Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Overview
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain struggles to receive, organize, and respond to information from the senses. These senses include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement (vestibular), body awareness (proprioception), and internal sensations like hunger or temperature (interoception).
Children and adults with SPD may feel overwhelmed by everyday sensory input, or they may seek more stimulation than others. SPD is not officially classified as a standalone diagnosis in all countries, but it is widely recognized by occupational therapists, parents, and educators.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD
- Developmental coordination disorder
- Prematurity
- Typical children with sensory differences
Symptoms
Symptoms vary across three main patterns: over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, and seeking.
1. Sensory Over-Responsiveness (Hypersensitivity)
- Distress from loud sounds or bright lights
- Avoids touch, grooming, or certain clothing
- Easily overwhelmed in busy places
- Covers ears or hides from noise
2. Sensory Under-Responsiveness (Hyposensitivity)
- Does not notice pain or temperature
- Slow to respond to name
- Appears disengaged
- Needs extra prompting to react
3. Sensory Seeking Behaviours
- Constant movement, spinning, or jumping
- Enjoys deep pressure or tight hugs
- Chews objects
- Touches things repeatedly
4. Motor & Coordination Issues
- Poor balance or posture
- Difficulty with handwriting or fine motor tasks
- Challenges with coordination
5. Emotional & Behavioural Signs
- Meltdowns from sensory overload
- Avoids new activities
- Anxiety in noisy places
- Difficulty transitioning between tasks
Causes
SPD does not have one single cause. Research suggests:
- Genetics – often seen in families
- Premature birth – immature sensory systems
- Prenatal complications
- Neurological differences in processing
- Environmental factors in early development
Types
SPD generally falls into three main categories:
1. Sensory Modulation Disorder
Difficulty regulating responses to sensory input.
- Over-responsive
- Under-responsive
- Sensory seeking
2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
- Dyspraxia – difficulty planning movements
- Postural disorder – weak stability or balance
3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder
- Difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds
- Problems judging force or pressure
- Poor body awareness
Diagnosis
SPD is typically assessed by an Occupational Therapist trained in sensory integration.
Diagnosis tools may include:
- Sensory Profile 2
- Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)
- Observations of play and movement
- Parent and teacher interviews
Treatment & Management
1. Occupational Therapy with Sensory Integration (OT-SI)
Uses playful, structured activities to help the brain process sensory input more effectively.
- Swinging and vestibular play
- Deep pressure and heavy-work activities
- Fine motor strengthening
- Balance and timing games
2. Sensory Diet
- Movement breaks
- Trampoline play
- Heavy work (pushing, pulling)
- Weighted items
3. Environmental Modifications
- Reducing noise
- Quiet or calm-down spaces
- Comfortable clothing options
- Visual schedules
4. Emotional Regulation Strategies
- Breathing exercises
- Grounding techniques
- Predictable routines
- Social stories
5. Family & School Support
- Parent training
- IEP support in schools
- Classroom accommodations
How Reflex Integration Helps
Famous Methods of Reflex Integration
| Method | Founder(s) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MNRI (Masgutova Method) | Dr. Svetlana Masgutova | Neurosensorimotor exercises for reflex integration |
| INPP Method | Dr. Peter Blythe, Dr. Sally Goddard Blythe | Primitive reflex assessment & developmental exercises |
| Brain Gym | Dr. Paul Dennison | Simple movements for learning & coordination |
| Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) | Dr. Harald Blomberg & Moira Dempsey | Rocking & rhythmic motions to support brain maturity |
| HANDLE Method | Judith Bluestone | Neurodevelopmental movement & sensory exercises |
Books or Videos Available On
Books
- The Out-of-Sync Child – Carol Stock Kranowitz
- The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun – Activity Book
- Sensational Kids – Dr. Lucy Jane Miller
- Raising a Sensory Smart Child – Lindsey Biel & Nancy Peske
- Attention, Balance & Coordination – Sally Goddard Blythe
- The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel J. Siegel
Videos & Online Resources
- STAR Institute for SPD (YouTube)
- Understood.org
- OT-led sensory activity channels
- MNRI & RMT official training videos
