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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
SPD remains a topic of research in the United Kingdom, with professionals seeking to understand its causes and management options for affected individuals.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
The varied smells, sounds, lights, and movements in a classroom can be overwhelming for children with SPD. Supportive strategies include:
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:
In adults, SPD symptoms can be aggravated in workplaces with bright lighting, continuous noise, or open-plan layouts. Effective strategies include:
Coping with SPD can be challenging, but there are ways to seek help and connect with others in similar situations. Examples include:
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.
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