Scratchy fabrics, loud noises, the sights and smells of pungent foods … Most of us can just let these sensory experiences pass us by, but people with sensory processing disorder seem to have a stronger reaction—and sometimes an underreaction—to certain sensory stimuli.
We get it: sensory processing disorder can be a lot! Experiencing challenges with sensory processing can impact many aspects of your life and make it hard to cope with simple everyday activities like getting dressed, navigating various sensory environments, and managing emotions triggered by intense sensory experiences.
If you or your loved one is experiencing signs of sensory processing disorder, you likely want to know how it's caused and how to make the necessary accommodations.
Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about sensory processing disorder, with commentary and wisdom from some experts in the field.
What Is Sensory Overload?
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory information refers to anything you take in with your five senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching), and some folks seem to have more trouble than others processing this info. While sensory processing disorder isn’t a formal medical term and isn’t included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), most experts recognize it as a condition affecting many of us.
“Generally, sensory processing disorder can be described as a condition that involves difficulties in detecting, regulating, interpreting, or responding to sensory stimuli, such as sound, visual image, or touch, to the point where it impacts daily functioning,” explains Abram Estafanous, DO, chief fellow of psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital.
Generally, sensory processing disorder can be described as a condition that involves difficulties in detecting, regulating, interpreting, or responding to sensory stimuli, such as sound, visual image, or touch, to the point where it impacts daily functioning.
— ABRAM ESTAFANOUS, DO
It’s estimated that between 5-16.5% of the general population has symptoms of sensory processing disorder or has challenges in the sensory processing department. Sensory processing issues tend to impact children the most, with as many as 1 in 6 kids having these challenges. Kids who have conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome, prematurity, or Down syndrome have even higher rates of sensory processing disorders. Sensory processing issues are also common in adults, especially in adults who are neurodiverse, such as autistic individuals.
How Sensory Adaptation Works
What's It Like to Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder can present itself in the following ways:
- Hypersensitivity: People with sensory processing disorder process the world around them in a heightened way, or in a way that’s different from people who don’t struggle with sensory issues. For example, some people seem to react more strongly to smells and tastes, while others find touch or sounds to be more of a trigger.
Some of the symptoms that can be seen with sensory processing difficulties, in general, include oversensitivity to loud noises or certain odors, aversion to certain foods due to texture, discomfort with certain physical movements such as swinging or sliding, and hypersensitivity to certain fabrics or clothing.
— ABRAM ESTAFANOUS, DO
- Hyposensitivity: Folks with sensory processing disorder may also experience the opposite of hypersensitivity—hyposensitivity. This is sometimes referred to as "sensory seeking," because when you under-respond to stimuli, you tend to seek out stronger stimuli as a result.
Hyposensitivity often looks like thrill-seeking behaviors (jumping from height, spinning), being less aware of someone's personal space, difficulty picking up on social cues, and chewing fingers and hands.
Types of Sensory Processing Disorder
Because sensory processing disorder isn’t a formal diagnosis, there are no identified types of the condition. Still, the condition is usually broken down into two main types: an overresponse to sensory stimuli or an underresponse to it.
For example, if a child is overresponsive to stimuli, you will likely notice that they have lots more trouble dealing with certain sensory experiences that other kids their age. The same goes for adults, as many of these experiences continue into adulthood for people with sensory processing disorder. Kids and adults with sensory processing disorder may:
- Complain that their clothes are “too itchy” or scratchy
- React strongly to bright lights
- Often feel that sounds are too loud
- Seem to overreact to even soft touches
- Find that certain foods make them gag
- Find that certain smells are intolerable
On the other hand, some kids and adults tend to underreact to sensory experiences, and they may actually seek out sensory stimulating experiences. This may look like:
- Having trouble sitting still
- Looking for thrill-seeking activities like spinning, jumping from heights
- Having trouble understanding normal social cues
- Having trouble maintaining personal space
- Chewing on hands and clothing
- Having trouble sleeping
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Impact on Daily Life
Living with sensory processing disorder or caring for a child who has it can have a strong impact on all aspects of your life.
Sensory processing disorder can impact many areas of daily life, says Tae Un Kim, DO, chief fellow of psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital, including eating, dressing, grooming, and self-care. “Oversensitive individuals may experience distress related to stimuli that may seem insignificant or trivial for those who do not suffer from SPD, such as being unable to sit still or focus on tasks due to itchy clothing or tolerate staying in an environment where there is loud noise or bright lights,” Dr. Un Kim describes.
For kids, there may be impacts not just on behavior, but on nourishment, Dr. Um Kim says. “For oversensitive children, SPD related to food aversions, often due to textural aversions, can impede adequate nutrition and growth,” he describes. Adults with sensory processing disorder may find that they are also much more picky eaters than their peers.
