Blog | Dr Santosh Kumar

The way we respond to and digest information from our senses is known as sensory processing. Every day, it occurs to everyone at some point. It’s possible that our experiences with sight, taste, sound and touch are different from those of others.

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is a neurological condition and is believed to affect anywhere between 5% to 15% of school going children. It generally means that someone with this condition is overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not. Children with SPD, have trouble understanding the sensory environment around them. Due to their sensory issues, they might find it challenging to run, tie their shoes, write and engage in many other common childhood activities.

SPD hinders or interferes with the brain’s ability to properly interpret the sensations. Sensory integration refers to the process through which your nervous system receives signals from your senses and causes your body to respond. It describes distinct variances in this process.

Someone with SPD might react to sensory information differently than what other people might anticipate. In the end, this may result in discomfort, anxiety, awkwardness, pain and depressive symptoms.

SPD can manifest in many different ways and frequently leads to behavioral problems in addition to functional challenges. Children on the autistic spectrum frequently struggle with a wide variety of challenging sensory issues, and those with SPD may struggle with sensory issues involving one or more senses. Some of the signs and symptoms of SPD include:

• Movement control challenges

• Can spin without getting dizzy

• Having trouble getting dressed, eating or sleeping

• Bad posture

• Prone to distraction

• Sleeping at night is difficult due to changes in bed linen

• Hates being touched

• Frequently having temper

• Being agitated

SPD is not an acquired disorder, meaning it does not appear out of the blue as a result of a disease or accident. If it is left untreated, it can lead to a wide range of problems. It is present from an extremely early age (perhaps in pregnancy). Children with SPD frequently have serious feeding difficulties, which can affect their development, bowel and bladder functions, brain development and physical health.

SPD has a particularly large impact on emotional functioning. It frequently serves as the impetus for a family to seek assistance. Chronic emotional dysregulation in children can have an effect on daily life, family quality of life, academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Finding the best treatment for your child, or a mix of treatments, depends on their SPD diagnosis. Occupational therapists with experience in sensory difficulties may be of great assistance. Until your child is mature enough to develop coping methods on their own, some things may just need to be left out of the closet. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that each person with SPD is unique and will perceive the world in a way that you might not be able to understand.

Chetna Foundation is dedicated to helping children and adults with special needs achieve their fullest potential by providing quality therapies and treatment.