Sensory Processing Disorder – Basic Characteristics

Sensory processing disorder also known as SPD is a disorder of the neurological system seen in children that leads to problems with the processing of information that comes from the senses of sight, speech, feel, taste and smell as well as the senses of movement and position. An individual affected by SPD will sense these things however how their mind perceives them will be altered or distorted. Because there is still a presence of these senses there may be distress or confusion due to the way the brain processes this information.

SPD is a specific disorder however it may also be associated with other issues of the neurological system such as attention deficit disorder or ADD, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, Tourette syndrome, autism and speech delays. The actual meaning of STD meets the criteria for Asperger syndrome. Although there is no known cure for this disorder there are many treatment options.

There are three basic categories or types of sensory processing disorder which include sensory modulation disorder, sensory based motor disorder and sensory discrimination disorder.

Sensory modulation disorder or SMD is defined as a response to stimulus of the senses that may be either excessive or insufficient in nature. Other feelings or behaviors that may be exhibited include fear and anxiety, negativity or stubbornness as well as being self absorbed.

Sensory based motor disorder or SBMD indicates motor output that may lack organization. This is caused by the information of the senses being processed incorrectly which in turn affects motor planning.

Sensory discrimination disorder or SDD occurs when the information received from sight or hearing is not processed properly and the results may be displayed as an inability to pay attention, lack of organization and poor performance academically.

Some of the symptoms of sensory processing disorder may include crashing into objects such as furniture or walls, putting items in mouth that are not food such as clothing, toys and hands, fear of specific things such as water and sound and things that produce loud or annoying noises such as thunder or vacuum cleaners, being a picky eater and avoiding interaction.

Children with SPD often have problems with issues such as anxiety management, dealing with frustration, completing tasks, using fine and gross motor skills, and dealing with cases of high stress.

SPD is often discovered in children at a young age as delays in certain areas of development are noticed. Children who have this condition often do not have the ability respond correctly to sensed information and thus results in an incorrect reaction to this information. Many children respond to this reaction by withdrawing from the situation.

If you think your child may be exhibiting symptoms or characteristics of this condition or any other strange or unusual behavior that may indicate possible problems it is very important you seek the medical advice of a licensed health care professional for proper diagnosis. There are effective treatments for this disorder however they often include early detection and may be less effective as the condition progresses.