All About Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain processes sensory information from the body and the environment. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can affect People of all ages, including infants, toddlers, and school-aged children.
Children With Sensory Processing Disorder:
Children with SPD may have difficulty processing and integrating sensory information, which can impact their behavior, learning, and development. Symptoms of SPD in children may include oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to certain sights, sounds, smells, textures, and movements.
Children with SPD may also have difficulty with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. For example, they may be sensitive to loud noises or have trouble tolerating certain textures of food, or they may have difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills such as handwriting. Children with SPD may also have difficulty with self-regulation and may have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder in Kids:
There are many potential symptoms of sensory processing disorder (SPD) in children. Some children with SPD may be oversensitive to sensory input, while others may be under-sensitive. Here are some potential symptoms of SPD in children:
Oversensitivity to sensory input:
- Extreme sensitivity to loud noises or certain sounds
- Distressed by certain textures of food or clothing
- Extreme sensitivity to light or certain smells
- Easily startled or frightened by unexpected touch or movement
Under-sensitivity to sensory input:
- Seek out intense sensory experiences (e.g., may enjoy rough play)
- May not respond to pain or temperature changes
- May have a high pain tolerance
- May be prone to accidents or injuries due to not being aware of their surroundings
Other potential symptoms of SPD in children include:
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Poor fine motor skills (e.g., difficulty with tasks such as handwriting)
- Difficulty with self-regulation (e.g., may have difficulty calming down after becoming upset)
- Difficulty adapting to changes in their environment
It's important to note that every child is different and may not experience all of these symptoms.
Strategies to Cope with Sensory Processing Disorder:
There are a number of strategies that can be helpful for coping with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Here are a few ideas:
- Create a sensory-friendly environment: Try to identify and eliminate or minimize any sensory triggers in your child's environment. For example, if your child is sensitive to loud noises, try to create a quiet, calm space for them. If they are sensitive to certain textures, try to remove those from their environment or provide alternatives.
- Use sensory tools : There are many tools available that can help regulate your child's sensory input. For example, Compression Vest, and Weighted Vest can be helpful for children who are oversensitive to touch, while Sensory Swings can be helpful for children who are under-sensitive to movement. You can easily Checkout the Ted Kangaroo Sensory Tools.
-
Incorporate sensory activities into your daily routine: Incorporating sensory activities into your child's daily routine can help regulate their sensory input. For example, you could try using a sensory diet, which is a structured set of activities designed to meet your child's sensory needs.
-
Use visual supports: Visual supports, such as schedules and visual timers, can be helpful for children with SPD who have difficulty with transitions or who need help regulating their behavior.
-
Seek support: If your child has SPD, it can be helpful to connect with other parents, therapists, and support groups. These resources can provide valuable information, support, and guidance as you work to manage your child's SPD.
Final Words:
I'm glad I could help! If you have any further questions about sensory processing disorder or need additional support, don't hesitate to reach out. It's important to remember that every child is unique and what works for one child may not work for another.
It may take some trial and error to find strategies that are effective for your child. Working with a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, can be very helpful in developing a plan that meets your child's specific needs. I hope this information was helpful and wish you the best of luck!