Top 5 Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder

1. Sensory Processing Disorder: Understanding and Navigating the Challenges Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes and interprets sensory information. This includes inputs such as touch, smell, taste, sound, and even body awareness. For individuals with SPD, sensory signals may be amplified, dulled, or completely misinterpreted, leading to challenges in responding appropriately to their environment. Everyday activities that seem routine to most people can become overwhelming for someone living with SPD. Whether it’s the texture of clothing, the smell of food, or the sound of a bustling street, sensory inputs can feel unmanageable, disrupting daily life. While the disorder manifests differently for everyone, five common symptoms are often observed. Understanding these can help provide insights into the struggles individuals face and the support they need to thrive. 1. Lack of Coordination One of the most noticeable symptoms of sensory processing disorder is difficulty with coordination. This issue arises because the brain struggles to process and respond to sensory information accurately, making tasks that require balance and spatial awareness particularly challenging. Children with SPD may often appear clumsy, frequently bumping into furniture, walls, or other objects in their environment. This isn't just carelessness; their brain might be misinterpreting where their body is in space, a concept known as proprioception. For example, they may misjudge how close they are to a table and accidentally knock over a glass. For some individuals, these coordination issues extend to larger movements, such as walking or running. They may have difficulty balancing, leading to frequent falls or a hesitation to engage in physical activities. Riding a bicycle, playing sports, or even climbing stairs can become daunting tasks. In adults, coordination challenges might manifest in the workplace or during social interactions. Carrying a tray of drinks at a party or navigating through a crowded room can become stressful or embarrassing. This often leads to avoidance of situations where coordination is tested, further isolating the individual.

2. Therapies like occupational therapy can help improve motor skills and spatial awareness. Activities like balance exercises, obstacle courses, and sensory-rich play can train the brain to process information more effectively over time. 2. Difficulty with Communication Communication challenges are another hallmark of SPD. These difficulties often stem from sensory overload, where the brain becomes overwhelmed by the sheer volume of incoming sensory information. Imagine being in a noisy room with bright lights and multiple conversations happening simultaneously. For someone with SPD, this scenario can feel unbearable. Their brain struggles to filter out unimportant stimuli, making it hard to focus on a single voice or conversation. As a result, they may appear confused, distracted, or even disinterested when spoken to. Children with SPD may find it difficult to answer simple questions or follow instructions, not because they don’t understand, but because their brain is too overwhelmed to process the request. They might hesitate, give incomplete answers, or respond inappropriately. In a classroom setting, this can lead to misunderstandings and frustration for both the child and their teacher. For adults, these challenges can affect workplace interactions or social relationships. Misinterpreting instructions at work or struggling to engage in casual conversation can lead to feelings of inadequacy or isolation. Speech therapy combined with sensory integration techniques can help individuals improve their communication skills. By addressing sensory triggers and creating a calm environment, therapists can help reduce the impact of sensory overload on verbal interactions. 3. Aversion to Touch A strong aversion to touch, also known as tactile defensiveness, is a common symptom of sensory processing disorder. For individuals with SPD, physical contact can feel overwhelming, unpleasant, or even painful. This symptom can be particularly distressing for children. Something as simple as a pat on the back, a hug from a parent, or the texture of clothing can provoke strong negative

3. reactions. Some children may lash out physically, cry, or scream when touched unexpectedly. Others might withdraw entirely, avoiding physical interactions altogether. Adults with SPD may find it difficult to navigate social situations that involve touch, such as handshakes, hugs, or casual pats on the shoulder. This can create misunderstandings, as their aversion to touch might be misinterpreted as rudeness or aloofness. Interestingly, the reaction to touch can vary depending on the situation. Some individuals may tolerate or even enjoy firm, predictable touches, such as a deep pressure massage. However, light or unexpected touches often trigger discomfort or distress. Therapies focusing on desensitization can help reduce touch aversion. Techniques like brushing therapy, weighted blankets, and sensory-rich play can gradually help individuals become more comfortable with physical contact. 4. Extreme Reactions to Tastes and Textures For many individuals with SPD, eating is a major source of stress due to their heightened sensitivity to tastes and textures. Foods that most people find appealing—such as spicy dishes, crunchy snacks, or richly flavored sauces—can feel overwhelming or even nauseating. This symptom is particularly common in children, who may be labeled as "picky eaters." However, their food preferences often stem from genuine discomfort rather than simple stubbornness. Foods with strong flavors, unusual textures, or unfamiliar smells can provoke gagging, vomiting, or refusal to eat. As a result, individuals with SPD tend to stick to a narrow range of "safe" foods that are bland, predictable, and consistent in texture. For example, a child might only eat plain pasta, white bread, or chicken nuggets, avoiding anything with sauces, seasonings, or mixed textures. This limited diet can lead to nutritional concerns, especially for growing children. Parents often struggle to balance their child's sensory needs with the importance of a healthy, varied diet. Therapies like feeding therapy can help expand an individual’s palate by introducing new foods gradually and in a controlled, supportive environment. Sensory-friendly meal settings, where distractions are minimized, can also make mealtimes less stressful.

4. 5. Sensitivity to Temperature Changes Sensitivity to sudden temperature changes is another significant symptom of sensory processing disorder. This can make everyday activities like bathing, eating, or going outside particularly challenging. Children with SPD often react strongly to temperature shifts. For instance, stepping into a warm bath or feeling a gust of cold air might provoke tears, fussiness, or refusal to participate in the activity. Similarly, eating hot soup or drinking a cold beverage can feel unbearable, causing distress or avoidance. Adults with SPD may struggle with environmental transitions, such as moving from an air-conditioned room to a hot outdoor setting. This sensitivity isn’t just physical; the brain’s inability to adapt quickly to the change can lead to feelings of anxiety or discomfort. Helping individuals manage temperature sensitivity often involves gradual exposure and preparation. For example, allowing a child to test the water temperature with their hand before a bath can help reduce their anxiety. Occupational therapy can also provide strategies to build tolerance over time. Addressing Sensory Processing Disorder Living with sensory processing disorder can be challenging, but with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is key, particularly for children, as it can help them develop coping mechanisms and build the skills they need to navigate their environment. At Speech & Occupational Therapy of Texas, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sensory processing disorder. Our team of experienced therapists works closely with individuals and their families to create personalized therapy plans that address their unique needs. Our approach combines sensory integration techniques, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help individuals overcome their challenges. Whether it’s improving motor skills, building communication strategies, or expanding dietary preferences, our goal is to empower individuals to live more confidently and independently.

5. If you suspect that your child or loved one may be struggling with sensory processing disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Plano clinic is here to provide the support and guidance you need. Together, we can create a brighter future for your family.