Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Sensory processing is the ability to take in sensory information from the world around us and interpret this information effectively so that we may function optimally throughout the day. The brain not only processes information through the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and sound, but the nervous system also interprets this sensory information and translates it into movement, body position and pressure.

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) occurs when the nervous system has difficulty regulating, processing, and interpreting information from one or more of the senses. This may affect one’s ability to function optimally in all environments, and these difficulties can adversely affect a child’s social skills, academic performance, and motor development.

Occupational therapy is one of the many main treatments for SPD in children. Contact us today to learn more about options for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we tailor our therapy to meet the needs of each individual child. Our therapists are specially trained to provide your child with vital sensory input and experiences needed to meet the needs of his nervous system. Children with sensory processing disorder require individualized treatment plans adapted to motivate and empower them to reach their full potential, with the proper balance of arousal, calming and organizing activities.

How can I tell if my child has sensory processing disorder?

When sensory information (that we take in from our environment) is not being efficiently organized and processed in our brains, what results is called sensory integration dysfunction. An underdeveloped nervous system causes inefficient processing of sensory information, an this can often be seen in children who were born prematurely, or have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, among other reasons.

Sensory integration dysfunction can be presented in a few different ways, and can be placed in three general categories:

‍Sensory Modulation Disorder
‍Sensory Modulation Disorder is a problem with responding appropriately to sensory information in a way that matches the nature and intensity of the sensory information. A child can be over-responsive (respond more intensely, quickly and for a longer time to sensory input than typical children- ex. can’t tolerate tags on clothing), under-responsive (exhibit less of a response to sensory input than the situation demands, or take longer to react) or sensory seeking (crave and actively seek out sensory experiences, often in socially unacceptable ways.)

‍Sensory-Based Motor DisorderSensory-Based Motor Disorder is a problem with stabilizing, moving, or planning a series of movements in response to sensory demands (a child may have difficulty with coordination and control of their bodies, as this is a dysfunction of the proprioceptive and vestibular senses).

‍Sensory Discrimination Disorder
‍Sensory Discrimination Disorder is a problem with sensing similarities and differences between sensations. These children may have a difficult time zipping their jacket without looking, or have difficulty distinguishing between a written p or q, for example.

When children are unable to process sensory information efficiently, it can affect them in many different ways, including their ability to regulate their emotions, their social skills, speech and academic skills, and fine and gross motor skills.

What are the symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder?

Different children perceive and process sensory information differently. Some children find loud noises scary, while others like to bang objects and search for interesting ways to create noise. Similarly, some children may only tolerate certain fabrics or textures for clothing, while others may enjoy rolling around in grass, sand, or on the carpet. All children and adults have different sensory preferences, and while most adults have learned to adapt to their specific needs, some children need guidance in processing sensory information to reach their full potential.

Some symptoms of sensory processing disorder in children include:

Inability to focus on an activity if there’s background noise

Jumping from one activity to another, never fully being able to complete a task

Responding negatively to loud noises, or often covering ears

Seeking high movement activities, but often appearing clumsy

Showing a strong preference for certain foods or smells

Irritation from shoes, socks, tags, or different textures

Difficulties learning new activities

Under or over-sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds

Tendency to be easily distracted

Social and/or emotional problems

Unusually high or low activity level

Poor coordination

Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness

Poor fine motor coordination

Impulsivity, lack of self-control

Difficulty in making transitions

Inability to unwind or calm self

Emotionally reactive

Poor self concept

Delays in speech, language, motor skills

Delays in daily skill performance (dressing, feeding)

Delays in academic achievement

How can I help treat my child's sensory processing disorder?

With effective treatment provided by an occupational therapist, a child’s nervous system can develop the ability to process sensory information in an appropriate manner. A child with poor sensory integration skills may need to learn specific compensatory strategies to function optimally and integrate sensory input in an efficient manner.

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Our commitment to you and your child:

‍For our clients, treatment hours are determined on an individualized basis, without predefined blocks.
Our BCBAs weigh the priorities of the family, the availability of the child given other therapeutic services they may be receiving, and the level of support needed to facilitate the best outcomes.
All of our treatment plans have terminal goals that are reported every 6 months and discussed every 3 months directly with the family, to ensure we are always moving towards fading the level of support needed and increasing daily independence.

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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my child has sensory processing disorder?

What are the symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder?

How can I help treat my child's sensory processing disorder?

8 Tips for Flying with a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: Auditory System

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: The Gustatory System

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: Visual System

8 Potty Training Tips for a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: Proprioceptive System

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder: Vestibular System

10 Red Flags for Poor Sensory Registration

It’s More than Just “Being a Boy:” Signs your Child May Need Sensory Input for Self-Regulation

Contact us to get started

Submit an inquiry form

We'll reach out to you!

Paperwork & insurance

Treatment personalization

Start making progress!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

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