I wanted to make a post about this cause my son has SPD and I know some are unfamiliar with it and there may be other mothers going through the same thing. When I first heard about SPD I had no clue what they were talking about so of course I had to research it.
Sensory processing (sometimes called
"sensory integration" or SI) is a term that refers to the way the
nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into
appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Whether you are biting into a
hamburger, riding a bicycle, or reading a book, your successful
completion of the activity requires processing sensation or "sensory
integration."
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, formerly known as "sensory integration dysfunction") is a condition that exists when sensory signals don't
get organized into appropriate responses. Pioneering occupational
therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a
neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from
receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information
correctly. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon
information received through the senses, which creates challenges in
performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral
problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may
result if the disorder is not treated effectively.
Sensory Processing Disorder can affect people in only one sense–for example, just touch or just sight or just
movement–or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may over-respond to
sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food, or
other sensory input to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and
show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and
cold. In children whose sensory processing of messages from the muscles
and joints is impaired, posture and motor skills can be affected. These
are the "floppy babies" who worry new parents and the kids who get
called "klutz" and "spaz" on the playground. Still other children
exhibit an appetite for sensation that is in perpetual overdrive. These
kids often are misdiagnosed - and inappropriately medicated - for ADHD.
Sensory Processing Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, but
people who reach adulthood without treatment also experience symptoms
and continue to be affected by their inability to accurately and
appropriately interpret sensory messages.
These "sensational adults" may have difficulty performing routines and
activities involved in work, close relationships, and recreation.
Because adults with SPD have struggled for most of their lives, they may
also experience depression, underachievement, social isolation, and/or
other secondary effects.
Sadly, misdiagnosis is common because many health care professionals are
not trained to recognize sensory issues. The Sensory Processing
Disorder Foundation is dedicated to researching these issues, educating
the public and professionals about their symptoms and treatment, and
advocating for those who live with Sensory Processing Disorder and
sensory challenges associated with other conditions.
Most children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are just as
intelligent as their peers. Many are intellectually gifted. Their brains
are simply wired differently. They need to be taught in ways that are
adapted to how they process information, and they need leisure
activities that suit their own sensory processing needs.
Once children with Sensory Processing Disorder have been accurately
diagnosed, they benefit from a treatment program of occupational therapy
(OT) with a sensory integration (SI) approach. When appropriate and
applied by a well-trained clinician, listening therapy (such as
Integrated Listening Systems) or other complementary therapies may be
combined effectively with OT-SI.
Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach typically takes
place in a sensory-rich environment sometimes called the "OT gym."
During OT sessions, the therapist guides the child through fun
activities that are subtly structured so the child is constantly
challenged but always successful.
The goal of Occupational Therapy is to foster appropriate responses to
sensation in an active, meaningful, and fun way so the child is able to
behave in a more functional manner. Over time, the appropriate responses
generalize to the environment beyond the clinic including home, school,
and the larger community. Effective occupational therapy thus enables
children with SPD to take part in the normal activities of childhood,
such as playing with friends, enjoying school, eating, dressing, and
sleeping.
Ideally, occupational therapy for SPD is family-centered. Parents are
involved and work with the therapist to learn more about their child's
sensory challenges and methods for engaging in therapeutic activities
(sometimes called a "sensory diet)" at home and elsewhere. The child's
therapist may provide ideas to teachers and others outside the family
who interact regularly with the child. Families have the opportunity to
communicate their own priorities for treatment.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder helps parents and others who
live and work with sensational children to understand that Sensory
Processing Disorder is real, even though it is "hidden." With this
assurance, they become better advocates for their child at school and
within the community.
