Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain receives and processes information from the senses.
It’s not a mental illness, but rather a physical condition with symptoms that are similar to those found in autism spectrum disorders. The most common signs of SPD include:
| Key Points |
|---|
| Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information received through the senses. |
| Sensory toys can be a helpful tool for children with SPD, as they can provide opportunities for sensory exploration and help build important skills. |
| When choosing sensory toys for a child with SPD, it’s important to consider their individual sensory profile and unique needs. |
| Sensory play can be beneficial for all children, not just those with SPD, as it can help build important developmental skills and provide opportunities for creative exploration. |
| Parents and caregivers can support a child with SPD by creating a sensory-friendly environment, providing opportunities for sensory play, and working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that meets the child’s unique needs. |
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a problem that affects the way your child’s brain and nervous system process information.
It can make certain sensations, like touch or noise, feel overwhelming for your child. SPD can cause a range of symptoms in children who have it.
This means that kids with SPD will respond differently to sensory experiences than most children do. In some cases, these differences are extreme enough that they impact their ability to function normally in everyday life.
This is why it’s important for parents and professionals to know how to identify SPD early on and find ways to help kids manage their symptoms throughout development.
To better understand what this disorder looks like in children and adults alike and how you might be able to help them cope here we break down everything you need about SPD: what causes it; how it’s diagnosed; why people often mistake sensory issues for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); common signs of sensory issues in children; and finally some helpful tips on how best support those who live with SPD every day!
Sensory play is a great way to enhance your toddler’s learning and development. As our article on sensory play for toddlers explains, engaging in sensory activities can help toddlers learn about the world around them and develop important skills.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder is a condition that affects the way your child’s brain and nervous system process information from the senses.
These five senses include sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. This can affect their ability to interpret information from these senses accurately.
Sensory processing disorder is not a learning disability that causes a problem with learning new things; it’s more of an issue with how your child perceives and reacts to sensory input in their environment.
The severity of symptoms varies greatly between children with SPD because every person processes sensory input differently, but there are some common signs all children might exhibit:
- An aversion to certain textures or temperatures (for example, refusing to wear certain types of clothing)
- Being sensitive or avoiding certain foods because they feel funny in the mouth or throat when swallowed
- Difficulty understanding language especially when spoken quickly by others (called auditory processing disorder)
What causes SPD?
There is no single cause of SPD, but it’s likely caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and environment.
For example, if you were born with a sensory processing disorder and your parents have one too then you’re more likely to have one yourself.
Research shows that children who live in chaotic homes or environments are also more likely to develop SPD. In these cases, it’s not the child who has a problem with sensory processing; rather, it’s his or her surroundings that make them more susceptible to developing ADHD-like symptoms such as hyperactivity and distractibility.
How Is SPD Diagnosed?
If you suspect your child has SPD, you may want to consider getting a diagnosis. One way to get a diagnosis is by seeing an occupational therapist (OT). An OT will assess your child’s sensory system using various tests.
The OT may also ask you questions about how your child reacts when they are in situations such as going to the doctor’s office or taking a bath.
Your answers can help the OT make an accurate diagnosis of what kind of sensory processing disorder your child might have.
A child with SPD may exhibit many behaviors that are out of the ordinary for their age group and developmental level:
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities that require concentration
- Having trouble paying attention during conversations with others or listening carefully when spoken too
Are you looking to introduce your toddler to the world of sensory toys? Our beginner’s guide to sensory toys for toddlers can help. From exploring different textures to improving fine motor skills, sensory toys can play a big role in your toddler’s development.
Sensory Processing Disorder vs. Autism Spectrum Disorders
You may have heard the term “sensory processing disorder” thrown around, but not known exactly what it means.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not the same as autism, though they do share some similarities. SPD is a neurological disorder that affects how people process sensory information from their bodies and environments, whereas autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders that affect social interaction and communication skills.
The difference between SPD and other mental illnesses can be confusing for non-experts who might assume that since both involve problems with sensory processing, then SPD must be a form of mental illness like anxiety or depression.
It isn’t Sensory Processing Disorder is actually a medical condition rather than a mental health issue.
It’s important to note here that just because someone has been diagnosed with SPD doesn’t mean they have poor parenting skills or any other psychological problems at all—the two things are completely unrelated!
