Most of us take our sensory systems for granted. As long as we can see, hear, taste, smell, and feel in the way we expect, we don’t think much more about them.

But for people with sensory processing disorder–especially children–the world can sometimes be an overwhelming place. Here is an overview of SPD, the common signs to look for, and the types of therapy that are most effective for kids with the condition.

About sensory processing

We take in information through our senses every second of every day. Sensory processing is how our brains receive, interpret, and respond to incoming information from our environment so we can function in everyday life.

In addition to the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, there are two more that aren't as well known:

• Vestibular sense is related to changes in head position, gravity, and movement.
• Proprioceptive sense provides feedback on where our bodies are in space and our relationship to other people and objects.

About sensory processing disorder

Children with SPD have trouble receiving and responding to sensory information, making it challenging for them to figure out what is going on inside and outside of their bodies. Because they can’t rely on their senses to give them an accurate picture of the world, they are unsure how to respond and may have trouble learning and behaving appropriately.

Kids with SPD can be either under-responsive or over-responsive to sensory information. For example, a child who is over-responsive to vestibular input will seek out movement in any way possible: swinging, running, spinning, going on slides, or playing active games with friends. A child who is under-responsive to the same input will avoid movement at all costs, preferring predictable, sedentary activities like coloring or playing with blocks.

Some possible indications of SPD include, but are not limited to:

• Activity level: constantly on the move or moves slowly and tires easily.
• Auditory sensitivity: excessively strong or virtually no response to loud or unusual noises, unusually high or low voice volume, and easily distracted around a lot of noise.
• Reactivity to movement sensations: seeks out movement like swinging, twirling, jumping, or is fearful of movement, avoids active games, gets dizzy very easily.
• Sensitivity to touch: avoids being touched, refuses to wear certain clothing or crashes into people or things, prefers hot bath water, has a high pain tolerance.
• Taste and/or smell sensitivity: is an extremely picky eater, has difficulty tolerating various food textures, gags easily, is offended by certain smells or craves intense flavors, chews on non-food items, ignores strong odors.

How Kaufman Children's Center helps kids with sensory processing disorder

Sensory input helps kids become what occupational therapists call regulated. This means they are calm, organized, attentive, and better able to meet everyday demands in their homes, schools, and communities. It’s effective for all kids, but especially important for those with SPD.

Pediatric sensory-processing treatment sessions, such as those offered by KCC, often look like play and usually seem that way to children. The goal of most sessions is to organize their sensory systems and teach them how to process their environment appropriately.

If a child seeks particular sensory information, therapy with an occupational therapist involves feeding that system. If a child avoids particular sensory information, therapy slowly addresses it so they can tolerate typical input.

Activities in therapy may include:

• “Crashing” activities like jumping into a ball pit
• Handwriting and fine-motor exercises
• “Heavy work” like carrying weighted objects
• Messy play, such as with shaving cream or finger paint
• Playing on swings, obstacle courses, scooter boards, and slides

If you suspect your child may have sensory processing challenges, a full evaluation at KCC is the first step. If your child has SPD, you can schedule regular treatment sessions.

Click here for information on how to get started. If you have questions about sensory processing or SPD, feel free to reach out to info@kidspeech.com.