What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Symptoms

Some of the most common signs of this sensory disorder are:

• Always running into things (being clumsy).

• Not comfortable with some clothes or fabrics.

• Gagging or not eating certain textures of food.

• Having to touch things all the time.

• Not respecting personal space.

• Strong reactions to loud noises, sudden movements, or bright lights.

• Having trouble with motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil.

What Causes it?

When looking into the causes of sensory disorders like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), research suggests that both genetics and environment play a role.

• Genetics:

SPD is often passed down from parent to child. Having a parent with SPD, autism, or anxiety can make you more likely to get it.

• Brain differences:

When kids with SPD are exposed to a lot of different sensory information at once, their brains show unusual activity.

• Prenatal and birth problems:

Premature birth, low birth weight, or difficult deliveries may affect how the brain processes sensory information.

• Environmental factors:

Experiences from early childhood, like not getting enough prenatal care or having too many rules in place, may also play a role in SPD.

How Is it Diagnosed?

A paediatrician or an occupational therapist looks at SPD by:

• Watching how your child reacts to different sensory experiences.

• Getting feedback from parents, teachers, and carers about your child's behaviour and problems.

• The Sensory Profile and the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are used to diagnose SPD.

• It's also important to rule out other conditions like autism, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or anxiety, which can have symptoms that are similar to SPD. If necessary, your child's doctor may suggest seeing other specialists.

These tests can accumulate to be a huge expense. Hence, ensure that your child has health insurance coverage.

Understanding Over- and Under-Responsiveness in SPD

SPD usually shows up in two main patterns:

• Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR):

Every day, things like noise, touch, or light feel too much. For instance, a child might not want to hug, cover their ears, or get upset by the way their clothes feel.

• Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR):

Some children might not notice things like pain, movement, or sounds. For instance, a child might not notice when they fall.

How it can affect daily life?

Common challenges include:

• Self-care: Having trouble getting dressed, grooming, or eating because of sensory issues with certain fabrics or food textures.

• School and work: Can't focus, sit still, write, or join in on group activities. Meltdowns can happen when things get too much.

• At home: Kids are picky about what they eat, have trouble sleeping, or experience many emotional outbursts.

• Social interactions: Having trouble making friends, staying away from crowded or loud places, or not understanding social cues.

• Emotional health: More anxiety, anger, or meltdowns when there is too much sensory input.

• Motor Skills: Being clumsy, having trouble coordinating movements, or delays in developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Some of these challenges may require regular medical attention. Hence, it is important for you to include your child into your family health insurance plan.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for SPD, but occupational therapy (OT) can help individuals deal with sensory issues and make their daily lives easier. OT focuses on:

• Developing motor skills.

• Better self-care, play and social skills.

• Managing feelings and actions.

• Better self-regulation skills

What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory integration therapy is an effective way to treat SPD. It is led by a trained occupational therapist who uses fun, play-based activities to help control sensory responses and lower stress.

Sensory integration therapy can help kids focus and behave better, and feel less anxious.

How the DIR/Floortime Approach Helps Children with SPD

One well-known therapy for SPD is the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder. Floortime therapy is a major part of this method, consisting of short, structured play sessions where parents and children connect and learn important skills.

Step 1: Do what the child wants to do: Parents take part in whatever the child is doing, even if it's the same thing over and over. This helps you get into the child's world and gain their trust.

Step 2: Gentle challenges: Once they are connected, parents give their kids fun challenges, like getting them to make eye contact, take turns, or talk to each other.

DIR/Floortime helps kids learn how to relate to others, talk to them, and deal with their feelings over time, all while taking their sensory needs into account.

When to Seek Help

You should consider professional support if:

• Sensory issues disrupt daily or school life.

• Meltdowns happen often and seem beyond normal behaviour.

• You’re unsure whether your child’s reactions are “normal” or not.

Conclusion

SPD can feel overwhelming, both for the person experiencing it and for their family. It's not that your child is being difficult; it's that their brain processes the world in a different way. The first step to making things better is to understand this difference.

In many cases, therapies like occupational treatment may be covered under your health insurance plan, so it’s worth checking your policy to ease the financial stress while getting the right care for your child.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: clevelandclinic.org, sensoryhealth.org, asdclinic.co.uk, autismspeaks.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 1, 2025