Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how a child’s brain processes and responds to information from their senses. Normally, our senses (like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) help us understand and interact with the world around us. However, children with SPD may have difficulty organizing and making sense of this sensory information.
Imagine your brain is like a traffic cop. It receives messages from your senses and tells you how to react. But for children with SPD, sometimes the traffic cop gets confused or overwhelmed. For example:
- Some children may be extra sensitive to certain sensations. They may find certain sounds, lights, or textures uncomfortable or even painful. For instance, they may cover their ears when there’s a loud noise or feel bothered by scratchy clothes.
- Other children may have low sensitivity to sensations. They may seek out intense sensory experiences to feel things more strongly. They might spin in circles or jump around to get the sensory input they crave.
- Some children may have trouble with sensory integration. This means they struggle to combine information from different senses. For instance, they might have difficulty focusing on a task when there’s background noise or get overwhelmed in a busy environment.
- Children with SPD may also have difficulty with motor skills. They might have trouble with coordination, balance, or fine motor tasks like tying shoelaces or using utensils.
It’s important to remember that every child with SPD is unique, and their experiences may vary. Some children may have a combination of different sensory challenges, while others may have more specific issues.
If you suspect your child has SPD, consult with one of our an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory issues. We can provide a thorough evaluation and suggest strategies to help your child manage and thrive in their daily activities. Feel free to contact us at (336) 279-9008 or via email to learn more.
