1. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in Autism: Symptoms & Management
2. Recognizing SPD Symptoms: The 3 Main Categories
3. Hypersensitivity vs. Hyposensitivity: Understanding the Spectrum
4. Practical Activities for Sensory Processing Disorder at Home
5. The Safety-Sensory Connection: Reducing Overload Meltdowns
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can’t be diagnosed using a singular criterion. Instead it is a broad diagnosis that can occur as a separate condition from autism. SPD is described as the brain’s inability to “map” sensory input which can lead to a myriad of functional problems involving social skills, learning, and self control.
Using the “traffic Jam” analogy: Think of a busy intersection, and picture that for some reason, there isn’t a single functional traffic light. For a brain that is suffering with SPD, that is the experience every time they are faced with an overwhelming deluge of sensory information.
Eating, sleeping, and dressing can be simple tasks for many, but can be monumental challenges for a child with sensory issues as they relax, switch, and rotate in their beds, and struggle to battle the friction of conflicting fabrics.
Individual symptoms of SPD can show up in each of the three primary areas. Identifying and understanding where your child has difficulties is the initial step toward successful treatment.
Sensory Modulation: Over- or under- reactions to stimuli (e.g. screaming when a vacuum cleaner is on or not realizing a cut on one’s skin).
Sensory Discrimination: Difficulty in localizing or stream-identifying sounds or in recognizing objects by touch.
Sensory-Based Motor Skills: Difficulties in coordination, balance, and general "clumsiness" due to poor awareness of one’s body in space.
While most people with SPD show both of these behaviors, most people can be categorized into one of these two descriptions:
Hypersensitivity (Sensory-Avoidant): This group of children may be easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud environments or certain clothing textures.
Hyposensitivity (Sensory-Seeking): This group of children is always looking for sensory input. This may be a cause for them to crash into furniture, spin, or chew on items that are not food.
The implementation of a sensory diet can greatly assist a child in concentrating.
Heavy work means pushing a laundry basket or carrying a weighted backpack, which provides some proprioceptive input.
Visual schedules help reduce sensory surprise when it comes to transitions.
The quiet corner helps autism sensory overload solutions by creating a low stimulus area with soft lights and noise-canceling headphones.
For children with SPD, sensory meltdowns are not simply a tantrum; they are a physiological response a child makes to survive the moment. Children may even attempt to run away from the situation to hide from the noise, or they may even become uncommunicative.
The “Safety Bridge” is a sensory-safe option provided by If I Need Help. Our innovative sensory inclusive wearable QR technology allows for a calming, supportive, and safe sensory experience. Each QR technology device is individually wrapped and coated with a sensory-friendly material within a soft fabric sleeve. For children with metal or plastic jewelry aversions, the safety ID has been wrapped in fabric, and the QR code is covered in a soft plastic. Each device allows the parent or caretaker to gain access to: - \\"Do Not Touch \\" alerts for children with “tactile defensiveness” - a “Calm Down” strategy, such as “grounding” with a preferred fidget to de-escalate, and for those identifying as non-verbal children during moments of heightened stress, Communication is not a choice.
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where a person has problems with organizing and interpreting sensory stimuli like touch, sound, and movement from the surrounding environment. These processes make navigation and daily routines feel consuming and make tasks feel either unpredictable or confusing.
No. SPD is considered to be different for everyone as it exists on a spectrum. Some may be considered as hypersensitive having a low tolerance and overreacting to even the simplest sensory input. Other people may be considered as hyposensitive, having a low responsiveness to stimuli.
The symptoms of SPD are generally grouped in three broad categories: • Sensory modulation issues • Sensory discrimination difficulties • Sensory-based motor skill problems
Issues of Sensory Processing Disorder may influence someone’s social behavior as well as their emotional regulation. It may affect their ability to learn new subjects while also performing basic tasks like eating, sleeping, focusing, and dressing. They may also struggle with changing a routine to plan, as well as managing sensory overload.
SPD can occur on its own or with other conditions, including an autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or even some developmental delays. Each person with SPD presents differently.
As occupational and developmental psychologists, and healthcare practitioners, we consider SPD as a legitimate medical issue since it has a profound effect on one’s quality of life.As occupational and developmental psychologists, and healthcare practitioners, we consider SPD as a legitimate medical issue since it has a profound effect on one’s quality of life.
Though there is no definitive cure to SPD, it can be managed with a combination of self-regulation skill development and adaptive coping to sensory challenges, which are more easily mastered with occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and with early intervention.
If daily functioning, social engagement, and emotional aspects of one’s life are affected by sensory challenges, it is time to seek guidance and assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist.
