What are the signs and symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder and how can they be treated?

Sensory processing is how our brains use what we sense (see, hear, taste and smell) to make sense of the world. A child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is either very sensitive or not sensitive enough to the things around them. Children with ‘SPD’ can feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious by their senses and go into flight or fight mode and feel in danger. They often have meltdowns - a way of them letting you know they are feeling really uncomfortable. Because their brain sees the sensory input as "not enough," sensory seekers respond to sensory stimuli with an urge to seek out more. Sensory sensitive children often respond with a fight, flight or freeze response because their brain experiences the input as *too much*.  

‘SPD’ can be different for each child. However, they may have some type of “trigger” to stimuli in their environment that can impact their emotions, behavior and attention at home and in school.  

There are 2 types of ‘SPD’ that children experience. These are defined as either:

1. Hypersensitivity (over responsiveness): These children will usually be sensitive to sensory input. To give some examples, your child might experience extreme sensitivity to clothing labels, uncomfortable bright lights, or common sounds. Hypersensitive children may try to avoid sensory input by escaping situations that are dangerous. 
2.  Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): These children are less sensitive to sensory inputs. They may have a high tolerance for pain or temperatures or they might deliberately seek out sensory input. They might, for example, repeatedly sniff their food, rub items against their skin, or perform specific movements. They might seem to be bored in the surroundings since they need more sensations to get involved. 

Some possible sign of sensory seekers and sensitive behavior: 

1. May cover ears when there are loud sounds such as vacuums, hair dryers etc. May even cry or scream.
2. May have issues with food textures. When trying fresh tasks, gagging is common. 
3. Not touchable or not touchable enough. 
4. May show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold or overreaction to pain or hot or cold. 
5. May have poor coordination. 
6. May be an excessive risk taker, crashing into things.
7. May cry or get upset over clothing tags or textures.
8. May be sensitive to light.
9. May dislike hair being brushed or cut.

Some symptoms of sensory processing disorder:

1. Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
2. Physical discomfort.
3. Urge to cover their ears and eyes to block out the source of input.
4. Feeling extreme stress, fear, or panic. 
5. Sensory meltdown resulting in fight, flight or freeze response. 

For disorders with sensory processing, there is no medication or cure.  However, doctors can help a child manage the symptoms through therapy. There are different types of therapy. The basic idea behind these therapies is that children with sensory disorders can benefit from particular movement activities, resistant body work, and even skin brushing. Treatment for "SPD" usually includes working with an occupational therapist on activities that retrain the senses. The objective of the sensory integration approach, which is frequently used by therapists, is to make it easier for children with SPD to manage their everyday tasks. It begins in a safe, stimulating environment. This uses fun, stimulating activities to challenge the childs’ senses without overwhelming them or linking stimulation to feelings of failure. The idea is to gradually implement these learned, suitable responses outside of the therapy facility/clinic to everyday tasks at home, at school, and in society as a whole. Treatment may include a “sensory diet” wherein  activities are introduced in a gentle, fun way in order to ease into a range of sensations. An occupational therapist can help with fine, gross and sensory motor skills. They help the child practice everyday skills that help retrain the senses. 

Unlike sensory diet, sensory feeding therapy is for children with processing issues related to real food!  Children with SPD might be more sensitive to particular food flavors, aromas, visuals, and textures. This therapy involves introducing new foods in a way that helps your child become gradually desensitized to them. It starts with foods your child is familiar with and builds from there. The goal of feeding therapy includes identifying appropriate feeding milestones and developing your child’s feeding skills and their behavior around new and unfamiliar foods. 

These therapies can be executed at home as well. 

There are a number of methods you can help your child with sensory issues outside of treatments, such as: 

• Maintaining a regular routine while providing notice of any planned changes.
• Using visual cues to support your child’s routines and introduce new or different tasks.
• Being aware of how environmental changes may impact your child’s behavior.
• Knowing your child's areas of interest, challenges, and strengths. 
• If necessary, allowing additional time for carrying out challenging tasks.
• Considering extra support at school if needed. 

We acquire a lot about the world around us by our senses. If your child has a hard time gathering and interpreting those sensory inputs, they may show signs of sensory processing disorder. SPD is complicated and can look different in every child. It affects a child’s ability to process and integrate sensory information. This can be challenging for children and their parents. The most effective plan for proceeding is early intervention as therapy functions best when children continue to develop physically and mentally.  Many children experience a mix of both over *and* under responses to sensory inputs. You should not wait until they are already dysregulated to accommodate their sensory needs. Developmental delays in children are easier to manage or overcome when you detect them early and seek therapeutic treatments. Treatments, including occupational therapy, may help children and adults who have sensory issues learn to cope with the world around them. Less overreactions and better sensory outlets are the primary goals of treatment. Children who succeeded in employing therapy to manage the symptoms might need additional medical attention as they grow older and achieve new goals in life. 

If your child has sensory issues contact us now.