Sensory Processing Disorder - SPD Treatment
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding appropriately to information from the senses. This can result in hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory stimuli such as touch, sound, light, taste, and movement that requires SPD treatment. While many people occasionally experience sensory sensitivities, SPD becomes a concern when these sensitivities significantly interfere with daily functioning.
Children with SPD may struggle with everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, or playing with peers. SPD is often associated with other conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or developmental delays. However, SPD can also occur independently.
Identifying SPD Symptoms
It’s important to distinguish between occasional sensory sensitivity and the consistent, disruptive symptoms of SPD. While many children may dislike certain textures or sounds, SPD is diagnosed when these reactions severely impact their ability to function in daily life.
For example, a child may:
- Cover their ears in response to everyday sounds
- Refuse to wear certain clothing due to texture
- Show extreme reactions to being touched
- Seek constant movement or pressure
- Appear unresponsive to sensory input like pain or temperature
If these behaviors are persistent and interfere with your child's social, academic, or personal development, an evaluation by a pediatrician or occupational therapist to pursue SPD treatment is recommended.
Effective SPD Treatment Options
1. Occupational Therapy: Sensory Integration Therapy
One of the most widely used approaches in SPD treatment is Sensory Integration Therapy, often conducted by occupational therapists (OTs). This therapy helps children learn to respond to sensory input in a more adaptive way by engaging them in fun, challenging activities that are tailored to their individual needs. Over time, the brain can develop improved sensory processing skills through guided exposure.
2. Wilbarger Brushing Protocol
This is a specific technique often used alongside sensory integration therapy. It involves using a soft-bristled brush on the skin followed by joint compressions. The goal is to help "reset" the sensory system and reduce tactile defensiveness. The Wilbarger Protocol should only be used under the guidance of a trained therapist, as incorrect usage may result in increased sensitivities.
3. Desensitization Techniques
Children with hypersensitivities may benefit from gradual, controlled exposure to bothersome stimuli. This includes introducing textures, sounds, or lights slowly over time to build tolerance. For instance, picky eaters with SPD may gradually expand their diet by trying new foods with similar textures or colors to those they already accept.
SPD Treatment Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Support from parents and caregivers plays a crucial role in the success of any SPD treatment plan. Here are practical strategies to use at home:
For Hypersensitive Children (Overresponsive):
- Start slow: Introduce sensory experiences gradually. Use dim lighting and low volume on electronics.
- Avoid overstimulating environments: Crowds, loud spaces, or bright flashing lights may overwhelm your child.
- Use sensory tools: Offer sunglasses, ear plugs or a Noise Reduction Earmuff, when needed.
- Respect boundaries: Encourage exploration but never force contact with aversive stimuli.
- Prepare with social stories: Explain upcoming events with visuals and descriptions of sensory input they might encounter.
For Hyposensitive Children (Underresponsive):
- Encourage active play: Activities like swinging, jumping, climbing, and running help regulate sensory needs.
- Use sensory equipment: Weighted blankets or vests can provide calming input under an OT's guidance.
- Use expressive communication: Speak with animated tones, gestures, and visuals to increase understanding.
- Incorporate frequent movement: Change positions during tasks and allow breaks for physical activity.
- Utilize alternative communication methods: communication cards or basic sign language may enhance understanding and reduce frustration.
Additional SPD Treatment Therapies
- Physical Therapy may be used to help with gross motor coordination and may involve activities to strengthen muscle control.
- Feeding Therapy such as SOS for picky eaters.
- Speech and Language Therapy may be used increase verbal skills, articulation, strengthen oral-motor control, and help to expand language skills deficits often associated with vestibular dysfunction or auditory dysfunction.
- Auditory Integration Training is a therapy focused on improving the brain's ability to process auditory stimuli. www.aitinstitute.org
- Integrated Listening Systems Therapy - A program using headphones with special music that targets different areas of development in the brain while incorporating the other sense for integration.
- Vision Therapy may be provided by a developmental optometrist to help provide sensory-motor and educational activities that help strengthen eye-motor control, visual discrimination, and eye-hand coordination.
- Chiropractic services help to address the structure and function of the nerves, muscles, and joints controlling posture and movement.
- Craniosacral Therapy as part of SPD treatment, evaluates and enhances the craniosacral system, made of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protect the brain and spinal cord. Therapy revolves around light touch manipulation of the bones in the skull sacrum and coccyx to correct any imbalances.
- Hippotherapy involves treatment with the use of a horse to influence muscle tone, promote muscle action, and improve vestibular reactions.
- Perceptual Motor Therapy may be helpful to stimulate left/right brain communication, helping the child to interpret sensory input better. Activities, such as sensory-input techniques, may help to remediate gross-motor, fine-motor, and visual discrimination difficulties.
When Is It Really SPD? Understanding Normal Sensory Quirks vs. Clinical Concern
It’s important to recognize that many sensory behaviors are part of typical childhood development. Just because a child dislikes tags on their clothing or covers their ears during loud noises doesn’t necessarily mean they have Sensory Processing Disorder. Children are naturally more sensitive to certain stimuli as their sensory systems develop. SPD should only be considered when sensory-related behaviors are severe, persistent, and significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, in school, or in social situations.
For example, I personally experience hypersensitivity to auditory sensory input. I’m easily distracted by background noises, find it difficult to follow verbal lectures without visual aids, and get irritated by sudden or repetitive sounds. However, these sensitivities don’t disrupt my ability to function in daily life, work, or relationships. Because they don’t impair my functioning, they don’t qualify as symptoms of a sensory processing disorder.
The takeaway? Almost everyone exhibits some level of sensory sensitivity, and many children display sensory preferences or aversions as part of their normal development. Parents should carefully consider the degree to which sensory behaviors impact their child’s functioning before assuming a diagnosis. If sensory sensitivities consistently prevent your child from thriving at school, at home, or in social environments, it may be time to consult a pediatrician or occupational therapist for a formal evaluation.
It’s also worth noting that children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or developmental delays are more likely to experience sensory processing challenges. In some cases, behaviors that resemble oppositional defiance may actually be rooted in a desire to avoid unpleasant sensory input. Understanding the cause behind the behavior is a critical step in determining whether SPD treatment is appropriate.
Final Thoughts on SPD Treatment
While Sensory Processing Disorder can be challenging, it is manageable with the right interventions. Early diagnosis and personalized SPD treatment can dramatically improve a child’s quality of life. It’s essential to collaborate with professionals, monitor progress, and remain patient and supportive.
Most importantly, remember that not every quirk or sensitivity is a disorder. Consider how much the symptoms affect your child’s daily life before jumping to conclusions. However, if sensory issues are disrupting their ability to function, seek help from a qualified professional. With consistent SPD treatment, many children learn to regulate their sensory responses and thrive at home, in school, and in social settings.
Some additional pages you may find helpful:
• Sensory Modulation Disorder (subtype of SPD)
• Sensory Seeking
• Proprioceptive Dysfunction
• Tactile Defensiveness with hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli
• Oral Defensiveness
• Olfactory Dysfunction
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References
1. Kranowitz, C. S. (2005). The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorders. New York, NY: Penguin Group.