Oversensitive individuals may experience distress related to stimuli that may seem insignificant or trivial for those who do not suffer from SPD.
— TAE UN KIM, DO
Additionally, people with sensory processing disorder tend to isolate and avoid triggering situations or experiences, says Amy Offutt, MD, a family practice physician and president of ILADS, International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
People with the condition tend to “avoid public places due to a level of unpredictability that might seem too risky,” Dr. Offutt says. “Others have found ways to distract or soothe the discomfort of a negative sensory trigger, but these patients often suffer from limited interactions with people, new places, new activities, and more, in order to avoid severe discomfort.”
Others have found ways to distract or soothe the discomfort of a negative sensory trigger, but these patients often suffer from limited interactions with people, new places, new activities, and more, in order to avoid severe discomfort.
— AMY OFFUTT, MD
Parents caring for kids with sensory processing disorder may experience some of the same avoidant behaviors, not wanting to take their kids in public to avoid sensory triggers. Parents may feel embarrassed about their kids’ behaviors or may feel like they constantly have to make excuses for their kids’ extreme reactions to sensory experiences. Adults with sensory processing disorder may feel similar feelings of embarrassment about their symptoms and may avoid situations that will trigger their sensory symptoms.
The most important part of sensory processing disorder is getting the person with the sensory differences the support they need, and then getting support for the parents as well.
What Is the Absolute Threshold of a Stimulus?
What Support Is Available for SPD?
Sensory processing disorder can be tough to deal with but support is available. Support people with sensory processing disorder usually takes a multifaceted approach, and combines various types of therapies, along with education, and accommodations.
In kids, the earlier the treatment is started, the better, says Dr. Un Kim. “Addressing SPD at a young age can be beneficial in equipping children with lifelong skills to adapt and accommodate their needs as they age,” he says. But support for people with sensory processing disorder can be beneficial at any age.
If sensory processing disorder persists into the school-age years, kids may need accommodations at school. “Children may require an individualized educational plan (IEP) or similar accommodations at school, which can include breaks from the classroom, a smaller class size, a paraprofessional or aid, and/or a school therapist or psychologist,” Dr. Un Kim says.
Some of the interventions that may be included in a plan for kids with sensory processing disorder are:
- Increased exercise and movement breaks
- Headphones during class so kids can listen to music/drown out triggering sounds
- Access to fidget toys
- Chairs in classrooms, such as a desk chair with a bungee cord, so kids can move their legs while seated
According to Dr. Un Kim, some of the types of therapy that may help with sensory processing disorder in both adults and kids include:
- Occupational therapy, where you engage in physical activities to help regulate sensory input
- Speech therapy
- Feeding therapy, for kids with severe food aversions
Is There Really Anything Wrong With Being a Highly Sensitive Person?
Coping Strategies
Here’s the thing: it can be super challenging to manage sensory processing disorder, and it’s not something you should be expected to do on your own.
For parents, coping with sensory processing disorder requires a great deal of patience, because it’s very easy to get frustrated with your kids’ reactions to sensory input.
Tips for Parents
Dr. Un Kim offered some tips for dealing with sensory processing disorder as a parent:
- For “undersensitive” children, consider fidget toys or fun outdoor equipment (trampolines) or experience (visiting a playground) to help your child obtain the additional stimulation they crave
- For “oversensitive” children, allow breaks from prolonged or strenuous activities in a quiet, dark room
- Stay in contact with your child’s school and pursue accommodations that can help your child succeed
- Contact your child’s pediatrician to assess whether they may need an evaluation and care from a behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, or a child psychiatrist
- If your child is showing signs of severe food aversion, talk to a nutritionists or eating disorder specialist to help you come up with a plan of care
If you are living with sensory processing disorder yourself or supporting your child through it, please reach out for support, whether it be from a medical provider, a therapist, or an educational professional. It can also be helpful to network with other people or families dealing with this.
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The Bottom Line
Sensory processing disorder is something that many people deal with but isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should. We are constantly receiving input from our senses, and those of us with sensory processing disorder will find triggers everywhere.
As such, the condition can strongly impact many aspects of daily living. It can be especially challenging to have a child with sensory issues, because you may not know how to handle your child’s quirks and extreme reactions to what seem like normal stimuli. But living with SPD as an adult has its own set of challenges too, including avoidant behaviors, increased anxiety as a result of sensory overload, and trouble in social situations.
Just know sensory processing disorder is a real thing, and many of us live with this condition. You can live a full and vibrant life with sensory processing disorder. Most importantly, help is out there for us all. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for support.
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