The Out-of-Sync Child

1. Sensory Processing Disorder: An Invisible Challenge

SPD happens in the central nervous system, at the "head" of which is the brain. When processing is disorderly, the brain cannot do its most important job of organizing sensory messages.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition affecting how the brain processes sensory information. It can cause difficulties in daily functioning, learning, and social interactions. SPD is often misunderstood because it's an invisible challenge – children with SPD may look "normal" but struggle with seemingly simple tasks.

Key aspects of SPD:

• Affects 5-16% of children
• Can coexist with other conditions like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities
• Impacts how a child responds to sensory input (touch, movement, sight, sound, etc.)
• May cause over- or under-responsivity to sensations
• Can lead to motor coordination problems and difficulties with behavior regulation

2. The Sensory Systems: More Than Just Five Senses

Our senses give us the information we need to function in the world. Their first job is to help us survive. Their second job, after they assure us that we are safe, is to help us learn how to be active, social creatures.

Beyond the traditional five senses, there are additional sensory systems crucial for daily functioning. Understanding these systems is key to recognizing and addressing SPD.

The eight sensory systems:

1. Tactile (touch)
2. Vestibular (balance and movement)
3. Proprioceptive (body position)
4. Visual
5. Auditory
6. Gustatory (taste)
7. Olfactory (smell)
8. Interoceptive (internal body sensations)

The tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems form the foundation for other sensory processing and are often the most impacted in SPD. These "hidden senses" play a crucial role in how we interact with our environment and develop motor skills, body awareness, and emotional regulation.

3. Recognizing SPD: Common Symptoms and Associated Problems

A democratic disorder, SPD affects people of all ages, races, and cognitive skills, all over the world.

Identifying SPD can be challenging due to its varied manifestations and overlap with other conditions. However, recognizing the signs early is crucial for timely intervention.

Common symptoms of SPD:

• Oversensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Underresponsivity to sensory input
• Constant seeking of sensory stimulation
• Poor motor coordination
• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
• Emotional or behavioral problems

Associated problems that may coexist with SPD:

• Attention and focus issues
• Sleep disturbances
• Eating difficulties
• Social and emotional challenges
• Learning difficulties
• Anxiety or depression

It's important to note that SPD can manifest differently in each child, and symptoms may vary in intensity and combination.

4. The Out-of-Sync Child: Tactile, Vestibular, and Proprioceptive Challenges

The child with SPD has difficulty with touching, and being touched by, objects and people.

Tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems form the foundation of sensory processing. Challenges in these areas can significantly impact a child's daily functioning and development.

Tactile challenges:

• Oversensitivity to touch (e.g., disliking certain clothing textures)
• Undersensitivity to touch (e.g., high pain tolerance)
• Difficulty with fine motor skills

Vestibular challenges:

• Poor balance and coordination
• Motion sickness or fear of movement
• Difficulty with spatial awareness

Proprioceptive challenges:

• Clumsiness or frequent bumping into objects
• Difficulty gauging force when handling objects
• Seeking deep pressure or rough play

Understanding these challenges helps in recognizing SPD and developing appropriate strategies to support the child's sensory needs.

5. Visual and Auditory Processing: Unseen Hurdles

Vision should not be confused with eyesight, which is only one part of vision. Eyesight, the basic ability to see the big "E" on the wall chart, is a given. Eyesight is a prerequisite for vision.

Visual and auditory processing difficulties are often overlooked aspects of SPD. These challenges can significantly impact a child's ability to learn and interact with their environment, despite having normal eyesight and hearing.

Visual processing challenges:

• Difficulty with spatial relationships
• Problems with visual figure-ground discrimination
• Struggles with visual memory or sequential memory

Auditory processing challenges:

• Trouble following verbal instructions
• Difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds
• Problems with auditory figure-ground discrimination

These processing difficulties can lead to challenges in reading, writing, and social interactions. Recognizing these issues is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions, such as visual aids or auditory training programs.

6. Diagnosis and Treatment: The Path to Understanding and Help

Before receiving OT-SI or any other form of intervention, the child will need a professional evaluation and a diagnosis.

