Sensory Processing Disorder: What It Is and How It Affects You

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that modifies the experience and engagement of a person with their immediate environment. This disorder involves the inability of a section of the nervous system to process incoming sensations characterized by sights and sounds, as well as touch, smells, and tastes. Individuals diagnosed with SPD usually find it difficult to perform simple tasks in their daily lives and may exhibit behaviours that appear odd or extreme to people who do not understand the condition. Also, although SPD is not recognised as a medical diagnosis in the healthcare system in the UK, many professionals acknowledge the condition and assist those who need support.

In this article, we will explore the definitions, causes, and symptoms of SPD, how it affects everyday functioning, and the effective measures and treatments for improving the psychosocial well-being of a person suffering from SPD.

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What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a disorder that affects how the brain processes sensory input. In most people, the brain receives signals from the environment, activates them, sorts them out, and expectedly reacts to them. Conversely, in people with sensory processing disorder, the sensory input is responded to either aggressively (hypersensitivity) or in a relatively inactive way (dominance of hyposensitivity). This can hinder the daily functioning of an individual, as this disorder can affect one or more of the senses.

Sensory Processing Disorder not only includes the traditional senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch but also the proprioceptive sense (the sense of body position) and the vestibular sense (the sense of balance and motion). Individuals with SPD often become overwhelmed by common daily activities, such as talking without raising their voice, feeling clothes on their bodies, or bright lights; or they may require extreme engagement with their surroundings to feel normal and at ease.

SPD is more commonly associated with children, but many adults also experience it. For some, the symptoms become more bearable with age; for others, they do not, carrying effects on interactions, occupation, and mental state.

Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder

The characteristics of SPD patients vary greatly, and one or more senses may be impaired in an individual. Some people may be excessively sensitive to sensory stimuli, while others crave more stimulation.

Hypersensitivity (Over-sensitivity)
Hypersensitive people experience sensory input as overwhelming or unpleasant. For example:

Touch: Certain materials, such as those in clothing, labels, and seams, can feel intolerably scratchy.
Sound: Common sounds, like background noise, traffic, or crowded places, can be painfully overwhelming.
Light: Lighting, such as in shops and warm offices, can be harsh and uncomfortable for the eyes.
Taste and Smell: Strong tastes or scents may cause gagging or nausea.
Balance and Movement: Simple actions, like stair climbing or swinging, can feel frightening or unsettling.

Hypersensitivity makes many social and everyday experiences challenging, leading to anxiety and avoidance behaviours. This can significantly affect an individual’s social life, as their self-worth may be tied to activities they find difficult, yet others can do effortlessly.

Hyposensitivity (Under-sensitivity)
Hyposensitive individuals often require a high level of sensory input to feel aware and engaged. This can include:

Movement: They may frequently jump, spin, or run to feel organised.
Sound: Such people might speak loudly, make lots of noise, or seek out noisy places.
Touch: They may push against objects or people due to a craving for deep pressure.
Taste and Smell: They might prefer strong flavours or aromas, as subtler ones are insufficiently stimulating.

Without evaluation and understanding, hyposensitive individuals are at greater risk of extreme and potentially dangerous behaviours, as they continually seek high-intensity experiences. For instance, they might climb to great heights or swing at high speeds, leading to potential injuries or accidents.

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Why do some people suffer from SPD?

The precise causes of SPD have not yet been fully identified, but it is generally accepted that biological, genetic, and certain environmental factors work together to trigger this condition. Some research suggests a correlation between SPD and other developmental disorders, such as autism; however, SPD can also exist independently.

Other factors that can contribute to SPD include:

Heredity: Genetic factors seem to influence SPD, and fragmented development has been observed within families.
Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop SPD, likely due to rapid growth and uncoordinated brain processes after birth.
Psychosocial factors: Living in high-stress environments, experiencing trauma, or lacking certain sensory experiences during formative years could lead to sensory integration issues.

SPD remains a topic of research in the United Kingdom, with professionals seeking to understand its causes and management options for affected individuals.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Assessment

Assessment for SPD is not straightforward, as many of its symptoms overlap with other developmental conditions such as autism (ASD) and ADHD. Currently, SPD is not recognised as an individual diagnosis in the NHS. Nonetheless, if signs of SPD are observed in a child or other person, it is advisable to consult a physician who may refer them to an occupational therapist.

Investigation of Diagnosis:

Initial Observations: Parents or caregivers may notice unusual sensory responses, such as discomfort with clothing or strong reactions to sounds.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: A GP or paediatrician may refer the individual to an occupational therapist for sensory needs assessment.
Detailed Sensory Profile Assessment: An occupational therapist may use a sensory profile tool to evaluate how the individual responds to various sensory stimuli.
Ruling Out Other Conditions: The assessment may involve ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as autism or ADHD.

