Sensory processing disorder is a neurological condition where the brain has difficulty regulating and organizing sensory information. It can be caused by prematurity, difficult prenatal or postnatal environments, birth trauma, or a lack of sensory experiences. Children with SPD may have trouble with tasks, transitions, focusing attention, touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and may display behaviors like hand flapping or excessive movement. They are often misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD when the underlying issue is sensory processing. Teachers and parents should seek to understand the behaviors as a form of communication from the child and explore occupational therapy as an alternative to medication.

1. Sensory Processing Disorder

2. More Complex Senses * Balance * Body Awareness Seven Senses of Learning

3. Neurological “traffic jam” Sensory Processing Disorder Organize Sensory Input

4. Possible Causes Premature Births Prenatal and Postnatal environments Birth Trauma Lack of sensory experiences after birth Genetic

5. Ethan

6. Runs, swings, spins, paces excessively, or flaps hands when excited Difficulty following directions, or sequencing the steps of an activity. Has difficulties interacting with peers, Their play is often immature Difficulty focusing attention, or being over-focused Falls apart or loses control easily. Often during transition times. Is restless, inattentive, and disruptive; May not like to participate in group time. Easily distracted by visual or auditory stimuli

7. Strong dislike of baths, haircuts, or nail cutting Extreme sensitivity to texture and temperature of food Distressed by seams in socks and tags in his clothes Lack of enjoyment in age-appropriate motor activities. Swinging, climbing, sports, riding bike Overly sensitive to touch, or wants to be touched all the time Cry or covers their ears with every load sound. Picky eater

8. Misdiagnosed & Inappropriately medicated for ADD & ADHD

9. Teacher = Child Advocate

10. Developing a greater awareness of sensory Processing disorder Analyze and record the behavior Behavior is communication ~ Ask yourself ~ What is the child trying to say? Don’t be tempted to simply judge and move on. Be empathetic with parents Inform and educate parents on the alternatives to medications Occupational Therapist Be sensory detectives