During National Sensory Awareness month in October, my research paper focuses on increasing understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). SPD, also known as “sensory integration” or SI, is a condition that involves the nervous system’s reception and interpretation of sensory signals for motor and behavioral responses. The ability to process sensory input properly is essential for activities such as eating, biking, or reading. Therefore, the purpose of my paper is to raise awareness about SPD.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also called “sensory integration dysfunction,” is characterized by a lack of proper organization of sensory signals for appropriate responses. A. Jean Ayres, PhD, an occupational therapist and neuroscientist, likens SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that obstructs certain areas of the brain from receiving crucial information needed to accurately interpret sensory input. Individuals with SPD face difficulties in processing and responding to sensory information, which leads to challenges in performing daily activities.
Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other harmful effects can arise if the disorder is not properly addressed. According to a study conducted by Ahn, Miller, and Milberger, at least 1 in 20 children face challenges in their daily lives due to SPD. Another research study by Ben-Sasson, Carter, and Briggs-Gowan from the Sensory Processing Disorder Scientific Work Group indicates that approximately 1 in every 6 children may exhibit sensory symptoms significant enough to affect various aspects of their everyday functioning.
Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder occur within a broad range of severity, just like with most disorders. While occasional difficulties processing sensory information are common for most people, those with SPD experience chronic difficulties that disrupt their everyday life. SPD can affect individuals in one sense only, such as touch, sight, or movement, or it can affect multiple senses. Some individuals with SPD may have an over-responsive reaction to sensation, finding clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food, or other sensory input unbearable.
Some children may exhibit an absence of response or limited reaction to stimuli, like pain or extreme temperatures. This can be due to impaired sensory processing of signals related to muscles and joints, impacting their posture and motor skills. Consequently, new parents may perceive these children as floppy babies, while others may refer to them as “klutz” or “spaz” on the playground. Conversely, there are also children who consistently seek sensory stimulation. Unfortunately, these individuals often receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD and are prescribed medication that does not cater to their specific needs.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can be diagnosed in both children and adults. Adults who are diagnosed later in life, known as “sensational adults,” may struggle with interpreting sensory messages, affecting their daily tasks, work participation, relationships, and leisure activities. Individuals with SPD may also face challenges like depression, low achievement levels, social isolation, or related consequences throughout their lives.
The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation aims to tackle the problem of healthcare professionals lacking the necessary training in identifying sensory issues, which often leads to incorrect diagnoses. They accomplish this by conducting research, providing education for both the public and professionals on symptoms and treatment options for sensory issues, as well as advocating for individuals with SPD and similar challenges. Parents who have children with SPD often experience concerns about the causes of the disorder, which can result in feelings of self-blame regarding their child’s sensory issues.
Research conducted at the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation and other collaborating institutions investigates the roots of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Preliminary results show that SPD often has a hereditary component, indicating that the child’s genetic composition contributes to SPD development. Furthermore, challenges during prenatal development and childbirth have been associated with the disorder, indicating that external factors may also play a role. It is crucial to acknowledge that, like other developmental and behavioral disorders, SPD is probably influenced by both genetics and the environment.
Further investigation is required to determine the individual roles of each factor. In her book, “Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder,” Lucy Jane Miller gives an overview of studies that explore the causes and prevalence of this disorder. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder often struggle with motor skills and other important abilities needed for academic success and reaching developmental milestones during childhood. As a result, they frequently experience challenges such as social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and various socio-emotional issues.
Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) face various challenges that put them at a higher risk for emotional, social, and educational difficulties. These challenges include struggling to form friendships or fit in with peers, having low self-esteem, encountering academic obstacles, and being labeled as clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive, or “out of control.” On top of these difficulties, they may also experience anxiety, depression, aggression, or other behavioral problems. Sadly, parents often get blamed for their child’s behavior by people who are unaware of the child’s “hidden handicap.” Despite the existence of effective treatment options for SPD symptoms, many children with sensory issues frequently receive incorrect diagnoses and inadequate treatment.
If Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not treated, it can lead to challenges in adulthood concerning marriage, career, and social interactions. It’s crucial to recognize that most children with SPD have the same level of intelligence as their peers, and some might even possess exceptional intellectual capabilities. The distinction lies in how their brain is wired. These individuals require tailored educational methods that accommodate their distinctive information processing techniques and leisure activities that cater to their sensory requirements. Occupational therapy (OT) incorporating sensory integration (SI) techniques can greatly aid children once they are accurately diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder.
