{"id":7067,"date":"2019-05-30T21:10:44","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T21:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7067"},"modified":"2021-05-04T18:47:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T18:47:18","slug":"14-symptoms-of-sensory-processing-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-symptoms-of-sensory-processing-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Processing Disorder is a health condition that sees children and some adults experience an unusual sensitivity or reaction to certain environmental and sensory stimuli. The American Occupational Therapy Association estimates that as much as 5% of children who are are on the autism spectrum or have been diagnosed with related conditions such as ADHD might also have Sensory Processing Disorder (or SPD).   <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of research is still being done into the potential causes and treatments for SPD, and there are still some medical professionals out there who don\u2019t accept SPD as a disorder on its own but instead see it as a sub-classification for something else. This leads to the condition often being misdiagnosed, treated in the wrong way or not treated at all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 symptoms of sensory processing disorder that can help carers, therapists, teachers, and parents to spot the potential signs of the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Some Accompanying Disorders<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research has shown some links between sensory processing disorder and a range of other disorders, some of which fall on the autism <\/a>spectrum and some of which do not. This means that SPD has become easier for medical professionals to officially diagnose, and it might be spotted easier during a consultation for a related disorder. Not all people who have conditions like ADHD and autism will automatically have or develop SPD, but it\u2019s seen (to varying degrees) in a lot of cases.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These accompanying conditions are often easier to spot, and misdiagnosed less: This makes SPD both easier to diagnose and study as a related condition by itself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we don\u2019t know a lot about SPD just yet, a lot more is known about related conditions like the autism spectrum when it comes to treating sensory sensitivity, and this can be a huge help when it comes to finding treatments that manage the condition better.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Tolerance or Insensitivity to Pain<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people with sensory processing disorder are known to have an intolerance or insensitivity to pain<\/a>, while at the same time showing an overreaction and extreme sensitivity to other types of feeling (e.g. light touches or fluffy textures). This happens due to the fact that sensory input isn\u2019t processed in the same way that it would in those without the disorder \u2013 and an especially careful eye should be kept on this symptom of SPD because of the fact that people with the condition are more likely to injure themselves without realizing it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, older children and adults with sensory processing disorder will realize that they have a very high tolerance to pain and start to wonder why sometimes after walking around with an injury unknowingly for a while. Smaller children who can\u2019t express their pain in the language yet will usually show a dulled or neutral reaction to stimuli that would normally make other children cry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Sensitivity to Sudden or Loud Noises<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have sensory processing disorder will commonly display a very high sensitivity to sudden or loud noises, and seem to overreact to some sounds that nobody else would have noticed or found an offensive sound. Some of these sounds can include dishes clanging together, cutlery against plates while people are eating, doors slamming, people chewing, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners and it can even extend to certain frequencies or voices. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To someone with a sensory processing disorder, sudden, loud or repetitive noises are more startling than they might be to anyone else, and repetitive noises that others might not have noticed are impossible to ignore \u2013 and this can make everything around them seem like complete sensory overload. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with sensory processing disorder will avoid loud places and crowds for this reason, and overreact when people raise their voice. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epilepsy <\/a>is another related health condition, of which \u201cstartle epilepsy\u201d is a subtype that can cause seizures when loud, sudden sounds are experienced. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Sensitivity or Intolerance to Some Textures<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The feeling of sensory overload in people who have sensory processing disorder often isn\u2019t limited just to sounds, but will also extend through to their other senses at the same time. People who have sensory processing disorder will often display an extreme sensitivity or intolerance to some textures too, and develop a seeming obsession with certain other textures that they find more tolerable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be related to obsessive, inappropriate touching of textures that they find interesting or tolerable, and a total overreaction when confronted with textures that they find unpleasant. Which textures are tolerated and which ones aren\u2019t is still in the process of being studied further, and it\u2019s currently believed that pleasant and unpleasant textures will be different for every case, although there are many which are considered common in sensory processing disorder cases.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes a sensitivity to temperature <\/a>and pain will be some of the symptoms that are associated with this. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Obsessive Behavior<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes people with sensory processing disorder will display other obsessive-seeming behaviors as an associated symptom, although this isn\u2019t a symptom that occurs in all cases of SPD. Sometimes this will involve behaviors that go together with something textile-like they will try to touch something that they find interesting or pleasant and go to great lengths to do it even when it\u2019s completely inappropriate to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In older children and many adults, it can oftentimes be misinterpreted by other people as the person being \u201crude\u201d, but instead be a sign of an underlying or undiagnosed disorder \u2013 especially when appearing with other symptoms on this list. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also might display obsessive behavior due to another condition that might be related to SPD, including ADHD <\/a>and the autism spectrum. In many cases, this is a major fact that makes a diagnosis of both SPD and related conditions easier for medical professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Sensitivity to Touch and Contact<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with sensory processing disorder will usually display extreme sensitivity to textures and sounds, but this isn\u2019t the only thing to which people with SPD will be unusually sensitive. Those living with a small child, child or adult with SPD will notice that they\u2019re often startled by sudden touch, try to avoid touching other people (and seem like they have an aversion to or avoidance of physical touch at all) and that they overreact to any kind of touch stimuli.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sensitivity to physical touch is many times also coupled with desensitization to pain and temperature, which can make it easier for people with SPD to injure themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sensitivity to touch and contact can sometimes be misinterpreted even in a clinical setting as something else \u2013 and is often mistaken for rudeness or distance when it\u2019s instead sensory sensitivity. Combined symptoms and related disorders are vital to make a proper diagnosis<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Fidgeting Behavior<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obsessive and what\u2019s interpreted as unusual behavior by many of their peers are commonly seen in many cases of sensory processing disorder, and there are many ways in which this might become apparent. Sometimes children with SPD will seem desensitized, other times they\u2019ll seem to be extremely busy; they might act out and display what seems like inappropriate behavior to everyone around them. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carers and teachers should pay close attention to any children in their care who seem to act out differently than the other children: This can be a great help when it comes to diagnosing sensory processing disorder. