Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders: Challenges and Practical Tools

Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs) significantly impact daily life, making common

experiences overwhelming or even painful. These disorders affect how individuals

engage with the world, from the simple act of putting on clothes to entering a noisy

environment. This document explores what SPDs are, the challenges they present, and

practical tools for successful navigation.

What is a Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition where the brain has

difficulty interpreting and responding appropriately to sensory input. This input includes

information from the five well-known senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell), as

well as the vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body awareness) systems.

In someone with SPD, the brain’s “filter” for sensory input is either too sensitive, too dull,

or inconsistent. For example:

● A child might scream when hearing a hand dryer in a public restroom.

● Another may not feel pain when injured, or constantly seek movement by

jumping and crashing into furniture.

● A teen might avoid eating certain foods due to strong aversions to textures or

smells.

● An adult might feel physically overwhelmed in a crowded grocery store distracted

by the hum of the refrigerators, the brightness of overhead lights, and the

unpredictable noise from carts, announcements, and other shoppers. They may

leave early, feeling anxious and overstimulated, or avoid shopping altogether and

rely on online orders instead.

These responses aren't simply “quirks” they reflect how the nervous system is

processing (or misprocessing) incoming information.

Common SPD Patterns

1. Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitivity):

○ Strong reactions to noise, lights, touch, or textures.

○ Avoids grooming tasks (hair brushing, nail cutting).

○ Can become overwhelmed in group settings or crowded spaces.

2. Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitivity):

○ Doesn’t register sensory input unless it’s intense.

○ May not notice hunger, temperature, or name being called.

○ Often appears withdrawn, unfocused, or unaware of surroundings.

3. Sensory Seeking (Craving):

○ Constantly in motion; may chew, touch, spin, or crash into objects.

○ Struggles with personal space and impulsivity.

○ Often appears hyperactive but may be trying to self-regulate.

How SPDs Impact Daily Life

SPDs can interfere with:

● Learning: Difficulty focusing on classrooms due to noise, movement, or visual

distractions.

● Social Participation: Avoiding social events, struggling with peer interactions, or

reacting strongly to touch.

● Self-Care Routines: Resisting bathing, brushing teeth, or wearing certain

clothing.

● Emotional Regulation: Anxiety, meltdowns, or emotional withdrawal due to

sensory overwhelm.

Importantly, SPDs often co-occur with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism

spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD, but they can also occur independently. When left

unrecognized, they can lead to long-term struggles with confidence, social interaction,

and well-being.

Tools and Supports That Can Help

1. Occupational Therapy (OT):

OTs specializing in sensory integration help individuals build tolerance and skills

through guided sensory activities. These might include swinging, joint

compressions, or deep pressure play.

2. Sensory Diets:

A “sensory diet” is a personalized set of daily activities that help regulate sensory

input. For example:

● Bouncing on a therapy ball before school.

● Using a weighted blanket during quiet time.

● Sipping from a straw for oral motor input during homework.

3. Environmental Modifications:

● Noise-canceling headphones in loud settings.

● Dimmable lights or natural lighting to reduce visual stress.

● Sensory-friendly classrooms with flexible seating, fidgets, or quiet corners.

4. Self-Regulation Tools:

● Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm the nervous system.

● Visual schedules and timers to support transitions and predictability.

● Social stories and role-play to prepare for new sensory experiences.

5. Innovative Approaches:

● Virtual Reality (VR): Creates controlled environments to gradually

introduce challenging sensory input.

● Neuromodulation Techniques (tDCS, TMS): Still being studied, but early

results suggest they may help regulate brain activity related to sensory

processing, particularly in children with ASD or SPD.

Why This Matters

SPD can be misunderstood, especially when behaviors are seen as “defiant,” “lazy,” or

“overdramatic.” In reality, these are neurological responses to sensory overload or

under-stimulation. With the right tools, understanding, and support, children and

adolescents with SPD can thrive in school, relationships, and everyday life.

Whether it's a calm-down corner at school, a sensory-friendly family routine, or new

assistive technologies, every step we take toward sensory inclusion helps create

environments where all individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Author: Lindsay Jeanes, Behavior Specialist, Miren Behavior

Reference:

Passarello, N., Tarantino, V., Chirico, A., Menghini, D., Costanzo, F., Sorrentino, P., Fucà, E.,

Gigliotta, O., Alivernini, F., Oliveri, M., Lucidi, F., Vicari, S., Mandolesi, L., & Turriziani, P. (2022).

Sensory Processing Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Taking Stock of Assessment and

Novel Therapeutic Tools. Brain Sciences, 12(11), 1478.