Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a health condition that influences how the brain receives and processes information from the senses. Parents and professionals may recognize the disorder during early childhood as a child seems overly sensitized or indifferent to stimuli. With a combination of therapy, sensory exposures, and lifestyle changes, a person with SPD can better manage the symptoms.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder affects the way children and adults react to stimuli. In most cases, the person will be very sensitive to sensory information (hypersensitive), while other people with the condition could seem numb or desensitized to the stimulation (hyposensitive).1 They could also struggle to organize information and make an appropriate response for the given situation. Other terms for SPD include sensory integration disorder and sensory disorder.
A child with SPD could seem overwhelmed, irritated, distracted, or saddened by the way something sounds, feels, looks, or tastes.2,3 Like other conditions, symptom intensity will vary based on the individual, the severity of their conditions, and their treatment.
3 SPD Theories
Currently, SPD is a controversial topic with a lot of debate among experts as to exactly what the condition is and how it affects people.
Surely, sensory processing disorder is recognized by some professional organizations and groups, but currently, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not acknowledge SPD. In their publication called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the APA makes no mention of sensory processing disorder, which is important as it may interfere with insurance authorization and payment for treatment.4
Different groups and experts could subscribe to three distinct theories about SPD:1
- SPD is a separate and independent condition: these people consider SPD to be a diagnosable disorder that greatly impacts the life and well-being of people with the condition
- SPD is a symptom of related conditions: rather than being a distinct condition, these experts believe SPD symptoms are only present due to conditions like autism, anxiety, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD
- SPD is not a condition at all: these people argue that SPD symptoms are common for children, and that there is no need to diagnose typical or expected functioning
3 Subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD is a complex and multifaceted issue that involves a person’s ability to accept new sensory information, organize and interpret this information, and respond to the information in meaningful ways.5 Because there is such variation in sensory processing, the condition has several subtypes: sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder, and sensory discrimination disorder.
Three types of sensory processing disorder are:5
- Sensory modulation disorder: issues focused on accepting new information. People with this subtype could be over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory information. They may be sensory craving, marked by a strong desire to receive new stimulation constantly.
- Sensory-based motor disorder: these are the people with issues focused on organizing and interpreting the information. With postural control disorder, individuals struggle to stabilize and support their body. With dyspraxia, sometimes called motor planning problems, people often appear clumsy, uncoordinated, or accident prone.
- Sensory discrimination disorder: focused on meaningful responses to sensory information, this issue involves the person struggling to note the details of stimulation. They may mistake one letter for another, one sound for another, or one person for another. The person’s deficits may be linked to one or more senses.
These subtypes affect people in different ways, but they are not mutually exclusive. People can, and often do, have a combination of sensory processing disorder subtypes. A person could has sensory modulation disorder with over-responsivity plus sensory discrimination disorder with a limitation in visual and taste senses.
With the SPD subtypes and their differences, it is possible two people with sensory processing disorder could present in completely different ways and have different struggles. Even though they have the same condition, their experience with the condition will be unique and individualized to them.
How Is SPD Diagnosed?
As mentioned, the uncertainty and disagreements regarding the official status of sensory processing disorder can make the diagnosis complicated. People who are concerned about the presence of SBD in themselves or their children should begin the process by observing and documenting the signs and symptoms that may be related to the condition.
Prepared with this information, the person can speak with the pediatrician or primary care physician (PCP) about what they notice. The doctor may attempt to lower the concern by normalizing the behaviors, provide some level of treatment, or refer to an occupational therapist (OT).1,6
Instead of being a condition managed by mental health professionals, occupational therapists often take the lead with matters involving SPD. After watching the person and conducting an interview, the OT may make the SPD diagnosis.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
With the depth and complexity of sensory processing disorder, the signs and symptoms a person may display are numerous. Because of this scope of symptoms, SPD can influence multiple senses and motor skills in significant ways.
Sensory processing disorder symptoms may include:1,2,6
- Feeling uncomfortable in their clothes and shoes
- Saying that lights are too bright or sounds are too loud
- Being very particular about foods due to their textures, tastes, or smells
- Poor motor coordination, especially in sports or physical activities
- Slow or limited reactions to quick movements, loud sounds, or bright lights
- Appearing restless or fidgety
- Failing to notice social cues or to respect personal space
- Picking at clothing or chewing on items
People with SPD could have low self-esteem and problems building and maintaining social relationships. Depression, mood swings, and tantrums could also result from SPD.1,2 These symptoms may seem odd or strange at first, but as time progresses, the symptoms could become more prevalent or severe.
At times, the symptoms of SPD could lead to dangerous situations. As a person becomes overwhelmed with the sensory information, they could flee the situation without any concern of harm.
Those with SPD could put themselves in danger by:2
- Running in front of a car
- Wandering away from their family
- Jumping or falling into water without being able to swim
- Running into wall, sharp objects, or other people
The symptoms of SPD may impact a person only mildly, but as symptoms progress, they could drastically impact a person’s happiness and quality of life. Unfortunately, people with SPD may not simply “grow out” of the condition, though the symptoms may shift in other directions.
Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms In Adults
Although people may learn about sensory processing disorder as an adult, it seems unlikely that symptoms began later in life. Instead, symptoms of SPD begin during childhood, but a person will not become aware of them until later.