Sensory Symptoms Of Spd
Sensory symptoms of SPD can be broken down into two categories:
Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) – the child is easily distracted by sensory stimuli and/or overwhelmed by them. They may also react with a high level of distress or anxiety.
Example: A child who is sensitive to sounds may become agitated when hearing an ambulance siren, but be completely fine watching TV during an action scene in a movie with lots of sound effects.
Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR) – the child is either not bothered by sensory input or overreacts because they don’t respond well to it (this can be either low or high).
For example: A child who doesn’t notice sudden loud noises like firecrackers will run right into them without looking up from their game on the iPad; meanwhile, another child who notices these things but doesn’t feel bothered by them may become easily distressed when asked questions while trying to focus on his homework instead of listening to music through earbuds at full volume while doing so!
If you’re wondering which sensory toys your toddler should have in their toy box, check out our article on 15 sensory toys every toddler should have. From play tunnels to sensory balls, these toys can provide hours of fun and learning for your little one.
Signs Of Sensory Issues In Children
Before you begin to figure out what sensory toys your child needs, it’s important to know the signs of SPD. If a child has sensory issues, they may:
- Be extremely sensitive to certain textures and sounds that others don’t notice.
- Find it difficult to focus or pay attention when there are multiple stimuli going on at once (like in a classroom).
- Have trouble managing their emotions when they’re in an environment that overwhelms them with too many sights and sounds at once.
If your child displays any of these behaviors on a regular basis, they may have some form of SPD.
However and this is key not everyone displays all symptoms or experiences them in the same way, so don’t assume that if one thing doesn’t work for your child then nothing will help!
Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment
If you suspect that your child has sensory processing disorder, the first step is to get them evaluated by a therapist. If SPD is diagnosed, there are a number of treatments that can help.
One of the most effective treatments for SPD is called a sensory diet. This involves creating an environment or daily routine that allows your child to explore their senses and learn how they affect their body. You can find ideas for how to do this on sites like Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation or Sensory-Processing-Disorder-Information-Network.
You’ll also want to explore different therapies available for children with SPD such as occupational therapy and speech therapy (or combined into one).
A specialist in treating children with these disorders will be able to work with you on tailoring your child’s treatment plan specifically towards his or her needs.
They may also recommend various books, apps or other resources that may be helpful in managing symptoms of SPD
Best Sensory Toys For Toddlers And Kids With Autism And Spd
Sensory toys for toddlers and kids with autism and SPD
Sensory toys can be a great way to help young children develop skills. They can also help teach children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Sensory toys can also help children learn skills in other areas, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental delays.
When you’re shopping for sensory toys for your child, keep in mind that not every toy will work for them.
For example, if your child is sensitive to noise or sound, then buying a musical toy might not be the best choice. Before purchasing a new item, think about how it will affect your child’s sensory needs: how much movement does it have? Does it make sounds? What kind of materials make up the toy? Improving awareness of these things will help ensure that you get the right toy at Home!
| Toy Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensory Balls | Soft balls with different textures and patterns for tactile stimulation. |
| Play Tunnels | Enclosed tunnels for crawling and exploring. |
| Busy Boards | Boards with buttons, locks, and other manipulatives to improve fine motor skills. |
| Sensory Bottles | Clear bottles filled with sensory items like glitter or small objects for visual stimulation. |
| Musical Instruments | Drums, shakers, and |
Not all sensory toys are created equal, and finding the right ones for your child can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on how to choose the right sensory toys for toddlers. Whether your child needs toys for tactile stimulation or to improve their gross motor skills, this guide can help you find the perfect match.
Sensory Toys For Tactile Sensitivity (Tactile Defensiveness)
Tactile sensitivity is a common symptom of SPD. It may be hard for you to stand wearing scratchy clothing, or even snug fitting garments like Lycra leggings.
You might get uncomfortable if someone brushes against you, and shoes can be painful as well.
If you’re tactile sensitive, it’s important to introduce your child to non-irritating textures so they can learn how to tolerate different kinds of sensations on their skin.
Tactile toys are a great way of doing this because they’re specifically designed with soft fabrics that won’t irritate the skin too much while still providing enough resistance and sensation to provide sensory input.