Treatment options not only include occupational therapy for the sensory disorder but also many other treatments, with strategies and approaches common to therapy for SPD-related disorders.

Recommended for reading: The Link Between ADHD and Anxiety

Treatment Options for Sensory Processing Disorder

Although there is no cure for SPD, several therapies can help a person manage the symptoms. Early intervention is particularly beneficial for children, as it enables them to acquire skills to cope with sensory issues.

Strategies for Treating SPD:

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT): Occupational therapists use engaging activities to expose individuals to sensory input in a controlled way. Children (and sometimes adults) engage in games that gradually increase tolerance for challenging sensations, helping them learn to manage these. Activities may include swinging, bouncing, or navigating obstacle courses.
Sensory Diet: A sensory diet is a customised set of interventions to meet an individual’s specific sensory needs. This may include activities like short walks, using fidget tools, or wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Sensory diets are often used in schools, homes, or workplaces to help the individual maintain attention and calmness.
Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists work on fine and gross motor skills, as well as daily living activities (ADL) skills. For example, an OT might help a child improve poor handwriting or develop self-care skills like dressing or eating. OT may also address emotional responses, as children with SPD often have inadequate reactions to sensory stimuli.
Social Skills Training: SPD can hinder social interactions, so social skills training is commonly part of treatment. This helps individuals read body language, understand personal space, and interact socially without anxiety.

Supplementary Treatment Options:

Some individuals with SPD find additional therapies, like speech therapy or counselling, beneficial, especially if they have language delays or experience anxiety. For example, in the UK, specific interventions like Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are used to support children with SPD in schools.

Everyday and Interpersonal Effects of SPD:
SPD does not only affect sensory processing but can also impact relationships, education, employment, and mental health. Below, we discuss aspects of daily life likely to be affected by SPD, along with ways to manage these issues.

SPD in Educational Settings:

The varied smells, sounds, lights, and movements in a classroom can be overwhelming for children with SPD. Supportive strategies include:

Creating Sensory-Friendly Classrooms: Schools may provide noise-cancelling headphones, quiet areas for work, and alternative seating like wobble chairs or textured cushions.
Scheduling Flexibility: Allowing short work periods with physical breaks can help avoid sensory overload.
Teacher Awareness and Training: Teachers knowledgeable about SPD can create a supportive environment that encourages learning.

SPD and Social Relationships:

Social activities can be challenging for those with SPD, as they may dislike physical contact or react negatively to sounds. Friends and family can help by:

Providing Sensory-Friendly Environments: Noise-proof rooms and dim lighting are ideal for socialising, as they minimise irritating sounds and lights.
Encouraging Understanding: Educating others about SPD can reduce ignorance and stigma.
Practising Social Interaction: Preparing for specific social events can help individuals with SPD feel more relaxed and ready.

SPD and Employment:

In adults, SPD symptoms can be aggravated in workplaces with bright lighting, continuous noise, or open-plan layouts. Effective strategies include:

- Creating a Comfortable Workspace: Noise-cancelling headphones, low-light lamps, or privacy curtains can help reduce sensory distractions.
- Taking Frequent Breaks: Regular short breaks can help manage sensory responses and improve performance.
- Communicating Needs: Raising awareness about sensory concerns with supervisors and colleagues can foster a more accommodating work environment.

Living with Sensory Processing Disorder:

Coping with SPD can be challenging, but there are ways to seek help and connect with others in similar situations. Examples include:

Occupational Therapy: Many occupational therapists in the UK are trained to support individuals with SPD, offering assessments and therapy in private clinics and specific NHS centres.
Support Groups: Organisations like the National Autistic Society and other community groups provide outreach and support for people with SPD and their families.
Educational Resources: Websites like Sensory Integration Education offer training and information about SPD for parents and caregivers.
Books and Online Communities: Parents and adults can access literature and discussion groups to share their experiences and find understanding and validation.

Conclusion:

Sensory processing disorder is a complex condition that can be difficult to understand, yet with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their sensory needs. By recognising and addressing these needs, families, workplaces, and educational institutions can create more inclusive environments. Although SPD may not be widely recognised, with the appropriate intervention and coping strategies, individuals with SPD can live, work, and engage in sensory environments with a positive and adaptable approach.

If you suspect that you or someone close to you may have SPD or display its symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, healthcare specialist, or occupational therapist. With the right support, people with SPD can enjoy improved quality of life and develop greater independence.