Sensory Processing Disorder: What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

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Sensory Processing Disorder: What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Sensory Processing Disorder: What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

April 5, 2012 at 10:00

Sensory Processing Disorder: What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

This disorder has been historically referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, but in recent years the name has been adjusted (not without controversy in the medical community). Sensory Processing Disorder can lead to sensorimotor problems and learning difficulties in children. It refers to the way the brain receives and processes sensory information from the body and its environment and how it creates an appropriate behavioral and motor response. No matter what activity in which an individual is engaging, it requires processing sensation or “sensory integration”. With this disorder, signals do not get organized into appropriate responses.

Sensory Processing Disorder: Click here for Case Study

Dr. Jane Ayers was a pioneer in the 1960′s in what was then called Sensory Integration Dysfunction. She discovered that sensory information can be received by people with SPD, the difference is that information is often registered, interpreted and processed differently by the brain. This results in unusual responses or behaviors, finding things harder to do. Difficulties may typically present as struggles planning and organizing tasks, problems accomplishing the activities of everyday life (self care, work and leisure activities), and for some with extreme sensitivity, sensory input could be observed by extreme avoidance of activities, agitation, emotional distress, confusion, or fear.

Sensory Processing Disorder and Symptoms:

Sensory Processing Disorder is a common comorbid disorder found with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

There are 3 Types of SPD that are found either independently or occurring concurrently:

Type I – Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD): Over or under responding to sensory stimuli or seeking sensory stimulation. This group may include a fearful and/or anxious pattern of thought and behavior, including negative and/or stubborn behaviors, self-absorbed behaviors that make it difficult to engage, or behaviors which cause the sufferer to creatively or actively seek sensation.

Type II – Sensory Based Motor Disorder (SBMD): Shows motor output that is disorganized as a result of incorrect processing of sensory information affecting postural control challenges and/or dyspraxia.

Type III – Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD): Sensory discrimination or incorrect processing of sensory information. Incorrect processing of visual or auditory input, for example, may be seen in inattentiveness, disorganization, and poor school performance.

This information is adapted from research and publications by: Lucy, J. Miller, Ph.D., OTR, Marie Anzalone, Sc.D., OTR, Sharon A. Cermak, Ed.D., OTR/L, Shelly J. ,Lane, Ph.D, OTR, Beth Osten, M.S,m OTR/L, Serena Wieder, Ph.D., Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D..

Sensory Processing Disorder and Brain Function:

Symptoms can begin to become evident during infancy, hence the term “floppy baby”. Parents also worry when their child is deemed a “klutz” or “spaz.” Many times the child seems to be in perpetual overdrive, and AD/HD is a common misdiagnosis. SPD involves a series of neurological disorders that effect normal brain function, inhibiting development of the person’s communication and social interaction skills. People with SPD have issues with verbal and non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and sometimes academic performance is significantly affected. With the qEEG or Brain Map as an assessment tool, Dallas Brain Changers can see the electrical activity of the brain. We can then determine where and how the dysregulation occurs, allowing us to develop treatment protocols to put the brain back into balance without medication.

Sensory Processing Disorder and Treatment Options:

There are a variety of treatment options for Sensory Processing Disorder. They include medication, nutritional, counseling, and neurofeedback interventions.

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