Motor and behavioral responses exhibited by human beings depend on the reception and processing of messages by the brain. The process through which the brain receives and processes messages is referred to as sensory processing. The process is sometimes referred to as sensory integration and abbreviated as SI. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is the condition that results when sensory signals received in the brain cannot be organized into the appropriate responses.
Senses provide signals from modalities such as proprioception, vision, olfactory, tactile, taste, vestibular and audition systems. Those signals are needed to maintain proper functioning in the body. The main characteristic of SPD is difficulty in processing information fed from the senses, which results in performance problems in daily activities. Areas of life that are affected include daily activities, leisure, productivity, contact, feeding and play among others.
Processing of signal input differs among different people. For instance, fabric that is completely comfortable to some people appears to be very uncomfortable to others. This is because of a difference in tactile sensitivity. Motion sickness is caused because of difference in vestibular sensitivity, which makes other people to experience it while others do not. The same thing happens to proprioceptive sense where force applied when writing differs among people.
SPD falls under three major types, that is, SDD, SBMD, and SMD. There are several subtypes under each of the types named above. Each type has a different set of senses it affects on the body. That is why symptoms differ with the type and subtype. Similarly, either a single sense or multiple senses may be affected by the condition.
Individuals with over-responsivity dislike certain textures that are found in items like foods, fabrics, and grooming products. Completely normal sounds, lights, smells, movements and tastes affect them profoundly. As such, they appear stressed constantly and they avoid places that are crowded and noisy. There is a lot of difficulty sleeping and motion sickness is a common occurrence. Kissing, hugging and other normal skin contact irritates them, making the individuals to dislike them. They also become picky eaters.
People with under-responsivity have a different set of symptoms. They appear unreactive and slow and are often unaware of pain. When asleep, it is very difficult to wake them up and they often appear to be deaf even if they pass auditory function tests. In children, parents usually have difficulty in training the child how to use the toilet. They often appear unaware of being soiled or wet.
What causes SPD is not fully known yet although there is ongoing research in that direction. However, one known cause is damage done to areas of the brain involved in processing multisensory signals. Genetic and neurological causes are also being investigated to find if they exist.
Diagnosis of the condition in children is done through various tests. Some of the standardized tests used include SIPT, TSI and TSFI. Standardized questionnaires are also used in the diagnosis process. Treatment is currently based on sensory integration therapy. This kind of therapy aims at challenging all the senses of a child. The therapist works closely with the child in a room.
Senses provide signals from modalities such as proprioception, vision, olfactory, tactile, taste, vestibular and audition systems. Those signals are needed to maintain proper functioning in the body. The main characteristic of SPD is difficulty in processing information fed from the senses, which results in performance problems in daily activities. Areas of life that are affected include daily activities, leisure, productivity, contact, feeding and play among others.
Processing of signal input differs among different people. For instance, fabric that is completely comfortable to some people appears to be very uncomfortable to others. This is because of a difference in tactile sensitivity. Motion sickness is caused because of difference in vestibular sensitivity, which makes other people to experience it while others do not. The same thing happens to proprioceptive sense where force applied when writing differs among people.
SPD falls under three major types, that is, SDD, SBMD, and SMD. There are several subtypes under each of the types named above. Each type has a different set of senses it affects on the body. That is why symptoms differ with the type and subtype. Similarly, either a single sense or multiple senses may be affected by the condition.
Individuals with over-responsivity dislike certain textures that are found in items like foods, fabrics, and grooming products. Completely normal sounds, lights, smells, movements and tastes affect them profoundly. As such, they appear stressed constantly and they avoid places that are crowded and noisy. There is a lot of difficulty sleeping and motion sickness is a common occurrence. Kissing, hugging and other normal skin contact irritates them, making the individuals to dislike them. They also become picky eaters.
People with under-responsivity have a different set of symptoms. They appear unreactive and slow and are often unaware of pain. When asleep, it is very difficult to wake them up and they often appear to be deaf even if they pass auditory function tests. In children, parents usually have difficulty in training the child how to use the toilet. They often appear unaware of being soiled or wet.
What causes SPD is not fully known yet although there is ongoing research in that direction. However, one known cause is damage done to areas of the brain involved in processing multisensory signals. Genetic and neurological causes are also being investigated to find if they exist.
Diagnosis of the condition in children is done through various tests. Some of the standardized tests used include SIPT, TSI and TSFI. Standardized questionnaires are also used in the diagnosis process. Treatment is currently based on sensory integration therapy. This kind of therapy aims at challenging all the senses of a child. The therapist works closely with the child in a room.
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