At home and at work, adults with sensory processing disorder can experience an altered perception of the world. Adults with SPD may feel like they are numb to the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches in the world around them, or they could feel overloaded by the stimuli in their lives.3
Adults with SPD may report symptoms like:3
- Discomfort with human contact like hugs
- Being picky about clothes and look for certain materials, textures, or fits
- Sensitivity to smells or tastes
- Restlessness during storms or fireworks
- Being annoyed with people play loud music
- Poor handwriting that is hard to read
- Feeling uncomfortable in a crowded elevator
Depending on the severity of these symptoms, the condition could begin to affect relationships and work. Adults with SPD may struggle to perform well during presentations in the office or to provide the physical intimacy their romantic partner seeks.
Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms In Toddlers
Young children may lack the ability to accurately communicate their experience with sensory issues. Because of this, parents must work to track patterns that develop with their child’s behaviors and the triggers of these behaviors.
Symptoms of SPD in toddlers and younger children include:2
- Crying if they get wet
- Having tantrums during daily routines like getting dressed
- Seeming to have very low or very high pain thresholds
- Struggling with holding and using objects like spoons, cups, and crayons
- Running into people and walls
- Putting nonfood items in their months
- Being very picky about foods
With SPD, the symptoms may initially appear to be appropriate based on age, but as other children develop out of these patterns, a child with SPD may seem stuck at that level. As time goes on, they will appear to be further away from their peers.
Causes of Sensory Integration Disorder
The causes of sensory processing disorder, sensory integration disorder, or sensory disorder remain quite mysterious. Experts are currently working to understand the connections between the condition, genetics, and mental health conditions.
One group of experts believe that SPD is only related to mental health conditions like autism, ADHD, and anxiety. If a person has one or more of these conditions, they would experience a greater risk of SPD symptoms.1 Others see connections between heredity, genetics, and SPD. There is some information to indicate that SPD could run in families, which indicates that parents with SPD could have children with the condition.1
The state of sensory processing disorder is currently in flux as disagreements regarding its status continue. Hopefully, in the future, the condition will receive additional time and attention to increase understanding of its causes.
Treatment of SPD
Frequently, physicians and occupational therapists will lead treatment of SPD through the use of various therapeutic interventions. If mental health conditions like ASD, ADHD, or anxiety co-occur with SPD, a mental health therapist could intervene as well. Treatment of SPD will focus on accessing the person’s current status and working to regulate or enhance their sensory processing abilities.
Occupational Therapy
With an OT in the lead, there are several therapy options for someone with SPD, including sensory integration therapy, sensory diet, and other occupational therapies.
Three different types of OT for sensory processing disorder are:1
- Sensory integration therapy (SI): using fun and engaging activities in a calm and controlled environment, the therapist exposes the person to different sensory elements. With time and repeated exposures, the person can build helpful coping skills to manage the discomfort of these sensory experiences. The end result will be a person who can handle a wider range of situations and stimulation.
- Sensory diet: a sensory diet aims to improve sensory processing by planning and scheduling events, activities, and items to help stay focused and on task. The preventative process helps to reduce boredom and overstimulation by adjusting the environment according to the individual’s needs. Going for walks, wearing headphones, fidgeting with a toy, and changing chairs are all options to add to a sensory diet.
- Other occupational therapy: writing clearly, using scissors, scooping with a spoon, and kicking or catching a ball could be major obstacles for someone with SPD. Occupational therapy can help fine tune these skills through repetition and professional guidance.
Mental Health Therapy
Using similar methods as OT, a mental health therapist can help someone with SPD by gradually and systematically exposing them to uncomfortable and distressing stimuli. Based on a foundation of cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health treatment can address SPD and autism, ADHD, or anxiety that may be interfering with symptoms.7
Ideally, mental health therapists and occupational therapists can work together as one treatment team to provide the most complete and comprehensive care.
How to Find a Therapist
Your PCP or pediatrician will be the best resource for finding an OT to lead the treatment of SPD. You may also contact your insurance company or another parent for recommendations for a competent and reliable professional.
If you’re ready to find the right therapist, it can be as easy as consulting with a trusted friend or referring to an online directory. It will be valuable to find someone that is experienced and educated on SPD as some professionals may not acknowledge it as a stand-alone disorder.
Medication
There is no information to support the use of medication as a first line treatment for SPD. It is possible, though, for medication to be a useful tool to manage symptoms linked to co-occurring mental health issues that could disrupt SPD treatment.
A person with SPD and ADHD may benefit from a medication to treat the poor attention and hyperactivity related to ADHD. This way, treatment can better address the sensory processing problems without having to navigate ADHD symptoms as well.
Anyone interested in treating their SPD or their child’s SPD should consider asking their doctor if any medications help with sensory processing problems.1
Sensory Processing Disorder vs. Autism
Experts continue to debate whether sensory processing disorder is a symptom of autism spectrum disorder or a stand alone issue. According to groups like the APA, sensory processing issues are part of the ASD diagnosis because most people with autism also have sensory problems. Others would suggest that plenty of people without autism have a sensory processing disorder.2
Deciding the root of SPD is valuable, but the most important factor is having available treatment to address and resolve symptoms.
Sensory Processing Disorder & Other Mental Health Disorders
ADHD, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other developmental issues seem to all have a connection to sensory processing difficulties. Like with ASD, it is impossible to say that one causes the other, but the association is valuable to understand.
Ultimately, people should work to find comprehensive mental health and physical health treatment that does not focus on just on condition. An individual should have access to care that accounts for their total needs and goals.
Final Thoughts On Sensory Processing Disorder
Having sensory processing disorder or loving someone who does can feel like a daily struggle. Surely, your struggle is unique to you, but you’re not alone. Starting the process by talking to a trusted physician, occupational therapist, or mental health professional can make a big difference in how you feel. It can also make a big difference in the symptoms and well-being of your loved one.
For Further Reading
Sensory Processing Disorder Infographics
