Everyone processes sensory information differently—some people love the feel of velvet while others hate it, the smell of wet soil can be delightful or repulsive, and everyone enjoys certain types of music more than others. However, when an individual reacts to these external stimuli in a dysfunctional manner, they may be experiencing a condition known as sensory processing disorder.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing was originally referred to as "sensory integration," and is how the nervous system receives signals from senses, in turn creating motor and behavioral responses. This occurs constantly, and we are faced with thousands of sensations that our nervous system processes every day from reading to driving, eating, or even sleeping.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is when the nervous system is unable to detect or process these signals properly. Some refer to the disorder as a "traffic jam" in the information. This, in turn, impedes proper responses.
Because our brain is constantly bombarded by messages of sensory information, from the smell of food to the feeling of clothes against our body, we learn at a young age which of these are to be tuned out, so we can focus on what is immediate and important. However, with SPD, sensations are experienced close to equally, becoming either over or underwhelming. The struggle is in the organization of the information that the brain receives.
It’s important to note that SPD is not listed as a specific disorder in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, symptoms related to SPD fall under conditions including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Common Is SPD?
Since SPD isn’t a stand-alone disorder, it can be difficult to tell just how common it is. However, some sources state that SPD affects 5 to 16% of school-aged children. Another study reported that 13.7% of kindergarten children showed symptoms of sensory processing disorder.
Symptoms Of Sensory Processing Disorder
Symptoms of SPD can be mild or severe, but some are especially common.
1. Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity, or what some call oversensitivity, is when responses to daily occurrences such as loud noises, touch, or crowds are overwhelming. Sometimes, this oversensitivity will manifest itself in a feeling of fear and paranoia, even when there is no danger present.
2. Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity, or under-sensitivity, is just the opposite; individuals are less aware of their surroundings and/or have a very high tolerance to pain.
This is often when those with SPD become "sensory seeking" and try to find new methods of stimulation. Sometimes, this will result in a constant need for a physical touch of people and things, which can sometimes be unwelcome or inappropriate. Sensory seeking people may also have a constant need to be in motion, often taking risks that can sometimes harm others in their way.
3. Both Hypersensitivity And Hyposensitivity
While hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity may appear to be opposite, they can occur at the same time. When people are in settings they recognize, they may be fine and comfortable but become overwhelmed with new ones, especially when they are crowded. This often results in meltdowns that can be difficult to control.
Individuals may also experience hypersensitivity to a certain stimulus one day but then be unbothered by it the next day.
4. Motor Skill Problems
Those who are hypersensitive often struggle to handle objects, which can affect everything from writing to completing chores. Hypersensitivity to touch may also cause problems with walking properly.
5. Diminished Social Skills
Individuals living with SPD sometimes experience difficulty socializing with others. When someone is oversensitive, they are likely to feel anxious or irritable, resulting in a barrier to effective and friendly communication. Those who are under-sensitive sometimes misunderstand how rough or invasive they are being, making others uncomfortable and leading to exclusion.
6. Lack of Self-Control
When people feel overstimulated, it becomes difficult to control, or even notice, their actions. Because they are so consumed by their sensory experiences, they may act in unusual manners, which can be alarming to others. For example, individuals may need to abruptly leave situations if they feel overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or bright lights.
Causes Of Sensory Processing Disorder
While there is much research taking place regarding the causes of SPD, the results are not yet conclusive. Some results indicate SPD may be inherited. Others show that prenatal and birth complications may be associated with the disorder.
Now, many professionals are beginning to utilize brain-imaging techniques to discover the biological implications of the disorder. One study even found a connection between specific areas of the brain and the ability to organize and respond to sensory information. While related disorders like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD relate to the front of the brain, SPD was shown to relate to the back of the brain. This suggests that SPD may be a unique disorder, rather than a symptom. However, further research is needed for these results to be considered significant.
Living With Sensory Processing Disorder
Completing daily tasks can be difficult for those living with SPD. These individuals often struggle to respond to information that is administered through the senses, leading to clumsiness, behavioral issues, posture problems, and deficiencies in motor skills. Later, these struggles may lead to anxiety, depression, or difficulties in school/and or work. They may also lead people to avoid certain situations where they know aversive stimuli will be present.
While many experience occasional troubles with processing sensory information, it is common for people with SPD. As with many disorders, symptoms vary from case to case. For some, only one sense is impacted, such as smell or movement. However, others can be affected by multiple senses.
In some circumstances, those with SPD over-respond, becoming overwhelmed by sensory experiences, even by seemingly small circumstances such as minor physical contact. A common response is frustration. Others under-respond, and are not affected by intense heat or cold, for example. This can be a danger, as children may not realize they are being burned, or be too slow to respond before being harmed.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SPD usually takes place during childhood, but it is not uncommon for some with the disorder to go through life without being properly diagnosed and seek treatment to help them interpret and react to sensory messages.
When left undiagnosed and untreated, sensory processing disorder in adults can often lead to struggles in retaining relationships and jobs due to depression, social isolation, and underachievement.
If you think your child might have SPD, take notes on their behavior and talk to their teachers at school to see if they are experiencing similar potential symptoms. Start by talking to the child's pediatrician and offering the notes you've taken. If necessary, they may suggest a comprehensive assessment. They will also likely recommend a specialist who can evaluate your child better. Be sure to let them know when you started noticing the behaviors you have noticed, and potential triggers or diffusers.
Misdiagnoses
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis for SPD is common due to a lack of training among healthcare professionals regarding sensory issues.
For some with SPD, the desire for sensation is intensified, as it is harder to attain. They sometimes develop an addiction to stimulation but suffer symptoms when it is present. Therefore, a misdiagnosis of ADHD is common, along with improper medication.
Sometimes those with SPD will also be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. While most people with ASD have SPD, not everyone who has SPD has ASD.
Recognition And Diagnosis
While sensory processing problems are now a part of some areas of research, the topic is still controversial in many medical circles. SPD has not yet been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is considered the official guide among doctors and therapists for the diagnosis of disorders regarding behavior and attention. This may be part of why misdiagnoses are so common.
Sensory processing disorder also is not included in the disabilities included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Awareness is growing, however, and there is a possibility that SPD will be added to these official documents.
This may relate to why SPD is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. Individuals are sometimes diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or another disorder, even if they are only experiencing symptoms of SPD. While it is true that the majority of individuals living with ASD experience sensory issues, not all individuals living with SPD are experiencing ASD.
Despite not being included in the Individuals with Disabilities Act, there are alternative options for special education for those with sensory processing issues. If an individual is found to have a learning disability, whether connected to sensory processing disorder or not, they will be eligible.
Navigating Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD treatment is available, but due to the lack of diagnosis or misdiagnosis, many are unable to take advantage of it. This can cause frustrations for both those experiencing SPD as well as parents caring for children living with SPD.
While occupational therapies are often used to help those with SPD navigate the world, behavioral therapy can help individuals learn to accept and manage their unique needs. However, sitting in a traditional therapist’s office may be difficult for someone living with SPD. Therefore, online therapy may be an appealing alternative, since it allows individuals to complete therapy from anywhere with a strong internet connection.
There hasn’t been much research done comparing online vs. in-person therapy when it comes to SPD. However, research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective alternative to in-person therapy for many mental health disorders.
Takeaway
Sensory processing disorder impacts how an individual handles sights, smells, tastes, touches, and sounds. Those with SPD often have difficulties navigating the world and/or handling social situations. However, individuals can learn how to cope with the unique way they experience stimuli and live fulfilling lives.
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