Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. It can cause heightened or reduced sensitivity to sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and other environmental stimuli. While SPD often appears alongside conditions like autism, ADHD, or PTSD, researchers believe it may be a condition of its own.

For those with SPD, everyday experiences can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. Noises that seem normal to others may be unbearable, clothing textures can feel irritating, and unexpected touch can trigger distress. These challenges can impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

How Sensory Processing Works

Our brains constantly receive and interpret sensory information to help us understand the world around us. This includes:

Sights, sounds, and smells in our environment
The feel of clothing, textures, or physical touch
Body awareness, movement, and balance
Internal sensations, such as hunger or pain

For individuals with SPD, the brain may overreact or underreact to these stimuli, leading to significant challenges in daily life.

Signs and Symptoms of SPD

SPD affects people differently. Some may experience sensory sensitivity, where certain sounds, lights, or textures feel overwhelming. Others may have sensory-seeking behaviors, where they crave movement, deep pressure, or strong flavors.

Common signs of SPD include:

Avoiding certain fabrics, clothing tags, or tight-fitting clothes
Strong reactions to loud noises or bright lights
Resistance to being touched or hugged
Preference for certain food textures rather than taste
Difficulty with personal space or awareness of surroundings
Discomfort with crowded or busy environments
Sensitivity or lack of sensitivity to pain
Frequent behavioral outbursts triggered by sensory overload

These challenges can affect daily routines, social interactions, and emotional regulation. Parents often notice SPD symptoms in childhood, especially when their child reacts differently to sensory experiences than their peers.

SPD and Autism

SPD is commonly seen in individuals with autism. Many autistic children and adults experience sensory sensitivities that affect their ability to engage with the world comfortably. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, attending school, or completing household chores can become overwhelming.

Parents raising children with both autism and SPD often need to adapt their routines. A shopping trip may require noise-canceling headphones, and daily activities might involve structured sensory-friendly experiences. Understanding and accommodating these sensory needs can make a big difference in a child’s comfort and well-being.

Supporting a Child with SPD

Helping a child with SPD starts with understanding their unique sensory preferences. Since young children may not have the language to express their discomfort, parents must observe their reactions and create a supportive environment.

Ways to support a child with SPD include:

Allowing them to choose comfortable clothing with soft fabrics.
Offering sensory-friendly foods based on texture preferences.
Using noise-reducing headphones in loud environments.
Providing weighted blankets or deep pressure activities for comfort.
Creating a calm and predictable routine to reduce sensory overload.
Teaching them to communicate their sensory needs in a way that works for them.

For children who cannot express their needs yet, parents can advocate on their behalf, ensuring caregivers, teachers, and family members understand their sensory challenges.

The Importance of Parent Support

Caring for a child with SPD can be demanding, and parents may need support as they navigate this journey. Seeking out parent support groups, therapy, or educational resources can provide guidance and reassurance.

Taking care of your well-being is just as important. Making time for self-care, seeking professional advice, and building a network of understanding individuals can help parents feel more confident in supporting their child.

FAQs

Is SPD a standalone condition or part of another disorder?

SPD often occurs alongside conditions like autism, ADHD, or PTSD. However, some research suggests it may be a separate condition that affects sensory processing independently.

How can I tell if my child has SPD?

If your child reacts strongly to textures, sounds, or lights, avoids certain types of clothing or foods, or struggles with sensory overload, they may have SPD. A professional evaluation can help determine if SPD is present.

Can the SPD improve over time?

With the right support, many children and adults with SPD learn to manage their sensory sensitivities. Occupational therapy, sensory-friendly environments, and personalized coping strategies can help improve daily comfort.

What therapies help with SPD?

Occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and structured routines can help individuals with SPD regulate their sensory experiences and develop coping skills.

Conclusion

Sensory Processing Disorder can make everyday experiences overwhelming, but with understanding and support, individuals with SPD can thrive. Recognizing sensory challenges, creating a supportive environment, and advocating for sensory needs can help both children and adults navigate their world more comfortably.

For parents, learning about SPD and seeking support can make a significant difference. No matter the challenges, small adjustments can lead to a more inclusive and comfortable life for those with sensory processing difficulties.

Reference

Star Institute: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
https://sensoryhealth.org/basic/understanding-sensory-processing-disorder

Need Professional Support?

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 10 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she can work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin! If you want to learn more about potentially working with her, you can contact her to start the process.