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Pud’s Life with SPD

Sensory overload

Growing up with SPD – our life

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not a recognized disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. As a licensed clinical therapist, I struggle to approach clients who exhibit signs of sensory processing disorder.  These clients may have a diagnosis of Autism with ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, or other developmental delays when the diagnosis should be SPD.

Sensory processing is traditionally considered a symptom of autism because most children on the Autism spectrum also have significant sensory issues. However, many children with sensory issues are not on the spectrum. This speculation and line of thought are incorrect.  My grandson is not on the spectrum, yet he has SPD. 

Children with SPD may be oversensitive to sensory input, undersensitive, or both. Sensory issues, as my grandson calls them, can hinder his daily living in a big way. SPD is struggling to navigate or manage information that comes in through the senses. 

Their brains have trouble organizing and responding to information from the senses. Sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain food textures, and scratchy clothing are a few issues these children struggle to overcome.

Two common types of sensory processing disorder that many kids exhibit are sensory avoiding and sensory seeking. 

Most children experience a mix of the two. My grandson is a seeker of proprioceptive and vestibular but an avoider of food, heights, and fast-moving objects. He struggles with throwing, catching, and focusing on a ball, so sports are stressful for him. 

Oversensitivity (hypersensitivity) leads to sensory avoiding; kids avoid sensory input because it’s too overwhelming. Undersensitivity (hyposensitivity) causes kids to be sensory-seeking; they seek more sensory stimulation.

Misunderstanding of SPD and the lack of diagnosis in the DSM have parents fighting for an accurate diagnosis and help for their child. We struggled for years, trying to find an answer for my grandson. His pediatrician questioned Austim when he was two years old; he was diagnosed with SPD when he was four years old. When he was eight, they referred him to Sensory Solutions for testing. He had two tests- one for SPD and one for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

His test included Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) checklist.

An Occupational therapist (OT) administered the SPD test, and a speech therapist completed the initial APD test. 

After the testing, his pediatrician confirmed and gave the diagnosis of SPD. He had seen a neurologist who ruled out ADHD, Autism, and neuro issues. You may use the following to determine the SPD.

  • Pediatricians
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Developmental behavioral pediatrician
  • Psychologists, including a neuropsychologist 

Sensory processing issues are often first recognized early in the child’s life. At age 2, my grandson’s pediatrician noted the need for speech therapy, O.T., and food therapy. 

Many parents notice their child has an unusual aversion to noise, light, shoes that seem too tight, and irritating clothes. They may also experience clumsiness, trouble climbing stairs, and difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing with crayons or a pencil. Fastening buttons, tying shoes, and picking up small items are struggles. Crossing midline remains a problem after toddlerhood. 

Some children exhibit extreme behaviors: this list is not complete, but may include screaming over seemingly unusual things, such as his hand being dirty or his face being wet. Throwing tantrums or having a meltdown when dressed. They hate the feel of socks, jeans, or tags, but love tight shirts, clothing that is too small, or wearing the same clothes daily. They have an unusually high or low pain threshold. They may enjoy crashing into walls, furniture, or people. They may put inedible things into their mouths, needing oral stimulation, chewing on their clothes.

With behavioral therapy or Occupational therapy, your child can learn to be successful in his or her daily life. Sensory breaks, a sensory diet, and understanding adults in the child’s life will help build a supportive community of love and caring, allowing your child to navigate highly stressful sensory situations.