How Sensory Processing Disorder Can Impact Your Life

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Sensory Processing Disorder?What’s It Like to Have Sensory Processing Disorder?Types of Sensory Processing DisorderImpact on Daily LifeWhat Support Is Available for SPD?Coping Strategies

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

What’s It Like to Have Sensory Processing Disorder?

Types of Sensory Processing Disorder

Impact on Daily Life

What Support Is Available for SPD?

Coping Strategies

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?

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 theDiagnostic 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 atStaten 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

—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 likefetal 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

Sensory processing disorder can present itself in the following ways:

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 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.

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:

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:

Overstimulation in ADHD

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

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 avoidtriggering situationsor experiences, saysAmy 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

—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?

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 breaksHeadphones during class so kids can listen to music/drown out triggering soundsAccess tofidget toysChairs in classrooms, such as a desk chair with a bungee cord, so kids can move their legs while seatedAccording 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 inputSpeech therapyFeeding therapy, for kids with severe food aversions

Some of the interventions that may be included in a plan for kids with sensory processing disorder are:

According to Dr. Un Kim, some of the types of therapy that may help with sensory processing disorder in both adults and kids include:

Is There Really Anything Wrong With Being a Highly Sensitive Person?

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 ParentsDr. 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 craveFor “oversensitive” children, allow breaks from prolonged or strenuous activities in a quiet, dark roomStay in contact with your child’s school and pursue accommodations that can help your child succeedContact your child’s pediatrician to assess whether they may need an evaluation and care from a behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, or a child psychiatristIf 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

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 craveFor “oversensitive” children, allow breaks from prolonged or strenuous activities in a quiet, dark roomStay in contact with your child’s school and pursue accommodations that can help your child succeedContact your child’s pediatrician to assess whether they may need an evaluation and care from a behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, or a child psychiatristIf 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

Dr. Un Kim offered some tips for dealing with sensory processing disorder as a parent:

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.

Section 504 Accommodations for Students With ADHD

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.

As an Autistic Therapist, Here Are 6 Things in My Sensory Bag That Just Make Sense

5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080

American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080

Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774

Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829

American Academy of Family Physicians.Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).Galiana-Simal A, Vela-Romero M, Romero-Vela VM, et al.Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders.Cogent Medicine. 2020;7(1). doi:10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829Kong M, Moreno MA.Sensory Processing in Children.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774Miller LJ, Schoen SA, Mulligan S, et al.Identification of Sensory Processing and Integration Symptom Clusters: A Preliminary Study.Occup Ther Int. 2017;2017:2876080. doi:10.1155/2017/2876080

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