Introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

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Introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

28 July 2009 966 views 22 Comments

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is the disruption in intake and organization of information from the outside world inside the brain. This disruption affects how the brain organizes an appropriate response/reaction while taking in information through senses (Sensory Integration.)

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory Integration (SI) is the ability to take in information through the senses (hear, see, smell, taste, touch, movement, balance, body position) and organize it in the brain, and use the information to respond appropriately to a particular situation.

In both cases, the information is the “Sensation” and the response is the “Behavior”.

Sensory Integration begins at conception, and continues from infancy through childhood. Although the process of sensory integration is matured and integrated at approximately eight to ten years of age, sensory integration continues to be refined throughout our lives.

Because many sensory processes take place within the nervous system at an unconscious level, we are not usually aware of them. Understanding and interacting with the world comes naturally to us. But for children with SPD even performing even simple everyday tasks can be difficult and hence may present poor adaptive behavior.

Example of SPD Type

1. Auditory Processing Disorder

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Child loves music and TV ads but will not respond to his name call – possible Auditory Processing Disorder. He is unable to differentiate between voices and noises; everything sounds the same so he focuses on what interests him.

2. Visual Processing Disorder

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Child can write (has no motor problem) but handwriting is bad – possible Visual processing disorder. He is unable to differentiate between straight and slanting lines, right and left orientation, space between lines, letters, words so he writes either too close or too far, too big or too small.

In some other cases, some children may not be able to analyze the concept of depth. For example, climbing up and down stair may be a nightmare for the children.

3. Proprioceptive – Kinesthetic Processing Disorder

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Child loves to play ball but is unable to catch it every time – possible Proprioceptive – Kinesthetic processing disorder. He is unable to understand and predict the speed and direction of the ball coming towards him. Sometimes, this fear causes him to get scared of children running around him and hence prefers to sit away and alone.

Effects of SPD on Children Development

SPD affects the child’s functional development and learning, thus reducing self-esteem, self control, abstract reasoning and identifying the varying environmental demands. SPD can seriously hinder the “inner drive” to explore, engage, participate and interact which helps us survive and succeed in life.

What to Do If Your Child Has SPD?

Sensory Integration Therapy is the answer for SPD and this is done by trained Occupational Therapists. However, this will only work if there is full understanding and collaboration by the people around him (family, teachers, and friends). Along with helping the child learn to handle these fluctuations in sensory processing, environmental modifications will be required to provide a more positive experience for the child.