Sensory processing is how our brains use what we sense (see, hear, taste and smell) to make sense of the world. A child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is either very sensitive or not sensitive enough to the things around them. Children with ‘SPD’ can feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious by their senses and go into flight or fight mode and feel in danger. They often have meltdowns - a way of them letting you know they are feeling really uncomfortable. Because their brain sees the sensory input as "not enough," sensory seekers respond to sensory stimuli with an urge to seek out more. Sensory sensitive children often respond with a fight, flight or freeze response because their brain experiences the input as *too much*.

1. What are the signs and symptoms of
Sensory Processing Disorder and how
can they be treated?
Sensory processing is how our brains use what we sense
(see, hear, taste and smell) to make sense of the world. A
child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is either very
sensitive or not sensitive enough to the things around them.
Children with ‘SPD’ can feel overwhelmed, stressed and
anxious by their senses and go into flight or fight mode and
feel in danger. They often have meltdowns - a way of them
letting you know they are feeling really uncomfortable.
Because their brain sees the sensory input as "not enough,"
sensory seekers respond to sensory stimuli with an urge to
seek out more. Sensory sensitive children often respond
with a fight, flight or freeze response because their brain
experiences the input as *too much*.

2. ‘SPD’ can be different for each child. However, they may
have some type of “trigger” to stimuli in their environment
that can impact their emotions, behavior and attention at
home and in school.
There are 2 types of ‘SPD’ that children experience. These are defined as
either:
1. Hypersensitivity (over responsiveness): These
children will usually be sensitive to sensory input. To
give some examples, your child might experience
extreme sensitivity to clothing labels, uncomfortable
bright lights, or common sounds. Hypersensitive
children may try to avoid sensory input by escaping
situations that are dangerous.
2. Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): These
children are less sensitive to sensory inputs. They may
have a high tolerance for pain or temperatures or they
might deliberately seek out sensory input. They might,
for example, repeatedly sniff their food, rub items
against their skin, or perform specific movements.
They might seem to be bored in the surroundings since
they need more sensations to get involved.
Some possible sign of sensory seekers and sensitive behavior:
1. May cover ears when there are loud sounds such as
vacuums, hair dryers etc. May even cry or scream.
2. May have issues with food textures. When trying fresh
tasks, gagging is common.
3. Not touchable or not touchable enough.
4. May show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain
or extreme hot and cold or overreaction to pain or hot
or cold.
5. May have poor coordination.

3. 6. May be an excessive risk taker, crashing into things.
7. May cry or get upset over clothing tags or textures.
8. May be sensitive to light.
9. May dislike hair being brushed or cut.
Some symptoms of sensory processing disorder:
1. Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
2. Physical discomfort.
3. Urge to cover their ears and eyes to block out the
source of input.
4. Feeling extreme stress, fear, or panic.
5. Sensory meltdown resulting in fight, flight or freeze
response.
For disorders with sensory processing, there is no
medication or cure. However, doctors can help a child
manage the symptoms through therapy. There are different
types of therapy. The basic idea behind these therapies is
that children with sensory disorders can benefit from
particular movement activities, resistant body work, and
even skin brushing. Treatment for "SPD" usually includes
working with an occupational therapist on activities
that retrain the senses. The objective of the sensory
integration approach, which is frequently used by
therapists, is to make it easier for children with SPD to
manage their everyday tasks. It begins in a safe, stimulating
environment. This uses fun, stimulating activities to
challenge the childs’ senses without overwhelming them or
linking stimulation to feelings of failure. The idea is to
gradually implement these learned, suitable responses
outside of the therapy facility/clinic to everyday tasks at
home, at school, and in society as a whole. Treatment may
include a “sensory diet” wherein activities are introduced

4. in a gentle, fun way in order to ease into a range of
sensations. An occupational therapist can help with
fine, gross and sensory motor skills. They help the child
practice everyday skills that help retrain the senses.
Unlike sensory diet, sensory feeding therapy is for children
with processing issues related to real food! Children with
SPD might be more sensitive to particular food flavors,
aromas, visuals, and textures. This therapy involves
introducing new foods in a way that helps your child
become gradually desensitized to them. It starts with foods
your child is familiar with and builds from there. The goal
of feeding therapy includes identifying appropriate feeding
milestones and developing your child’s feeding skills and
their behavior around new and unfamiliar foods.
These therapies can be executed at home as well.
There are a number of methods you can help your child
with sensory issues outside of treatments, such as:
 Maintaining a regular routine while providing notice of
any planned changes.
 Using visual cues to support your child’s routines and
introduce new or different tasks.
 Being aware of how environmental changes may
impact your child’s behavior.
 Knowing your child's areas of interest, challenges, and
strengths.
 If necessary, allowing additional time for carrying out
challenging tasks.
 Considering extra support at school if needed.
We acquire a lot about the world around us by our senses. If
your child has a hard time gathering and interpreting those

5. sensory inputs, they may show signs of sensory processing
disorder. SPD is complicated and can look different in every
child. It affects a child’s ability to process and integrate
sensory information. This can be challenging for children
and their parents. The most effective plan for proceeding is
early intervention as therapy functions best when children
continue to develop physically and mentally. Many
children experience a mix of both over *and* under
responses to sensory inputs. You should not wait until they
are already dysregulated to accommodate their sensory
needs. Developmental delays in children are easier to
manage or overcome when you detect them early and seek
therapeutic treatments. Treatments, including occupational
therapy, may help children and adults who have sensory
issues learn to cope with the world around them. Less
overreactions and better sensory outlets are the primary
goals of treatment. Children who succeeded in employing
therapy to manage the symptoms might need additional
medical attention as they grow older and achieve new goals
in life.
If your child has sensory issues contact us now.