Does your child have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or also known as ‘sensory processing dysfunction’ at the simplest level is characterised by an inefficiency of the nervous system to process information. Our nervous system is required to process high levels of sensation both internal and external including what we see, smell, touch, taste, hear, and feel internally (‘interoception’) such as temperature change, bladder and bowel movements. Difficulties in processing this information can result in the following:

• Challenges with motor coordination.

• Challenges with sleep, eating, or toileting.

• Difficulties with attention, concentration, and learning.

• Challenges with emotional regulation, impulse control, and social skills.

What does SPD feel like?

Imagine having an electrical and wiring system in your home which is ineffective and unable to complete its designated purpose. For example, you turn on the TV and the sound is blasted at maximum volume. You turn on the lights in your bedroom and it is at maximum brightness or is so dim you struggle to see in the dark. The air conditioning system is either way too cold or way too hot where you are in a state of discomfort and physical confusion. You walk into your home and there is a pungent smell from the faulty wiring system which you cannot seem to cover or ignore. How would it feel to live in this state of sensation overload? How would you cope when you are unable to use these systems for their sole purpose?

This is a small example of what SPD may feel like for some individuals and if you can imagine the brain as a wiring, functioning system it can help with understanding the importance of sensory processing.

How can I help my child with suspected SPD?

Taking your child for an evaluation with a skilled occupational therapist is the first step to gaining the proper support. Ensuring you have a good match of therapist skill with your child's needs is crucial in gaining an in-depth evaluation and establishing a sensory profile. Some further strategies will include:

• Gaining resources to provide to your child’s educators to support their understanding of your child’s needs including recognising symptoms of SPD and not mistaking this for ‘behavioural challenges’.

• Establishing a Sensory Profile to establish what sensations your child has challenges with processing including any hyperresponsivity (‘too much’) or hyporesponsivity (‘too little’) to particular sensations.

• A treatment program which may include a ‘sensory diet’ also known as a sensory program or ‘sensory lifestyle’ which aims to alter their usual activities to incorporate more sensory friendly strategies.

• Your therapist may consider implementing sensory integration therapy programs such as Therapeutic Listening to support your child’s ability to process sensation more efficiently.

If you have any questions or concerns you are more than welcome to contact us to chat about some of your concerns on 0450 501 023.