A Parent's Guide to Sensory Processing
If a child is frequently observed to over- or under-react abnormally to sights, sounds, or textures, the child may have something called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). However, it is very important to understand that SPD is not just pickiness or sensitivity. It can be quite a debilitating condition, in many ways, for daily living. Knowing how to identify signs will help your child feel more comfortable and at home in their world.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
In simple terms, it is an assumption that sensory processing disorder (SPD) causes the brain not to process sensory information correctly. For some kids, it means even simple sensations—perhaps the sound of the TV or the feel of a sweater—are overwhelming, making some children almost hyperconscious of sensory input. Others seem almost unaware of sensory inputs and fail to react to things that would typically cause discomfort or pain.
This kind of disconnection prevents children from being able to exhibit normal behaviors and enjoy life’s activities, like putting on clothes or playing, and the very idea of being around other people becomes extremely difficult.
Recognizing the usual symptoms of SPD
Sometimes, it’s tough to tell if such behaviors are signs of SPD or are parts of the child’s personality. A few telltale signs include:
1. Oversensitivity
Some children are very sensitive to some sensations. They might get very upset with loud noises, bright lights, or the feeling of particular fabrics on their skin. For example, something like a shirt tag could set them off in a meltdown.
2. Under Sensitivity The other extreme: some children barely seem to notice sensory information. They may not respond to a loud noise, a bad smell, or even physical pain. This insensitivity might be greatly troubling, more so on things like injuries or changes in temperature.
3. Incoordination and Balance Issues: SPD can also impact coordination and balance. You might notice that your child is struggling with activities like writing, tying shoelaces, or catching a ball.
Problems of Everyday Life
Eating, getting dressed, brushing teeth—all things we do every day—can be titanic tasks for a child dealing with SPD. Sensitivities to textures or tastes can make a meal or the process of getting dressed overwhelming.
Emotional Distress and Behavioral Reactions
Children with SPD can become easily frustrated, anxious, or upset when information is received all at once. It is likely to make the child either emotionally explosive or completely avoidant.
Sensory-Seeking or Avoidant
Some of the children with SPD actively seek sensory experiences — by jumping, spinning, and crashing into things. Others avoid all sensory input — the touch avoiders who won’t wear jeans or keep their socks on, food avoiders who won’t touch certain textures, activity avoiders who seem clumsy and awkward and can’t be still.
How You Can Help
If you suspect SPD in your child, it is worthwhile to consult a professional. An occupational therapist can really assist in offering solutions and therapies toward which one can steer their child for handling sensations.
Treatment Modalities
- Occupational Therapy
Your child may also benefit from occupational therapy, which teaches skills for daily living and helps improve general motor function.
- Sensory Integration Therapy
This therapy is developed to help children habituate gradually to those sensory experiences which are hard for them. They are placed within a controlled environment where they are exposed to challenging sensory inputs, thus gradually building tolerance to it with time.
- Making Adjustments at Home
What you can do at home to help your child adjust better are also the many things that you can do. A calm, predictable environment and providing sensory-friendly alternatives could do so much in reducing your child’s anxiety and frustrations.
- Why Sensory Therapy Works
Sensory therapy is an organized avenue for helping children to learn and regulate the sensory world. Intensive interaction with a therapist is a hands-on way for the child to learn strategies that apply in real life and greatly facilitate a given situation. With time, they can handle the very sensory inputs that once overwhelmed them better.
Conclusion
But understanding and helping your child accommodate Sensory Processing Disorder can really make the difference for your child. With proper therapies and support to reduce anxiety, the child can live a life that handles sensory input well, which reflects globally in many activities. Early intervention would be key to being able to thrive well in this world full of sensory experiences.