When appropriately used by a well-trained clinician, listening therapy (e.g. Integrated Listening Systems) or other complementary therapies can be effectively combined with OT-SI. Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach usually occurs in a sensory-rich environment known as the “OT gym.” Within OT sessions, the therapist leads the child through enjoyable activities that are subtly organized to ensure continuous challenges while guaranteeing success.
The objective of Occupational Therapy is to promote proper reactions to sensation by engaging in active, meaningful, and enjoyable activities so that the child can behave more efficiently. With time, these appropriate reactions extend beyond the clinic setting to encompass the child’s home, school, and community. Thus, effective occupational therapy allows children with SPD to participate in typical childhood activities, such as playing with friends, enjoying school, eating, dressing, and sleeping. Ideally, occupational therapy for SPD involves the whole family.
Parents collaborate with the therapist to understand their child’s sensory challenges and therapeutic activities, known as a “sensory diet,” both at home and outside. The therapist may share ideas with teachers and other individuals who regularly interact with the child. Families have the opportunity to express their treatment priorities. Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder empowers parents and others working with these exceptional children to acknowledge the reality of the condition, despite its hidden nature. This understanding enables them to advocate more effectively for their child at school and in the community. Typically, diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder begins with screening, where professionals look for red flags indicating developmental differences that warrant further assessment. Screening can occur at school, a doctor’s office, or a private practice clinic. Regardless of the location, parents are often required to complete one or more checklists and provide a developmental history to supplement the evaluator’s observations.
If there are significant differences that require further assessment, an evaluation will be conducted for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which includes standardized testing, detailed clinical observations, and parent-report measures. Comprehensive occupational therapy (OT) evaluations also involve detailed observations in a clinical setting to assess real-life movement and reactivity to stimulation, as well as interviews with parents and teachers. If you notice signs of SPD in your infant or toddler, it is crucial to seek immediate diagnostic services because early diagnosis leads to early intervention and prompt treatment initiation. Many children and their families suffer unnecessarily for years due to sensory issues that could have been addressed if a professional evaluation had identified the presence of Sensory Processing Disorder earlier. * Early diagnosis increases the likelihood of successful intervention as younger children’s brains are more adaptable.
Early intervention is more effective for younger children, while older children may still benefit but may need to focus on developing coping skills rather than modifying the brain like early intervention does. Additionally, early diagnosis leads to better school experiences. When children receive intervention at a young age (such as during infancy or preschool), they acquire the necessary skills for school success earlier and generally have positive experiences throughout their schooling journey.
Federal law mandates and finances the assessment and evaluation of young children suspected of having disabilities. This requirement exists because early identification can help prevent further complications. Children who perceive themselves as unsuccessful in tasks that their peers find easy are more likely to encounter social difficulties, academic challenges, disruptive behaviors, and low self-esteem. By diagnosing and treating children at a young age, there is a greater likelihood for them to break free from this detrimental pattern. Early diagnosis also facilitates the accurate recognition of abnormal behaviors. Children with sensory processing disorder often receive negative labels such as “aggressive,” “withdrawn,” “weird,” “hyper,” and “out of it” due to their unconventional behaviors. Through early diagnosis, these behaviors are appropriately acknowledged as symptoms of an underlying neurological disorder. Consequently, unfair stereotypes, penalties, and other consequences can be diminished or completely avoided. Moreover, early diagnosis positively impacts family life.
Living with sensational children can be extremely stressful for families. However, a diagnosis can help parents navigate common pitfalls such as blaming each other for their child’s behavior or having disagreements regarding discipline. Additionally, a diagnosis provides parents with an explanation that they can use to address the criticism and disapproval not only directed at their child but also towards themselves. Lucy Jane Miller aims to increase awareness about Sensory Processing Disorder through this research paper.
Increased awareness about Sensory Integration can assist both teachers and parents in comprehending the behaviors associated with SPD. Moreover, the home and learning environment can be adjusted to offer a tailored “Sensory Diet,” enabling the child to effectively learn and manage daily activities. Ultimately, development progresses in a cyclic manner, with each stage serving as a basis for the following one. By implementing efficacious intervention techniques and obtaining comprehensive understanding, children with disabilities can establish the necessary support for a positive trajectory of growth.
Works Cited
Ahn, Roianne R., et al. “Prevalence of Parents’ Perceptions of Sensory Processing.” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (2004): 1-7.
Ben-Sasson, A., A. S. Carter as M.J. Briggs-Gowan. Sensory Over-Responsivity in Elementary School: Prevalence and Social-Emotional Correlates. Published Online: Springer Science + Business Media, LLC, 2009.
Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D. OTR. Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder. New York: G.P.Putnam’s Sons, 2006.
