Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information, leading to difficulties in responding to and organising stimuli from the environment. Previously known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, SPD is not currently a recognised standalone diagnosis and is usually used as a way to explain sensory differences in other neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Therefore in this blog, when we refer to SPD we are also referring to neurodivergent people with sensory sensitivities in general.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain receives and processes sensory information. Our senses – touch, taste, smell, sight, sound, and proprioception, play a crucial role in how we interact with the world around us. For individuals with SPD, these sensory signals may be misinterpreted or overwhelmed, leading to difficulties in regulating responses. Sensory differences of this nature are highly common in autism and ADHD.
Challenges of Sensory Processing Disorder:
People with SPD may experience a wide range of challenges in their daily lives. Some individuals may be hypersensitive to sensory input, finding certain sounds, textures, or lights intolerable. On the other hand, some may be hyposensitive, seeking excessive sensory stimulation to feel alert and engaged. These challenges can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, social interactions, and motor coordination.
Here is a list of categorised common sensory challenges:
- Auditory: Loud, sudden noises, like sirens, alarms, traffic and crowds.
- Tactile: Certain textures, clothing materials, or physical touches can cause discomfort or distress.
- Visual: Bright lights, flickering screens, or busy visual patterns might be distressing.
- Olfactory: Strong smells from food, detergent and perfumes.
- Gustatory: Tastes and textures of strong foods like spices and strong cheeses.
- Proprioceptive: Spatial awareness, keeping balance during sports.Â
- Interoceptive: Not being able to tell if it’s too cold or too hot, or feeling constantly cold or hot, differences in pain threshold and noticing hunger/thirst.
Effective Strategies for Managing Sensory Sensitivities:
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to managing SPD, there are several strategies that can help individuals cope with sensory challenges and improve their quality of life. Quite often occupational therapy is recommended for sensory challenges and they will employ a wide range of techniques to support their clients such as sensory integration therapy and sensory diets. Sensory integration therapy involves teaching individuals how to use all their senses together. A sensory diet is a customised plan created by the therapist to help address the person’s attention and self-regulation by providing activities to regulate their nervous systems.Â
There are also ways to support children and adults with SPD at home. The following suggestions should help lend some ideas on how to support and improve sensory challenges at home or at school:
- Create a Sensory Friendly Environment: Designate quiet, lower-stimulating spaces where individuals can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed. Consider factors like lighting, noise levels, and seating arrangements to accommodate different sensory needs.
- Use Sensory Tools: Provide sensory tools such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, or chewable jewellery to help them regulate their sensory experiences.
- Establish Predictable Routines: Consistent routines and schedules can provide a sense of predictability and security for individuals with sensory processing challenges, helping them navigate daily activities more effectively.
- Offer Choices: Providing individuals with choices and autonomy over their environment can let them have control over decisions that align with their sensory preferences and comfort levels.
- Practice Sensory Integration Activities: Engage in sensory integration activities like deep pressure input, swinging, or vestibular exercises to help individuals regulate their sensory experiences and improve their tolerance to sensory stimuli over time.
Understanding and empathy are key when supporting individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder. It is important to recognise that the way you experience the world may be vastly different from what someone with SPD may experience. Furthermore, each person with SPD is unique, and their experiences and needs vary from individual to individual, and vary over time. Sensory Processing Disorder presents unique challenges for individuals affected by it, but with the right support and understanding, it is possible to manage these challenges effectively.
Author: Illin Johnson
Illin is a content creator for NeuroDirect and a neurodevelopmental support coach for her business Neurostar Wellbeing. Being a late-diagnosed autistic herself, she is dedicated to raising awareness about neurodiversity and empowering neurodiverse individuals through her social media content and work as a coach. With a background in neuropsychology and behavioural therapy she approaches her work with curiosity and compassion and strives to create a genuine and supportive connection with her readers.