Developmental Impairment
Sensory Processing Delay
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Heightened perception of detail
- Strong intuition for environment
- Creativity through sensory exploration
Definition
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to process stimuli. This can lead to oversensitivity or undersensitivity, which can negatively impact learning and social interaction. Currently, SPD is not recognized as a standalone medical diagnosis. Instead, it is often considered a symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as many individuals with ASD also experience sensory processing difficulties. However, sensory processing problems can also occur in people with ADHD, OCD, other developmental delays, or no other diagnosis at all.
In plain language
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that impacts how the brain processes stimuli, including information received through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The condition can affect all senses or just one. SPD can result in oversensitivity to stimuli or the opposite effect, where it takes more stimuli to cause an impact. Additionally, a lack of sensory input can have a negative impact on social and emotional well-being.
In the classroom
Students with Sensory Processing Delay may show one or more of the following — patterns vary widely and rarely look the same in any two learners.
- may be uncoordinated
- may bump into things
- may be unable to tell where their limbs are in space
- may be hard to engage in conversation or play
Support strategies
Over-sensitive students may…
- think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy
- think lights seem too bright
- think sounds seem too loud
- think soft touches feel too hard
- experience food textures that make them gag
- have poor balance or seem clumsy
- be afraid to play on the swings
- react poorly to sudden movements, touches, loud noises, or bright lights
- have behavior problems
Under-sensitive (sensory-seeking) students may…
- not be able to sit still
- seek thrills (loves jumping, heights, and spinning)
- spin without getting dizzy
- not pick up on social cues
- not recognize personal space
- chew on things (including their hands and clothing)
- seek visual stimulation (like electronics)
- have problems sleeping
- not recognize when their face is dirty or nose is running
Support strategies
- Sensory integration therapy (SI) — fun activities in a controlled environment that help students develop coping skills for stimuli
- A sensory diet — a list of activities for home and school designed to keep students focused and organized
- Hourly 10-minute walks; twice-daily 10-minute swing breaks
- In-class headphones for music while working
- Access to fidget toys
- Desk-chair bungee cord — gives students a way to move their legs while seated
- Occupational therapy — supports fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and everyday skills
Resources
- FamilyDoctor.org — "Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)"
- WebMD — "Sensory Processing Disorder"
- Child Mind Institute — "Sensory Processing Issues Explained"