notice when someone is talking to them (hypo-responsive).
Sensory Systems
Here are the different sensory systems that can be affected by SPD:
Visual System (Sight): How we see things.
Auditory System (Sound): How we hear sounds.
Tactile System (Touch): How we feel things through touch.
Gustatory System (Taste): How we taste food.
Olfactory System (Smell): How we smell things.
Proprioceptive System (Position in space): How we know where our body parts are without looking.
Vestibular System (Movement): How we balance and move.
Interoceptive System (Inner body): How we feel internal sensations like hunger or thirst.
Common Signs of SPD
Children with SPD may show different signs depending on how their brains process sensory information. They might:
React too much or too little to sensory inputs.
Have unusual activity levels, being too active or too tired.
Have trouble with motor skills, social skills, and learning.
Importance of Early Detection
Noticing the signs of SPD early can help parents and caregivers support their child’s needs. A checklist of symptoms can be a useful tool to start understanding these sensory challenges.
Want a checklist? Get it here.