Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. People with SPD may experience sensory stimuli either hyper or hypo-sensitively. The condition can affect one or more of the senses, including touch, hearing, sight, smell, taste, vestibular (balance) and proprioception (body awareness). SPD has been associated with other neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others.
Autism Sensory Processing Disorder is a challenging condition that can negatively impact children and adults in every aspect of their lives. Children with SPD may have difficulty processing sensory inputs and have difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene. They might experience extreme discomfort or pain with minimal stimulation such as tags on clothes, loud noises or bright lights. In adults, SPD may accompany mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder[1][2].
What causes SPD?
The causes of SPD are not well understood, and research is still ongoing to reveal the mechanism of Sensory processing difficulties. However, it is believed to be related to problems with the brain’s ability to receive, process, and respond to sensory stimuli. Environmental factors, such as prenatal or birth complications, exposure to toxins, and other environmental factors, are thought to play a role in the development of SPD.
Diagnosing SPD involves a comprehensive evaluation from an occupational therapist, who will assess the individual’s sensory issues and determine the type (s) of sensory processing challenges.
How common is SPD | Types of SPD
SPD is common in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the most recent research, between 40% and 88% of children with ASD also have SPD. However, SPD affects not only children with ASD but also children with other conditions that affect sensory processes and can occur in typically developing children.
SPD is broadly classified into three types based on the way sensory information is processed: sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder, and sensory discrimination disorder. Sensory modulation disorder refers to difficulty regulating responses to different sensory stimuli. Sensory-based motor disorder refers to motor skills deficits caused by problems in sensory processing. Finally, sensory discrimination disorder refers to difficulties in differentiating and interpreting sensory input.
Is Sensory Processing Disorder Autism?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not the same as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While SPD and ASD share some similarities, the two conditions have distinct differences. Sensory Processing Disorder is a separate condition that is recognized in up to 16% of the general population, while the majority of individuals with ASD have sensory processing difficulties. SPD is characterized by specific sensitivities or overreactions to sensory input, while ASD involves a broad range of impairments, including social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. However, SPD can be a comorbid symptom of ASD.
The Complex World of SPD
Understanding Autism Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing refers to the brain’s ability to organize and interpret information received through the senses. These senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell, as well as the senses of movement (vestibular) and body position (proprioception). In typical individuals, sensory information is processed efficiently, allowing for appropriate responses and behaviours. However, in individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder, this process can be altered, leading to difficulties in sensory integration.
Hyper- and Hypo-Sensitivity
Autism Sensory Processing Disorder can manifest in two primary ways: hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Hypersensitivity, also known as sensory over-responsivity, occurs when an individual’s nervous system is highly reactive to sensory stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed or distressed in response to what may be considered ordinary sensory input for others.
On the other hand, hyposensitivity, or sensory under-responsivity, involves a decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Individuals with hyposensitivity may require more intense sensory input to register and respond to sensory information adequately. They may seek out sensory experiences to stimulate their nervous system, such as spinning or jumping.
Sensory Challenges in Autism
Auditory Challenges
Auditory challenges are prevalent in Autism Sensory Processing Disorder. Individuals may struggle with filtering out background noise, leading to difficulties in focusing on specific sounds or conversations. They may also experience discomfort or even pain in response to loud or sudden noises. As a result, crowded or noisy environments, such as shopping malls or school cafeterias, can be overwhelming and distressing for individuals with autism.
Visual Challenges
Visual sensitivities can significantly impact individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder. They may experience difficulties with visual processing, leading to challenges in distinguishing objects or tracking moving objects. Bright lights, flickering lights, or specific visual patterns can cause discomfort or sensory overload. Some individuals may also display repetitive visual behaviors, such as staring at objects or spinning in circles to seek visual stimulation.
Tactile Challenges
Tactile sensitivities are commonly observed in individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder. They may have aversions to certain textures, fabrics, or even light touch. Everyday activities such as getting dressed or grooming can become overwhelming and distressing due to tactile sensitivities. Some individuals may prefer specific clothing materials or struggle with personal boundaries when it comes to touch.
Gustatory and Olfactory Challenges
Individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder may have difficulties with taste and smell. They may exhibit aversions to certain tastes, textures, or smells, leading to limited food preferences and eating challenges. Additionally, individuals may be hypersensitive to odours, finding even mild scents overpowering or unpleasant.
Proprioceptive and Vestibular Challenges
Proprioceptive and vestibular senses are responsible for body awareness and balance. Challenges in these areas can affect coordination, motor skills, and spatial awareness in individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder. They may struggle with activities that require fine motor control, such as handwriting or tying shoelaces. Additionally, maintaining balance and participating in physical activities may be challenging due to difficulties with vestibular processing.
Impact on Daily Life
The impact of Autism Sensory Processing Disorder on daily life can be significant. Sensory challenges can affect various aspects of an individual’s functioning, including:
Social Interactions
Sensory sensitivities can impact social interactions for individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder. Overwhelm from sensory stimuli can lead to withdrawal, avoidance of social situations, or meltdowns. Individuals may find it challenging to engage in conversations or interpret non-verbal cues when sensory input is overwhelming.
Daily Routines
Daily routines can be disrupted by sensory processing challenges. Activities such as bathing, getting dressed, or brushing teeth may become overwhelming due to tactile sensitivities or sensory aversions. Establishing predictable routines and providing sensory accommodations can help individuals navigate these daily tasks more comfortably.
Learning and Education
Sensory processing difficulties can also affect learning and academic performance. Distractions from sensory stimuli in the classroom, such as background noise or visual clutter, can make it difficult for individuals to concentrate and absorb information. Creating sensory-friendly classroom environments and implementing specialized teaching strategies can support individuals in their educational journey.
Emotional Regulation
Individuals with Autism Sensory Processing Disorder may experience challenges with emotional regulation. Sensory overload or the inability to seek sensory input when needed can lead to anxiety, frustration, or emotional meltdowns. Providing sensory breaks, teaching self-regulation strategies, and creating calming environments can assist individuals in managing their emotions effectively.
Treatment of SPD
Treatment options for SPD include occupational therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and medication. The focus of the treatments is aimed at managing and sometimes overcoming the sensory processing difficulties that the individual experiences.
Occupational therapy is one of the most common and effective approaches to treating SPD. An occupational therapist can assess the individual’s sensory processing issues and develop a treatment plan that includes activities to stimulate the senses and improve coping strategies. Additionally, cognitive-behavioural therapy, medication, and dietary interventions have shown promising outcomes in managing symptoms of SPD.
Impact of SPD
One of the significant impacts of SPD is its effect on academic performance. Children with SPD might experience difficulties in reading, writing, and arithmetic due to sensory distractions. Additionally, SPD can affect social interactions, leading to social awkwardness and difficulty in making friends. Adults with SPD might also experience social, occupational, and interpersonal difficulties.
In conclusion, raising awareness of SPD is essential in educating parents, teachers, and health practitioners about how it affects the daily lives of individuals with this condition. Recent research in this field has revealed the significant impact SPD has on the cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes of individuals living with it. By providing effective interventions and treatment options, these individuals may be able to better manage and overcome sensory processing challenges.