For centuries philosophers and other thoughtful people have ponder if sensory information recognized by the brain is the same for everyone. Does the color orange appear the same for all people? Are the sounds of music beautiful for everyone? Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. If the brain processes sensory information differently from most people, it is called a sensory processing disorder (SPD). SPD can affect all of the senses or just one. It usually means the child is more sensitive to sensory information than others. Sometimes it is the opposite in that it takes more sensory information to make an impact. A louder noise, a harder touch.
Using the word “disorder” implies that it is a medical diagnosis. Most experts think it is a symptom associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum, Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder or generalized-anxiety disorder. SPD is a spectrum. It’s important to know that most people with SPD don’t have autism.
Common sounds may be painful or overwhelming, the light touch of a shirt may feel like it is chafing. For some children the sound of a leaf blower may cause extreme distress or others may recoil from textures of certain foods. Some children seem unresponsive to anything around them. They fail to respond to extreme heat or cold or pain. Vestibular (ear) sensory systems impacts balance, motion and movement. Children who are over-responsive to vestibular sensory input might avoid certain movements, like swinging or spinning. Children who are under-responsive may seek more intense or repetitive bouncing, jumping or rocking. They may have problems with riding a bicycle or playing sports.
At present the causes of sensory processing disorders are unknown. There is a genetic link. It has been observed that it tends to run in families. A study of twins found that a hypersensitivity to light have a strong genetic component. Other studies have shown that children with sensory processing problems have abnormal brain activity when they are simultaneously exposed to light and sound. It is felt that it is related to how the information is transfer through the nervous system and to how the brain responds to the information.
Treatment is recommended when it is noticed that a child’s reactions to their sensory impute is causing them problems in day to day life. Treatment is usually therapy by an occupational therapist. It has been shown that treatment started early can help. Treatment is usually called sensory integration which strives to help children do better at activities they are not good at and helping them get use to things they can’t tolerate.
Each treatment plan has to be individualized as just because the child is over sensitive to touch doesn’t mean they are over sensitive to sound. The sensory systems are vast and complex and each child’s are unique.
Unfortunately sensory processing disorder isn’t recognized as a medical diagnosis and sometimes it is hard to get insurance to pay for therapy. Ask your health care provider for help with associated diagnoses.
By Sally Robinson, MD
Keeping Kids Healthy
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Published December 2024