WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER?

Sensory Processing Disorder (S.P.D.) is a disorder that affects mostly children but also adults, either in one sense (touch, sight, OR movement) or in multiple senses. The cause of S.P.D. is currently unknown but preliminary studies suggest the disorder could be inherited and coded into a child’s genetic material.

Children with S.P.D. have issues with motor skills needed for school success and childhood accomplishments. Many of these children become socially isolated and suffer from low self-esteem and other social or emotional issues. Common signs of SPD problems include out-of-proportion reactions to touch, sounds, sights, movement, tastes or smells with motor skills and body awareness troubles. Poor attention and focus, being easily overstimulated in group settings and difficulties with self-confidence and independence may also be present in those with sensory processing problems.

A useful set of activities that can help children with S.P.D. is to create a “sensory diet” which is a carefully designed, personalized activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused and organized throughout the day.

Sources and helpful links:

Sensory Smarts – Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder – http://sensorysmarts.com/signs_of_spd.html

Sensory Smarts – Sensory Diet Activities – http://sensorysmarts.com/sensory_diet_activities.html

SPD Foundation – About Sensory Processing Disorder – http://www.spdfoundation.net/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html