Diagnosing SPD requires a comprehensive evaluation by professionals, typically led by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration. The process involves:

1. Gathering detailed history from parents and teachers
2. Observing the child's behavior and responses to sensory stimuli
3. Conducting standardized tests to assess sensory processing abilities
4. Evaluating motor skills and coordination

Treatment approaches:

• Occupational Therapy using a Sensory Integration approach (OT-SI)
• Sensory diet: A personalized activity plan to meet sensory needs
• Environmental modifications at home and school
• Collaboration with other professionals (e.g., speech therapists, psychologists)

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for helping children with SPD develop coping strategies and improve their daily functioning. Treatment plans are tailored to each child's unique sensory profile and needs.

7. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Home and School Strategies

A balanced sensory diet is a planned and scheduled activity program that a therapist develops to meet the needs of a specific child's nervous system. Its purpose is to help the child become better regulated and more focused, adaptable, and skillful.

Implementing sensory strategies at home and school can significantly improve the daily life of a child with SPD. These strategies aim to create an environment that supports the child's sensory needs and promotes self-regulation.

Home strategies:

• Provide a variety of sensory experiences (e.g., swinging, jumping, tactile play)
• Create a calm space for overstimulated moments
• Use deep pressure techniques (e.g., weighted blankets, bear hugs)
• Establish predictable routines

School strategies:

• Allow movement breaks or fidget tools
• Provide seating options (e.g., therapy balls, wobble cushions)
• Use visual schedules and timers
• Offer noise-cancelling headphones or quiet spaces

Collaborating with occupational therapists, teachers, and family members is key to creating a consistent, supportive environment across all settings.

8. Emotional Impact: Supporting the Out-of-Sync Child and Family

Every little body can benefit from these suggestions—not only the children who seek such activities, but also the children who are more tentative about exploring their environment.

SPD affects not just the child, but the entire family. Understanding and addressing the emotional impact is crucial for overall well-being and successful management of SPD.

Emotional challenges for the child:

• Frustration and low self-esteem
• Anxiety and fear in sensory-challenging situations
• Difficulty with social interactions and friendships

Strategies for emotional support:

• Validate the child's feelings and experiences
• Teach self-advocacy skills
• Encourage strengths and interests
• Provide opportunities for success

For families:

• Seek support groups or counseling
• Educate extended family and friends about SPD
• Practice self-care and stress management

Building a supportive network and fostering understanding can help both the child and family navigate the challenges of SPD more effectively.

9. The Power of Early Intervention and Occupational Therapy

Early intervention involves treatment designed to correct or prevent the young child's developmental delays or disabilities. Treatment for SPD usually comes in the form of occupational therapy in a sensory integration framework.

Early intervention is crucial for children with SPD, as it can significantly improve outcomes and prevent secondary challenges. Occupational Therapy using a Sensory Integration approach (OT-SI) is the primary treatment for SPD.

Benefits of early intervention:

• Capitalizes on brain plasticity in young children
• Prevents the development of compensatory behaviors
• Improves self-regulation and adaptive skills
• Enhances social and academic functioning

OT-SI interventions may include:

• Structured sensory experiences in a clinic setting
• Hands-on activities to challenge and develop sensory processing
• Parent education and coaching
• Collaboration with other professionals (e.g., teachers, psychologists)

The goal of OT-SI is to help the child's nervous system process sensory information more efficiently, leading to improved function in daily life activities.

10. A New Perspective: Reframing Behaviors and Celebrating Strengths

Your child isn't lazy; in fact, she is using enormous energy just to get through the day.

Shifting perspective on a child's behaviors and challenges is crucial for parents and caregivers of children with SPD. Understanding that challenging behaviors often stem from sensory processing difficulties can lead to more compassionate and effective responses.

Reframing strategies:

• View "misbehavior" as communication of sensory needs
• Recognize the effort required for daily tasks
• Appreciate the child's unique sensory experiences

Celebrating strengths:

• Identify and nurture the child's talents and interests
• Acknowledge small victories and progress
• Focus on the child's resilience and adaptability

By adopting this new perspective, parents and caregivers can better support their child's development and self-esteem. It also helps in advocating for the child's needs in various settings and fostering a more positive family dynamic.

Last updated: January 23, 2025