Information On Sensory Processing Disorder

By Karen Rogers


Motor and behavioral responses exhibited by human beings depend on the reception and processing of messages by the brain. The process through which the brain receives and processes messages is referred to as sensory processing. The process is sometimes referred to as sensory integration and abbreviated as SI. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is the condition that results when sensory signals received in the brain cannot be organized into the appropriate responses.

Senses provide signals from modalities such as proprioception, vision, olfactory, tactile, taste, vestibular and audition systems. Those signals are needed to maintain proper functioning in the body. The main characteristic of SPD is difficulty in processing information fed from the senses, which results in performance problems in daily activities. Areas of life that are affected include daily activities, leisure, productivity, contact, feeding and play among others.

Processing of signal input differs among different people. For instance, fabric that is completely comfortable to some people appears to be very uncomfortable to others. This is because of a difference in tactile sensitivity. Motion sickness is caused because of difference in vestibular sensitivity, which makes other people to experience it while others do not. The same thing happens to proprioceptive sense where force applied when writing differs among people.

SPD falls under three major types, that is, SDD, SBMD, and SMD. There are several subtypes under each of the types named above. Each type has a different set of senses it affects on the body. That is why symptoms differ with the type and subtype. Similarly, either a single sense or multiple senses may be affected by the condition.

People with over-responsivity may exhibit a dislike of certain textures in various items such as grooming products, fabrics and foods. They seem to get affected seriously by normal lights, movements, tastes, sounds and smells. As such, they tend to avoid crowded and noisy places and feel constantly under stress. Patients suffer from motion sickness and have difficulty sleeping. They avoid normal skin contact such as hugging, kissing, and cuddling and become picky eaters.

The set of symptoms in people with under-responsivity is quite different from those with over-responsivity. Patients are slow and not very reactive. They often appear not to perceive pain. It takes a long effort and trying to wake the individual after they sleep. Although the patient passes hearing test, they appear deaf. Toilet training in children takes a long time and they appear incapable of perceiving wetness and dirt.

The causes of SPD are not yet fully known and research in that direction is ongoing. However, current research findings tie the condition to damage of parts of the brain that handles multisensory processing. Research is also aiming at identifying existence of any genetic and neurological causes for the condition.

There are specific tests meant for diagnosing the condition in children. These are standardized tests that include TSI, TSFI and SIPT. Today, diagnosis also involves standardized questionnaires. The main treatment approach is the use of sensory integration therapy, which challenges all senses in a child. It is done in a room by a qualified therapist.




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