If your child finds loud sounds difficult to bear, refuses to wear some types of clothing, and always needs to move around, he may be suffering from sensory issues autism or a sensory processing disorder for children. Let’s get into the blog.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder for children is a disorder of the nervous system that affects an individual’s ability to respond to sensory input in a productive manner. These inputs involve the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and awareness of one’s own body and its movements. The characteristics of SPD include:SPD symptoms in toddlers
- Being overly responsive (hypersensitive) to stimuli
- Being under-responsive (hyposensitive) to stimuli
- Having a craving for excessive sensory input
- Sensory processing disorder is common among autistic children, but it can also develop separately from autism.
Age One through Three – Important Years for Signs of SPD in Toddlers
- Avoids or seeks out certain textures (avoids messy play, dislikes certain fabrics)
- Strong response to textures or temperatures of foods
- Afraid of swings, slides, or activities involving movement
- Trouble adjusting to changes in environment or routine
- Always moving or avoiding movement Pre-school age (3-5 years)
- Overwhelming in noisy or overcrowded environments
- Meltdowns occur because of clothes being “wrong”
- Difficulty with fine motor skills such as crayons and scissors
- Excessively aggressive or non-contact seeking
School Age Children (6+ Years)
- Disturbed easily by noises and visual stimuli
- Dislike hugging or touch that is unexpected
- Chew on inedible objects frequently
- Unsteady and uncoordinated
Types of Sensory Processing Difficulties
Hypersensitivity Children and Therapy
Hypersensitive children are overly responsive to sensory stimuli:
- Normal sounds can cause pain and distress
- Touch can irritate the skin
- Feelings of being overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments Under-responsive to Stimuli
- Clumsy and bumps into objects
- Difficult for child to participate in dialogue and play
- Difficulty responding to textures
Sensory Seeking
- Constant activity
- Seeking too much roughhousing
- Chews inedible objects
Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
- The exact cause of SPD is still not known; however, some possible causes of SPD include:
- Genetics
- In a study of twins conducted in 2006, it was discovered that kids with hypersensitivity have a strong genetic predisposition to light and sound sensitivity.
- SPD may be genetically based.
Brain Differences
When exposed to light and sound simultaneously, children with sensory processing issues demonstrate abnormal brain responses.
Brain differences lead to SPD.
Prenatal
Pre-Natal and Early Childhood Influences
Development affected by several influences during the perinatal period and early childhood
Pre-natal influences could be
- Developmental Disorders and Sensory Processing Disorder
- SPD frequently found among children suffering from sensory problems and/or autism
- Can exist independent of autism
SPD and Autism Connection
The connection between sensory processing issues and autism spectrum disorder is important:
- Sensory problems occur in many people with autism spectrum disorder
- Most people with autism have sensory processing problems
- But it is possible to have SPD and not autism
- The important thing is that although sensory problems are common in people with autism, it does not mean that everyone with SPD has autism and vice versa Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder
Who Can Diagnose SPD?
- A diagnosis is normally made by an occupational therapy sensory specialist (occupational therapist)
- Occupational therapists will suspect SPD if symptoms cause dysfunction and interfere with daily activities
The Diagnosis Process
- Occupational therapist examines child’s sensory reactions, motor abilities, and problems
- A sensory profile can be conducted during the evaluation process
Despite the absence of universally accepted diagnostic criteria, SPD can still be diagnosed by occupational therapists. Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches Occupational therapy sensory integration is one of the most effective treatments for children with SPD.
