Sensory processing or sensory integration is how the nervous system receives information from the senses and turns them into motor and behavioral responses. For most children, this process happens automatically and effortlessly. They take in information through their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body position, and touch, and their brain sorts it all out to help them interact with the world.
What are Sensory Processing Differences (SPD)?
For an estimated 5-16% of children, however, the process may be challenging. When a child’s brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses, it is referred to as Sensory Processing Difference (SPD), or sometimes Sensory Processing Disorder. A child with SPD might be extremely sensitive to sensory input (hyper-responsive) or under-responsive to it (hypo-responsive). These differences can affect a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and perform daily tasks.
Types of Sensory Processing Differences
There are three main patterns of sensory processing differences
1. Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)
This is the most common pattern, where the child has trouble regulating the intensity, duration, and nature of sensory responses.
- Sensory Over-Responsivity (Sensory Defensiveness): The child reacts too intensely or quickly to sensory stimuli that most people find tolerable. They might cover their ears at loud noises, refuse to wear certain clothes because of the texture, or avoid messy play.
- Sensory Under-Responsivity: The child does not notice or respond to sensory stimuli. They might not react to pain or extreme temperatures.
- Sensory Seeking/Craving: The child actively seeks intense sensory experiences. They might spin constantly, crash into objects, touch everything, or enjoy excessively loud music.
2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)
This involves challenges with balance, posture, and coordinating movements, often due to poor processing of vestibular (movement, balance) and proprioceptive (body position) input.
- Postural Disorder: Difficulties with maintaining body posture, poor endurance, or trouble with transitions (e.g., from sitting to standing).
- Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): Trouble planning and executing new motor tasks. This can look like clumsiness, difficulty learning to ride a bike, or struggles with fine motor tasks like writing and using utensils.
3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)
The child has trouble accurately interpreting the qualities of sensory stimuli. They may struggle to tell the difference between sounds (e.g., distinguishing the teacher’s voice from background noise) or have poor spatial awareness.
Recognizing the Signs
If you are concerned your child may have sensory processing differences, monitor their behavioral patterns. Here are a few behaviors that might be a potential sign of sensory processing differences:
Touch
- Distressed by tags or seams in clothing
- Refuses to try new foods due to the texture
Hearing
- Very sensitive to loud or sudden noises
- Frequently covers ears with hands
Sight
- Sensitive to bright lights
- Avoids eye contact
Movement
- Enjoys spinning
- Frequent rocking
Smell
- Smells everything
- Sensitive gag reflex
If these behaviors significantly impact your child’s daily life, it is important to seek professional advice from your child’s primary care provider. The provider will evaluate your concerns and facilitate evaluation by specialists as clinically indicated.
Understanding that these are differences in how the brain processes information is a critical step to provide a child with the support needed to thrive.