What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Is your child showing different or unusual behaviors such as sensitivity to light, sound, difficulty in talking or responding to sensory information? If so, your child might be suffering from a condition called Sensory Processing Disorder.

If your child has difficulties in the said departments, you need to see a specialist right away to properly identify the condition as well as its causes and possible treatments. Most often, SPD is misdiagnosed as autism disorder due to the confusion in symptoms for sensory issues. So what is sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder - Definition, causes and treatments

SPD is a neurological disorder which involves difficulties in organizing sensory signals into its normal responses. Problems with motor skills and other abilities needed for school activities are often associated with SPD. Sensitivities in body functions is another symptoms of SPD in children. The irritation to various environmental factors which hinders the control of sensory capabilities are the signs of SPD. 

This condition can affect children in various ways. It can be over or under responsive sensations or reactions which depends on case to case basis. Sensory factors like extreme heat, cold or pain are some of the key elements in diagnosis SPD.

An SPD sufferer could experience a single or multiple sensory defects, either way, the child will have emotional and physical dilemma. Without the senses working properly, it can affect the child's over all development as the senses are the primary elements in child's growth. This includes everyday tasks and their social interactions, which if not treated will highly result in behavioral disorders, motor clumsiness, childhood anxiety and distress. 

Sensory Processing Disorder is not yet fully researched on why it occurs. The causes are still unknown why some children suffers from neuro developmental disorders. There are some studies which suggests this condition to be a hereditary disorder, some links it to prenatal issues.

The effects of SPD are commonly impacts the emotional being of the child. The sufferer is often isolated or uncooperative, unable to make friends and interact freely. Clumsiness and disruptive behavior are also observed. 

After an accurate diagnosis of SPD, a treatment program is quickly applied through Occupational Therapy with a Sensory Integration approach. Treatment usually done in a place abundant in sensory sources to help the child to be constantly challenged which will show his progress. The therapy will help develop the child's sensory processing difficulties and also for the parents to understand the nature of SPD.