| Therapy Type | Description | Benefits |
| Sensory Integration Therapy | Controlled exposure to sensory stimuli in supportive environment | Improves regulation and response |
| Deep Pressure Activities | Weighted vests, compression garments, heavy work activities | Promotes body awareness and calms nervous system |
| Therapeutic Listening | Specialized sound-based therapy | Improves auditory processing and attention |
| Vestibular Activities | Swinging, bouncing, balance exercises | Enhances spatial awareness and coordination |
| Tactile Play | Exposure to various textures and materials | Helps tolerate different sensory inputs |
The DIR Model of Therapy
Another form of therapy is known as the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) approach:
- Involves the use of floor time technique for playtime of 20 minutes
- Initially allows child to lead
- Then creates difficulties to draw child into a shared world Parents’ Role: Home-Based Approaches
Developing a Sensory-Rich Environment
- Parents can develop a sensory-rich environment by:
- Providing calming activities
- Using deep pressure therapy
- Consistency in daily routines
Occupational therapy offers custom approaches for home-based interventions
Daily Practices for Hypersensitive Children
In hypersensitive children:
- Minimize background noise if possible
- Dress them in soft, comfortable clothes without labels
- Present new sensations slowly
- Create a quiet place for them to unwind
Supporting Under-Responsive Children
- Engage them in movement exercises
- Offer varied textures during play
- Give chances for physical interaction
- Stimulate the activities Assistance to Sensory Seekers
- Ensure safety during movement exercises
- Offer heavy work activities such as carrying or pushing items
- Engage in different tactile activities using a range of materials and Arrange structured sensory activities
Advantages of Early Intervention
In case your child has difficulties with their sensory system, you may want to consider early intervention, which will positively affect their functioning and help with:
- Self-regulation and problem-solving abilities
- Reduced stress or anxiety caused by sensory challenges
- Motor coordination
- Skill acquisition to cope with sensory needs
When to Get Assistance
- Look out for specific warning signs based on your child’s age:
- Pervasive sensory problems that disrupt their everyday functioning
- Sensory symptoms that interfere with proper functioning
- Obstruction in normal activities
- If you observe these issues, it would be wise to get advice from a sensory OT specialist.
Parent’s Tips
- Remember that each child has a unique way of interpreting sensory information
- SPD can impact one or more sensory systems
- Children may be hyper-reactive or hypo-reactive
- It is important to remember that SPD is yet to be officially identified by some associations.
Conclusion
Sensory Processing Disorder kids and identifying SPD symptoms in toddlers are essential elements to help your kids cope. Though sensory problems in autism kids are very typical, SPD may occur on its own. The best way to deal with it would be through occupational therapy sensory integration methods.
Dealing with hypersensitive kids requires a lot of work and cooperation between parents and professionals to make life easier for your toddler. Bear in mind that early intervention is one of the keys to your kids’ progress in learning how to manage themselves better.
If you notice that your kid is struggling with sensory processing, it is important to get in touch with an occupational therapist dealing with sensory integration issues. Minds & Milestone which heps with the treatment of individuals who have faced developmental difficulties. This may include helping people learn more about and cope with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and similar problems. The company offers support by providing educational articles and materials, information on therapy techniques, and support through their family-oriented approach. Minds & Milestones aims to help every kid learn how to succeed in their everyday environments by providing families with all possible means of coping with sensory processing difficulties.
FAQS:
Q1: Which are the most frequent SPD symptoms among toddlers?
A: The most common symptoms among toddlers include avoiding/craving specific clothing materials, extreme sensitivity to texture/temperature changes in food, fearfulness towards any movements such as swinging, difficulties coping with unfamiliar settings, constant movement/avoidance of movement, and extreme sensitivity to noise or bright light.
Q2: Does SPD stand for autism?
A: Sensory processing disorder does not stand for autism, but the two are often associated with each other. Sensory issues related to autism are common, as many autistic kids suffer from SPD; however, SPD may also appear without autism being present. Some kids only have SPD, while others may have both.
Q3: In what ways does occupational therapy sensory integration assist kids who have SPD?
A: Sensory integration through occupational therapy involves exposure of kids to specific sensory stimuli in a supportive environment. Through various activities, such as deep pressure, therapeutic listening, vestibular movement exercises such as swinging and bouncing, as well as tactile play, your kid will learn how to regulate himself or herself.
Q4: What are things I can do at home for my hypersensitive child during therapy sessions?
A: To assist your hypersensitive kid, ensure that there is minimal background noise in his or her environment. Your kid should wear soft and comfortable clothes free of any tags that irritate him or her.
Q5: At what point should you consider seeking professional assistance for your child’s sensory issues?
A: You need to look for professional assistance when your child exhibits sensory difficulties that get in the way of day-to-day living, interfere with normal functioning or daily activities, and when the problem is severe enough to lead to meltdowns, avoidance of activities, or problems engaging in school or play activities.Written by Haripriya Dokala
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for general information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified doctor or specialist for guidance about your child’s health or development.
EXPERT REVIEW
Writing
Reviewed by Dr. Anupama
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anupama, a specialist in child psychology and behavioral therapy, mental health counselling. The content is written in a simple and helpful way based on current knowledge to support parents.