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Over two years ago, I wrote this post about one of my students who exhibited signs of sensory-seeking behavior. At the time, I had very little knowledge about Sensory Processing Disorder in kids. Since then, I’ve worked with a number of students that struggle with sensory integration. Additionally, I’ve learned an invaluable amount of information through working with my friend and Occupational Therapist extraordinaire, Larissa Ksar, MS, OTR/L.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory stimuli. Even though Sensory Processing Disorder affects adults, it is most commonly observed in children. Some children may demonstrate an extreme sensitivity to stimuli (e.g. getting overwhelmed in large crowds). Others may demonstrate a need for more sensory input (e.g. can’t stop moving). Identifying whether your child has an “over-aroused” sensory system or an “under-aroused” sensory system will help you determine the appropriate sensory diet for him/her.
Source: First Children Services
The “Over-Aroused” or Overstimulated Child
- May be overly sensitive to light touch and messy play activities (e.g. finger paint, digging in the dirt).
- Sensitive to loud noises (e.g. firetruck, school bell, etc.)
- Click here to learn more about calming activities and equipment you can use to support your overstimulated child.
The “Under-Aroused” Child
- Difficult to get moving in the morning.
- Described as “daydreamers” by teachers
- Find it difficult to focus during seated activities
- Have a slow reaction time and a low energy level
OR - Bumping into others; no concept of limbs in space
- Described as “a human tornado” with lack of safety awareness.
- Requires more intense sensory activities to register information through the senses.
- Click here to learn more about the strategies and equipment you can use to support your “under-aroused” child.
You may want to read:
Question of the Day:
- Do you know a child who exhibits sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding behaviors?
Very interesting topic. Knowing this about your child must be so helpful, and at school it could make the world of difference in the classroom.
Great info! I find that one of my children has a few of these signs, but not most. I think I may still try out some of the techniques suggested to see if it helps. 😊
I don’t see this topic addressed quite often but I have a younger brother with Down’s Syndrome who also has sensory processing issues. He’s on the overstimulated end. Thanks for bringing awareness to this disorder.
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Great info! There is a child in my family who struggles with this and it’s amazing how much help and therapy options there are these days. I remember even sensing some processing difficulties in really young kids (1-2 years old) when I worked in child care! So interesting to me!
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These are some great suggestions and ques to look out for in each of these types of children.
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This is an interesting post. I previously worked at a special needs resource center for children, so sensory processing disorder is a familiar topic to me. I generally associate sensory processing with the over-aroused child; I don’t really remember much discussion about the under-aroused child, so thank you for educating me. I was also born visually impaired, so I relate to some of these from my childhood as an “under-aroused” child. However, I don’t think sensory processing ever came up during my childhood. I’ve grown a lot, but still struggle sometimes. I wonder how life would have been different if my mom had been aware of sensory processing disorder?
My oldest really struggles with his ‘limbs in space’. He isn’t too coordinated. He slams everything. But he isn’t a daydreamer. He is more hyperactive and even though he is incredibly loud without realizing it, he hates loudness from others. Most of my kids and niece and nephews have a few major SPD symptoms, but not the whole package. I have one that is really difficult about her clothes itching and lotion makes her skin crawl, but otherwise, she is completely normal. I have two with encopresis which can be associated with SPD, but otherwise they are really different.
What an interesting post. I’ve never heard of this disorder. As I was reading it though, I wondered how many children are there who have been diagnosed with ADD, when it may actually have been this (SPD). Are the two related in anyway?
Yeah. They are different issues, but they do have some overlap and can occur together. I do think it’s easier to slap an ADD/ADHD diagnosis on a child when there are likely other factors at play and should be considered.
Interesting. I imagine that you probably see and experience a lot of these issues more than even the parents do and that you can help kids who need help for over or under stimulation. <3 Thanks for sharing!
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Ah, this helps me understand SPD much better. I have heard a lot about individual symptoms of this disorder but I didn’t fully grasp it.
While we don’t deal with this issue I appreciate it anytime awareness is brought to these types of invisible struggles. Kids can be trying their best and being misunderstood by those around them, which is so sad.
This is a very interesting topic and quite helpful. If you don’t know the signs then you don’t know what to looks for and you may just be thinking the child is rambunctious when really it’s more than that. Thank you for sharing this vital information!
I honestly didn’t know much at all about this disorder. Thank you for educating us on what some children go through!
SPD is becoming more and more popular at my school. I have several kids that struggle with it and work with them on a weekly basis. We have a lot of sensory items at my school that they are allowed to use.
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Really great information, especially for people looking out for the signs! I think everybody has a few of these symptoms but mildly (they say everybody has a streak of Autism in them right?) but it’s when they are excessive that it’s a concern. Nikki x
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This is a great resource for parents. I’m bookmarking your blog to read more articles later. I have grandchildren that I babysit occasionally and I will be watching them for signs that may point to a Sensory processing disorder. I know they are happy, healthy kids, but it is best to spot the signs early on.
This is really interesting. One of my friends kiddos has form of this and she has told me lots about it.
Great article! I experienced several of these sensory issues as a child, aside from the walking on my tippy toes. Makes me wonder!
Wow! I love learning about new topics pertaining to psychology. I have not met any children with the disorder. But, I am glad that I am aware now.
Isaly Holland | http://www.memoriesbyisaly.com
This is a great post. I deal with kids with this disorder. It can be very tricky to diagnose. Great job!
This is quite informative! I had no idea about the disorder and the intricacies involved, I guess its always good to be aware of such things.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
This information really helps us understand about children behavior and how we can help them to be more comfortable and happy
Are kids having this kind of disorder becoming too sensitive or fastidious?
I’ve never heard of this, but we don’t have kids yet…so I’m sure I’m on the cusp of many new discoveries as we venture into that territory. Great that you’ve found resources to assist with over/under-aroused sensory disorders!
I have never heard about this before so it was an interesting read. There are so many new discoveries made about kids these days that I find intriguing. Years ago we would probably categorize this as just depression or anxiety and it’s great to know that people are becoming more and more aware that there may be other symptoms and issues going on. I don’t have kids but I have friends who do that probably would find this information useful so I will be sure to share it with them. Thanks for sharing your insight with us!
~Crissy
http://www.whimsicalfawn.com
Great information here. I learned alot about this when we fostered. It was enlightening.
I have several friends that have children who have SPD and I really appreciate you explaining this more. I wasn’t exactly sure what is was.
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I love this post. It is very informative. All parents should be informed about SPD.
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Interesting, I’ve seen the sensory issues spoke about so litter. My daughter had difficulties when she was younger but she got better. I know others who keep it for years and others doesn’t ever go away actaully. Not too many people actaully understand what is going on
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