What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder ("SPD") often struggle with modulating sensory input

Sensory Processing Disorder (“SPD”) is a condition where the brain struggles to receive and respond to sensory information appropriately. This includes input from sights, sounds, textures, tastes, smells, or even body movement. Children with SPD may be overly sensitive to stimuli, such as finding clothing tags unbearable (hypersensitivity), or under-responsive to stimuli such as not noticing when they put their hands under scalding water (hyposensitivity), or a combination of both. While everyone has sensory preferences, SPD goes beyond this, disrupting daily life. It can affect a child’s behaviour, emotions, and ability to engage with the world.

Diagnosing SPD can be complex, as it’s not formally recognised as a stand alone medical diagnosis in diagnostic manuals, such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11. The input of Occupational Therapists with experience in sensory integration is likely to be key in identifying and evaluating SPD. The assessment process will usually involve observation of a child’s behaviour and reactions to sensory input, the use of  parent interviews and questionnaires, like the Sensory Processing Measure (“SPM”) or Sensory Profile and standardised assessments that evaluate motor skills and sensory responses.

SPD can have a significant effect on a child’s educational experience, as schools are highly sensory environments. Challenges your child might face include:

Attendance Issues: Overwhelming environments, such as busy hallways or noisy lunchrooms, can cause meltdowns or school refusal.

Focus and Engagement: Difficulty filtering sensory input, such as tuning out background noise, can make it harder for children to concentrate on lessons.

Social Interaction: Struggles with sensory processing can lead to misunderstandings with peers, leaving children feeling isolated.

Learning Challenges: SPD can often co-occur with other conditions, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADHD") or autism, further complicating learning.

Thankfully, there are many resources and strategies available to help children with SPD thrive:

Occupational Therapy: Tailored Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy (”SIOT”)  - which can be both direct 1-1 support and indirect via sensory diets - can help children manage their sensory challenges.

Parent Education: Joining support groups or attending workshops can empower you with tools and techniques to help your child at home.

Sensory-Friendly Tools: Weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, and textured concentration aids (also known as fidget toys) are just a few of the items that can provide comfort and focus.

To learn about other conditions, you might find our blogs on Tourette’s Syndrome and ARFID helpful.

If your child is struggling in school and you feel that Sensory Processing Disorder might be the reason why, SEND Advocacy can provide information, advice and support to help ensure they receive the provision to which they are entilted. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child deserves, contact SEND Advocacy today.