Sensory processing is how we take in information and learn about the world around us through sensory experiences. Each person has a unique sensory profile, which affects how they respond to different stimuli. However, some individuals experience significant sensory challenges, known as a sensory processing disorder (SPD). In this blog, NAPA pediatric occupational therapist discusses sensory processing disorder symptoms and signs to help you better understand and support your child.
If you’re noticing unusual behaviors in your child—like avoiding certain textures, seeking excessive movement, or being hypersensitive to sounds—you may be wondering if SPD is the cause. This sensory processing disorder checklist will help you recognize potential sensory disorder symptoms and understand the different sensory processing challenges your child may face.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) and sensory integration disorder were once used interchangeably, but sensory integration disorder is now an outdated term. Today, sensory processing disorder (SPD) is the widely accepted term used to describe challenges in processing sensory input, though it is not an official diagnosis.
As an occupational therapist, I receive a lot of questions about SPD signs and symptoms that a parent may be seeing in their child, such as:
If you relate to any of these concerns, review the following SPD checklist to see if your child exhibits any common sensory processing disorder symptoms:
Tactile input refers to touch, pressure, texture, temperature, and pain sensations.
Tactile defensiveness, sometimes referred to as tactile hypersensitivity or tactile sensitivity, is an over responsiveness to tactile input.
Tactile seeking behaviors may occur for a child who is under responsive to touch and may exhibit a high threshold for registering a tactile sensation. These kids may exhibit tactile seeking behaviors in order to register the tactile sense.
Proprioception helps us understand body position, movement, and force control. In our body, we have sensory receptors called proprioceptors in our muscles, joints, and tendons, that send us information about our body position, weight bearing, stretching, pulling/pushing/lifting against resistance, and movement.
Proprioceptive seeking behaviors consist of actions that a child may do in order to self-regulate or gain more information about their body position and can be related to a high threshold for proprioceptive input to register.
Proprioceptive difficulties with grading movements is indicative of a child who has trouble with body awareness in being able to recruit the appropriate amount of force to accomplish a functional task.
Auditory processing refers to how the brain interprets sounds.
Auditory defensiveness consists of a hypersensitivity to sound, and the child may demonstrate a low threshold for auditory input in order for the sensation to register.
Auditory hyposensitivity may be indicative of a child who may demonstrates a high threshold for sound in order for auditory input to register.
Olfactory processing affects how we perceive smells.
Olfactory hypersensitivity is indicative of a child who demonstrates a low threshold for smells and may demonstrate an over-responsiveness.
Olfactory hyposensitivity is indicative of a child who demonstrates a high threshold for smells and may demonstrate an under-responsiveness.
Visual processing affects how we interpret what we see.
Hypersensitivity to visual input is indicative of a child who demonstrates an over-responsiveness to visual input or may demonstrate a low threshold for visual input.
Hyposensitivity to visual input is indicative of a child who demonstrates an under-responsiveness to visual input or may demonstrate a high threshold for visual input.
Vestibular processing helps with balance and movement perception. Our vestibular processing system stems from input that we receive from special receptors in our ear, that are triggered to tell us more about equilibrium, gravitational changes, position in space, and sense of movement.
Vestibular hypersensitivity is an over responsiveness to vestibular input and may be indicative of a child who demonstrates a low threshold for vestibular input.
Vestibular hyposensitivity is an under responsiveness to vestibular input and may be indicative of a child who demonstrates a high threshold for vestibular input.
This SPD checklist is meant to provide insight into potential sensory processing disorder symptoms but is not a diagnostic tool. If your child displays multiple sensory processing disorder symptoms that impact daily life, an occupational therapy evaluation can provide a sensory processing disorder test to assess their sensory challenges. Next, the child may be recommended to participate in weekly or intensive occupational therapy sessions and follow a home sensory diet.
Next Steps:
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