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than the sensitivities and related disorders that have been described in this article so far, fidgeting behavior (often also seen with related disorders) is common and children often develop what seems like an obsession with certain touches, behaviors or textures. Here, it\u2019s often misdiagnosed <\/a>as an obsessive-compulsive disorder when it isn\u2019t. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Sensitivity or Intolerance to Crowds<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Small children, children, and adults who have sensory processing disorder will commonly avoid crowds and small, crowded-together groups of people \u2013 and go to great lengths to avoid finding themselves in a situation where they are among a lot of people and noise. In babies and smaller children, this might simply appear like a child who starts to throw a tantrum in public, but carers and parents should think of the fact that the reason could be much deeper if this keeps occurring every time the child is near a crowd or group of people.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can seem antisocial, but children and adults often fare much better during one-on-one interaction and will seem less irritated and distracted during it. Adults with sensory processing disorder might notice this symptom in themselves when they notice it goes a little further than just being an extrovert <\/a>or disliking crowds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intolerance to crowds is often avoided because of the sensory overload experienced in a large crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Risk-Taking Behavior
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with sensory processing disorder may not have a clear understanding of the consequences of their actions. A reduction in sensory perception places a blanket layer between the real world and the experience of the affected individual.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, patients with sensory processing disorder are more inclined to risk-taking behavior than those individuals with normal sensory perception.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thrill-seeking behavior of patients with sensory processing disorder often places them in precarious situations that may cause harm. Some frequently cited examples occur in drivers. SPD may cause the patient to perceive speed entirely differently than a healthy person.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, they are more inclined to drive faster and take risks in traffic, resulting in accidents <\/a>\u2013 sometimes with life-threatening consequences for the patient of the other person or persons involved in the crash.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with SPD require monitoring by a parent or caregiver to ensure they do not make any risky decisions with their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Issues with Motor Skills
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Motor skills<\/a> control our coordination and balance. Every time you pick up a pen, take a stride while walking, or play a video game, you are relying on your motor skills to complete the task. Patients with sensory processing disorder notice confusion in their motor response. As a result, the patient may find that they frequently lose their balance, or they are clumsy in picking up objects or placing them on a surface.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children affected by SPD start life with a disadvantage, and they may have problems communicating or playing with other children. The other kids in their class may label them as a \u201cklutz,\u201d or some other negative name-calling that has an impact on their self-image, making them feel less confident in their actions.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids can be cruel, and they are quick to jump on any other child that may behave differently to their peers. If your child has SPD, they may require special schooling to avoid the taunts of other kids. The teachers help the child with overcoming the issues with their motor skills, such as holding a pencil and writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Aggressive Behavior
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children who are living with the effects of sensory processing disorder may have an overly-aggressive personality compared to kids of the same age that do not have the condition. Psychologists <\/a>believe that this effect of SPD occurs due to the child\u2019s limited experience in the world. The reduction in sensory perception may induce frustration in the child when playing with others.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids with SPD don\u2019t receive the same levels of mental stimulus as other kids during playtime. As a result, they may tend to lash out at other kids who appear to be having a good time. Sometimes, children with SPD may not be aware of the strength involved in their actions. As a result, they end up hurting other kids when playing.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children with SPD require integration into a special needs school where they can grow physically and psychologically, without the threat of hurting other kids. Children with SPD have a hard time making new friends and placing them in a school with kids that have a similar disadvantage, levels the playing field, allowing them to integrate into social groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Distraction
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children who are living with the effects of SPD may find that they experience a heightened state of sensory perception that makes them behave erratically. As a result, some kids may display behavior of fidgeting and a lack of concentration in school. These kids have a hard time trying to hold their attention, and their mind frequently wanders to other thoughts when they should be focusing on education task at hand, such as taking a test.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of children tend to excel in physical sports where they can work off the extra energy. Children with SPD require an individual assessment by a qualified medical professional to diagnose the condition. If diagnosed with SPD, your doctor may recommend that you consult with a behavioral psychologist to determine the extent of the disorder.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children <\/a>with SPD require special attention from teachers and caregivers to ensure that they receive a proper education. These specialized teachers have experience in dealing with children affected by SPD, and they know how to get them to focus and concentrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Slow with Learning Language Skills
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that you integrate your child into a social group before the age of four years old. It\u2019s for this reason that preschools are such an essential part of a child\u2019s development. Research shows that if your child does not respond well to others by this age, they have a higher chance of growing up as a social outcast and a much higher rate of addiction and suicide than kids who integrate into social groups by this age.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language is one of the most important life skills a child learns during their formative years. Speaking gives us the chance to communicate with others, giving us a platform to share our thoughts and emotions<\/a>. When a child is slow at learning their home language, it may frustrate both the child and their classmates. Children with SPD often experience trouble with understanding language and communicating with others.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, it\u2019s vital for the parents to utilize the skills of a language coach to help their child learn language skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. No Sense of Personal Space
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever felt uncomfortable when someone you don\u2019t know stands too close to you? We all have our idea of what accounts for personal space, and when others invade this invisible barrier, we start to feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, kids who are living with a sensory processing disorder have no understanding of this concept.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, they may get too close to other kids, invading their personal space. The affected child may have no idea of how their behavior <\/a>is affecting the other child, as they have a limited perception of understanding emotions in others. As a result, the other kids in the class may find the child with SPD creepy and avoid social contact.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids with SPD also have a habit of making contact with things that are close to them. They may decide to touch another child or adult, without a second thought to the person\u2019s response to their action.  
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>