Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Every Parent Needs to Know

When a child’s body is overloaded with intense sensory input, the child might develop Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Children in this accelerated world are flooded with many types of sensory inputs—the brightest light coming from a video game screen to a loud cacophony in the street leads to the condition of SPD. It changes human being’s lifestyle so such. This blog is intended to give complete information about SPD so that parents can identify its symptoms, understand causes, and start working on its realistic preventive measures.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

SPD is a neurological disorder that affects the processing of sensory information in the brain. This includes vision, sound, smell, touch, taste, movement sensations, and much more. Children with SPD often have difficulty responding appropriately to sensory stimuli, which leads to overreactions (hypersensitivity) or an underreaction (hyposensitivity). This condition can make everyday routine tasks challenging and often overwhelming.

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Signs & Symptoms of SPD

Some common signs & symptoms of SPD in a child, includes:-

• Hypersensitivity: Overreaction or getting upset due to bright lights, loud sounds, or even specific textures to certain sensory stimuli.
• Hyposensitivity: Failure to respond to sensory stimuli including avoiding loud noises or even actively seeking extreme sensory experiences.
• Difficulty with transitions: Cannot adapt to a change in the routine and environment.

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• Clumsiness: Frequent stumbling or difficulty with coordination, often resulting in spills or falls. Stumbling frequently or having trouble coordinating, leading to spills or falls.
• Emotional outbursts: Bad temper tantrums or meltdowns especially in situations caused by high sensory input.
• Social challenges: Peer problems are the issues that can be either due to a weakness in reading social cues or the inability to play with others.

How does SPD affect daily life?

SPD can impact various aspects of a child’s daily routine, like:

• Mealtime: Children with SPD may have limited diets and nutritional difficulties as a result of their sensitivity to particular food textures or scents, which can result in aversions.
• Playtime: It may have an impact on a child’s capacity to play. For instance, a child might avoid playing in certain environments (like parks with too much noise) or struggle with physical coordination games.
• School Activities: Sensory distractions can occasionally make it hard for children to concentrate in a classroom, which can hinder their ability to learn and engage with others.
  Family Activities: Children occasionally experience stress and anxiety due to noisy surroundings or sizable crowds during family outings or celebrations.

When to Consult a Professional?

Getting professional help is crucial if you think your child is suffering from SPD. Sensory integration-focused therapists can evaluate your child’s needs and create tailored solutions to assist them deal with sensory difficulties. Your child’s coping strategies and quality of life can be greatly improved by early intervention.

Tips for Parents

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home

• Establish Sensory Zones: Designate areas in the house to cater to various senses. For instance, there could be a tactile room with toys for playtime or a quiet place for listening and unwinding with gentle music and dim lights.
• Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These devices tend to reduce background noise in noisy or crowded settings.
• Add relaxing fragrances: The infant can use fragrant products or essential oils for calming.

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• Choose Sensory-Friendly Furniture: Sensory-friendly furniture includes comfortable chairs and blankets. The provision of soft touch will further enhance relaxation.
• Establish Routine: Those children who have routine for daily activities feel secure and, therefore, are more adept at predicting change and consequently can handle better the anxieties that result from overload.
• Provide Opportunities For Movement: Encourage your child to climb, swing, or jump, which may help regulate sensory input.

How can parents deal with SPD Child?

Communication: Let your child share your feelings and experiences. Open communication can help them understand specific sensory challenges.

Identify Triggers:  Always maintain a sensory journal to track situations that lead to discomfort; recognising patterns can help in managing those triggers.

Use Coping Tools: To help your kid with sensory friendly tools, make sure to have objects available to give child relief. For example, fidget toys, stress balls, and noise-cancelling headphones are helpful.

Create a Safe Space: Create a quiet area at home, where you can go and be alone when they become overwhelmed. This area needs to be quiet and not distracting.

Establish a Routine: Develop a daily routine that provides structure and predictability that can help reduce anxiety related to sensory experience.

Practice Self-Regulation Techniques: Deep breathing, being present, or picturing calm landscapes can help handle anxiety and stress in extremely challenging situations.

Seek Professional Support:  Consider consulting a therapist specialising in SPD. They can provide tailored strategies and interventions to help improve sensory processing skills.

Engage in Sensory Activities: Participate in physical activities providing sensory experiences like swimming, playing with sand or clay, or nature walks.

In conclusion, it’s critical that parents provide their children with the right kind of support if they are suffering from SPD. Parents should educate children about the challenges of SPD by developing knowledge on symptoms, how they impact everyday life, how to seek professional help if necessary, and by preparing a sensory-friendly home. Remember that every child is unique, so the care he or she needs will be unique as well; what might work for one child will not work for another. The keys to helping the child thrive in spite of their sensory issues are advocacy, understanding, and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can a child grow out of sensory processing disorder?

A: While some children will continue to have difficulty into adulthood, others may have their sensory processing skills improve with age.Early action can have a significant impact.

Q2. How can I help my child suffering from SPD?

A: Talk to the teachers and other school staff about your child’s needs. School staff can help your child have his or her sensory needs met in the classroom through an Individualised Education Plan (IEP).

Q3. Does sensory processing disorder SPD have therapies?

A: Occupational therapy is the most common treatment provided to children with SPD. The therapists can assist in teaching young children to efficiently manage sensory issues by making use of sensory integration techniques.

Q4. Does sensory processing disorder affect diet?

A: Although there isn’t a single diet that can be used to treat SPD, some dietary adjustments can enhance general health and perhaps affect sensory modulation. Speaking with a paediatric dietician can offer guidance to your child’s nutrition needs.