These types of toys include:
- Washcloths with patterns on them – these can be used in place of washcloths or sponges when washing hands/face/body etc;
- Fur mitts – these are like gloves but made out of synthetic fur (so no animals harmed!) with one side being covered by terry cloth material for wiping up messes around the house;
- Waterproof mats – these provide an alternative surface for messy activities like painting where traditional surfaces don’t offer enough resistance;
Sensory Toys For Visual Sensory Input (Visual Defensiveness)
If your child is sensitive to visual stimuli, you might notice that they’re easily overwhelmed by bright lights, fast-moving objects and lots of detail. You can help your child cope with these situations by giving them sensory toys that encourage visual input.
Tegu blocks – These wooden blocks are great for encouraging fine motor skills while also stimulating the senses.
There are many different shapes and sizes, so kids get used to identifying different shapes and working within a certain color scheme. Plus, the tactile nature of the blocks makes them easy to hold on their own or give as a gift!
Felt board – This simple toy is perfect for helping children develop early literacy skills through storytelling. Kids can create scenes with story props like dinosaurs or houses then tell stories about what happens when each prop comes alive in their imagination!
The soft materials make it easy for kids who struggle with sensory issues too because there’s no worrying about painful bumps on toys like hard plastic pieces might cause.
Sensory Toys For Auditory Input (Auditory Defensiveness)
If you have a child with auditory defensiveness, you may want to try soundproofing your home. Consider adding more padding to the walls and ceiling, especially in areas where your child spends most of their time.
Also consider installing window coverings or curtains that block out distracting light. Your child can also wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones when they need some quiet time.
If you’re looking for an alternative solution, look into white noise machines or apps designed specifically for sound therapy.
Sensory toys can be especially beneficial for children with special needs. Our article on sensory toys for special needs children provides a helpful guide for parents looking to find the right toys for their child. From visual stimulation to calming toys, there are many options available to help support your child’s unique needs.
Sensory Toys For Oral Sensory Input (Oral Defensiveness)
There are many different types of sensory toys for oral sensory input, including:
Chewable toys. These can be made from a variety of materials and come in various shapes and sizes—from hard plastic to softer rubber. They’re great for chewing on or gnawing on if you have an oral defensiveness issue.
Food-like items. If you or your child has an oral defensiveness issue, introducing food-like items into the mix can be particularly beneficial because they offer some of the same sensory benefits as real food without the risk associated with eating real food (i.e., choking). Some good options include gummy bears and licorice ropes!
Sensory Play Ideas for Home
| Play Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensory Bins | Bins filled with sensory materials like sand, water beads, or rice for tactile exploration. |
| Playdough | Homemade or store-bought playdough for fine motor skills and creative expression. |
| Nature Walks | Taking a walk outside to explore different textures, smells, and sounds in nature. |
| Bubble Play | Blowing bubbles and popping them for visual and auditory stimulation. |
| Scavenger Hunts | Creating a scavenger hunt for items with different textures, colors, and shapes. |
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you better understand how sensory processing disorder affects kids and what you can do to help your child.
If your child is struggling with SPD, we encourage you to reach out to a professional who can provide more information on how best to support your little one.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful to learn more about sensory processing issues and how to address them:
Understanding Sensory Processing Issues: This comprehensive guide from Understood.org provides an overview of sensory processing issues and how they can affect children’s daily lives. It also offers tips for parents and educators to support children with sensory challenges.
Treating Sensory Processing Issues: This article from Child Mind Institute explores various treatments and therapies that can help children with sensory processing issues, including occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and more.
Sensory Processing Disorder: This article from WebMD offers an in-depth look at sensory processing disorder (SPD), including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It also provides tips for parents to help their child cope with sensory challenges.
FAQs
What is sensory processing disorder (SPD)?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information received through the senses. This can cause a range of challenges, such as difficulty with sensory modulation, poor motor coordination, and behavioral issues.
How is SPD diagnosed?
SPD is typically diagnosed by a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist or psychologist. The diagnostic process may involve a variety of assessments and evaluations to determine the child’s sensory profile and identify areas of challenge.
What are some common treatments for SPD?
Common treatments for SPD include occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and other forms of sensory-based interventions. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to address related symptoms, such as anxiety or ADHD.
Can SPD be cured?
There is currently no known cure for SPD, but with proper treatment and support, many children with SPD are able to learn coping strategies and develop skills to manage their sensory challenges.
How can parents support a child with SPD at home?
Parents can support a child with SPD at home by creating a sensory-friendly environment, providing opportunities for sensory play and exploration, and working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that meets the child’s unique needs.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
