Sensory Processing Disorder

Definition

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction, is a neurological condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information from the environment.
This disorder can lead to inappropriate reactions to sensory stimuli, affecting daily functioning and overall quality of life. SPD can manifest as hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory inputs, including touch, sound, sight, taste, and movement.
Children with sensory processing disorder have problems processing information from the senses. This makes it hard for them to respond to that information in the right way.
The senses include touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing. In most cases, these children have one or more senses that either react too much or too little to stimulation.
This disorder can cause problems with a child’s development and behavior.

Causes

The exact cause of SPD remains uncertain; however, it is believed to involve neurological differences in how sensory information is processed. Research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in the development of SPD, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Signs and symptoms

Hypersensitivity: Overreaction to sensory stimuli, such as discomfort from certain textures, sounds, or lights. For example, a child may refuse to wear certain clothing due to the feel of the fabric or become distressed by loud noises like vacuum cleaners or sirens.
Hyposensitivity: Underreaction to sensory input, leading individuals to seek out intense sensory experiences. This may manifest as a lack of response to pain or an inclination to engage in rough play.
Sensory Cravings: Behaviors such as fidgeting or seeking out movement activities (e.g., jumping or spinning) as a way to fulfill sensory needs.
Motor Coordination Issues: Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes, and general clumsiness.
Social Withdrawal: Challenges in social situations due to overwhelming sensory experiences can lead to avoidance of interactions with peers.

Age Group Affected

SPD is most commonly identified in early childhood, often becoming apparent during toddler years when children begin to explore their environments more actively. However, it can persist into adolescence and adulthood if not addressed.

Common Scenarios

Children with SPD may experience difficulties in various situations:

School Environments: Overwhelming classroom stimuli can lead to anxiety and withdrawal.
Social Gatherings: Parties or playdates may become distressing due to noise and crowds.
Daily Activities: Simple tasks like dressing or eating may become challenging due to sensitivities related to textures and tastes.

Assessment

While Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) don’t typically diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), they can assess and address communication and speech difficulties that may arise as a secondary consequence of sensory processing challenges. Speech-sy’s assessment for SPD is carried as :-

Focus on Communication:

SLPs focus on how sensory processing difficulties might impact a person’s ability to communicate effectively, including speech, language, and related skills.

Indirect Impact:

SPD can affect speech development through difficulties with auditory perception, proprioception (body awareness), and other sensory systems.

SLPs may conduct assessments to identify potential sensory processing issues that are impacting communication skills, such as difficulties with oral motor skills, attention to auditory input, or understanding language.
Standardized test tools are used such as Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) which evaluates sensory processing across different contexts, including home and school environments. It focuses on social participation and helps identify areas where the child may struggle due to sensory sensitivities.
Parent Questionnaires: Caregiver reports are crucial as they provide insights into the child’s behavior outside clinical settings, capturing a broader picture of sensory processing challenges.

Management

Speech-sy’s manage Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) using techniques such as:

Oral-Motor Activities: Tools for improving speech and swallowing.
Auditory Discrimination Exercises: Enhancing sound processing skills.
Visual Supports: Picture schedules to aid communication.
Sensory Exploration: Textured foods and oral sensory activities to regulate input.

These strategies help improve communication and feeding while addressing sensory needs

Outcomes

Outcomes After Speech Therapy for SPD

– Improved articulation and speech clarity

– Enhanced auditory discrimination and sound processing

– Better social communication and sociability

– Reduced sensory defensiveness and improved sensory integration

– Increased tolerance to sensory stimuli and emotional regulation