What a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Looks Like

How to recognize SPD

• A disconnection with the nervous system and the senses.
• Does not allow the brain to receive the information it needs for everyday function.
• Children and adults are often oversensitive to things in their environment.
• Can’t perform daily tasks due to distraction or processing delays
• Clumsiness, behavioral issues, anxiety, failing in school
• May only affect one sense, like hearing or touch, or multiple senses.

• It is not autism or ADHD, although kids struggling with these learning challenges may show signs and symptoms of sensory issues.
• It is not a disorder “cured” or “controlled” with medication.
• It is not an act of rebellion or a discipline issue, rather the child’s behavioral outbursts may be due to their sensitivity to certain textures, noises, tastes, or other discomforts.
• It is not a disorder children grow out of as they become adults.
• It is not as rare as people may think.

Signs and symptoms to watch for

• Oversensitivity to clothes, food, certain textures, loud noises, bright light or specific smells.
• Shows signs of poor motor skills and muscle strength
• Sensory seeking behavior which consists of bumping into furniture or walls, high pain tolerance to hot and cold or extreme roughhousing and screaming.
• Tantrums, outbursts or meltdowns
• Has behavioral issues in the classroom and disrupts other students.
• Children with SPD could be considered “daydreamers.”

• It does not mean a child is always hypersensitive. Children with SPD may be undersensitive, which could mean they seek for activities to provide the sensory input their body needs.
• It does not mean a child’s sensitivity is limited to one area or will remain consistent as they grow older.
• It does not mean a child cannot learn, listen to the teacher or sit still in the classroom.

Is intervention available?

• Actively engage children in activities that build the child’s gross and fine motor skills.
• Find activities that calm their bodies (for example swinging)
• Talk with an Occupational Therapist or find a center that provides movement therapy to help the child’s sensitivity.
• Use music therapy combined with movement therapy to improve behavior, processing and sensitivity.
• Purchase weighted blankets, weighted vests, chew toys, noise-cancelling head phones, calming music and textured objects the child enjoys.

• SPD is often misdiagnosed with ADHD and is improperly medicated.
• There is common misconception that no intervention is available for children and adults with SPD.
• Children will not eventually “grow out” of a sensory disorder.
• A “sensory diet” is not a nutritional program, rather a program that provides objects and activities as a regular “diet” plan to calm a child’s sensitivity.