Sensory Processing Disorder: What to look for (& how to help)
Does your child get upset when they hear a loud sound, even covering their ears or attempting to get away from it?
Do they refuse to try new foods or start to gag when they do?
Do they get really upset when it’s time to brush, wash, or cut their hair?
If so, you may be wondering if they have a sensory processing disorder.
In this article, you’ll learn more about sensory processing disorders and some of the symptoms. You’ll find out how sensory processing is connected to behavioral difficulties and learn some different ways to help the sensory system.
Let’s get started.
What is a sensory processing disorder?
A sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain struggles to receive, understand, and respond to sensory input.
Sensory issues refer to difficulties in processing and interpreting sensory information, such as touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may be hypersensitive (overly responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to certain sensory stimuli. For example, some individuals may be hypersensitive to loud noises and cover their ears when exposed to them. Others may seek out deep pressure touch, such as hugging or squeezing themselves tightly.
Sensory processing disorders commonly occur in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although they can co-occur in other diagnoses too.
What are the symptoms of sensory processing disorder?
Each child uniquely processes the sensory information around them.
Hypersensitive children are sensory-sensitive. They struggle with loud sounds, bright lights, certain clothing textures, or messy play. Children may be sensitive to certain smells and tastes. They will often have difficulties eating certain foods because of this.
Hyposensitive children are sensory seeking. They are looking for additional feedback for their proprioceptive (body position and movement) and vestibular (balance) systems. You will often see them seeking input from jumping, swinging, and spinning.
Sensory processing difficulties may co-occur with behavioral issues, too.
What is the connection between sensory processing and behavior?
Behavior and sensory issues are two topics that often go hand in hand. This is particularly true for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
While behavior and sensory issues are not always present together, many people with these disorders may experience sensory processing difficulties that lead to challenging behaviors.
Behavior issues result from sensory issues in a number of ways. For example, a child who is hypersensitive to certain sounds may become anxious or overwhelmed in a noisy environment. This leads to behaviors such as covering their ears, crying, or attempting to escape the situation.
A child who is hyposensitive to touch may engage in behaviors such as seeking out rough play or jumping excessively in order to receive more sensory input.
It is important to note that not all behavior issues in individuals with sensory processing difficulties are related to sensory issues. Other factors such as communication difficulties, social challenges, and environmental stressors can contribute to behavior challenges, too.
Here’s how you can help.
How to help a child with sensory processing disorder
Occupational therapy (OT) can help children with sensory integration and desensitization in fun and engaging ways through play. At Columbia Pediatric Therapy we help kids explore the different senses through new foods, sights, sounds, textures, and body movements.
Sensory activities include swings, obstacle courses, weighted blankets, scooter boards, hammocks, and sensory texture bins. We help children develop regulation strategies to help them process sensory input and improve their participation in the world around them.
There are a number of strategies that can be used to support individuals with behavior and sensory issues.
One of the most effective approaches is to provide a sensory-friendly environment. This involves environmental modifications to reduce sensory overload and provide input that is calming and regulating.
A sensory-friendly environment could include:
A quiet space for a child to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed. This could be a beanbag, a child-sized tent, or a cozy corner of the room just for them.
Noise-cancelling headphones to block out or reduce unpleasant or loud noises.
Sensory toys or tools, such as fidgets or weighted blankets.
Clear, consistent communication, especially regarding transitions. For example, let your child know if an area might be noisy and encourage them to bring their headphones.
Visual support, including pictures or schedules showing your child what to expect. This may also be providing them with a picture they can give you if they need a break or movement activity.
Social stories explain different scenarios so your child gets a feel for what it will be like. For example, if they are headed to a movie theater for the first time, a social story describes what it will look, sound, feel, and smell like when they are there.
Understanding the connection between behavior and sensory issues is an important first step in providing effective support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
By providing a sensory-friendly environment and using evidence-based strategies, OTs can help individuals with sensory processing difficulties take the next steps to better manage behavior and improve quality of life.
Set your child up for success with Columbia Pediatric Therapy
Sensory processing disorders can affect any of the senses, leading to difficulties interpreting information about sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
Sometimes difficulties with sensory processing can lead to behavioral issues, too.
The good news? Help is available.
At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we see a wide variety of children who exhibit sensory seeking and sensory sensitive behaviors. Our skilled clinicians are trained in a variety of evidence-based intervention approaches to address difficulties with sensory processing.
Contact Columbia Pediatric Therapy to learn more about sensory processing disorders or get the process started with the online form today.
