Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Sensory Integration: What Parents Need to Know

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), previously referred to as Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), is a condition where the brain struggles to receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from the environment. This affects how individuals experience touch, sound, movement, sight, taste, and other sensations. Children with SPD may appear overwhelmed, confused, fearful, or angry when confronted with everyday sensory experiences.

The term Sensory Integration Disorder was originally used by occupational therapist Dr. Jean Ayres, who pioneered the understanding of sensory integration dysfunction. While “SID” is still used colloquially, today Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is the preferred, more comprehensive term.

Many families discover SPD when trying to understand why their child has strong reactions to sensory input—such as distress from bright lights, certain textures, or unexpected noises.

Symptoms and Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder

SPD can manifest in diverse and complex ways. Individuals may be overly sensitive to some sensory input and under-responsive to others. Here are key symptoms grouped by category:

Hypersensitivity (Sensory Avoidance)

• Avoids certain fabrics, food textures, or grooming tasks.

• Startles easily at loud sounds or bright lights.

• Becomes anxious or agitated in busy environments.

• Strong dislike of being touched or hugged unexpectedly.

Hyposensitivity (Sensory Seeking)

• Constant movement (e.g., spinning, jumping, crashing into things).

• Craves deep pressure or strong tactile input.

• Frequently touches people or objects.

• Fascination with intense lights, sounds, or smells.

Motor and Coordination Challenges

• Struggles with fine motor skills like handwriting or buttoning clothes.

• Clumsy or frequently bumps into things.

• Poor balance, difficulty with sports or gross motor tasks.

Auditory and Visual Processing Issues

• Trouble focusing on a voice in a noisy room.

• Covers ears in response to sounds others tolerate easily.

• Avoids bright or busy visual environments.

Emotional and Behavioral Indicators

• Frequent meltdowns, especially in response to sensory overload.

• Difficulty with transitions or new environments.

• Sleep disturbances or picky eating habits.

• Appears inattentive or overwhelmed; may be misdiagnosed with ADHD.

Why Early Detection Matters

Recognizing SPD early can significantly improve outcomes. Left unaddressed, SPD may impact learning, emotional regulation, and social development. Early interventions—especially occupational therapy with a sensory focus—help children build coping mechanisms and improve daily function.

Types of Sensory Processing Disorder

SPD is typically categorized into three main types. Understanding these subtypes helps clarify the variety of symptoms a child might experience.

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder

The brain has difficulty regulating sensory input, leading to inconsistent or extreme responses.

• Over-responsive: Startles or avoids certain sensory input.

• Under-responsive: Fails to notice or respond to stimuli.

• Sensory craving: Seeks excessive movement or pressure.

2. Sensory Discrimination Disorder

Affects the ability to detect and differentiate between sensory inputs.

• Misjudges distances or depth perception.

• Struggles to distinguish textures, sounds, or visual patterns.

• Confusion during tasks that require detailed sensory feedback.

3. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (Dyspraxia)

Impacts motor planning and coordination.

• Has trouble learning new physical tasks or following multi-step directions.

• Appears clumsy or awkward.

• Frustrated by new or complex routines.

Sensory Processing and Trauma-Informed Care

The Overlap Between SPD and Attachment Issues

There is a profound intersection between sensory processing challenges and attachment trauma. Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, or disrupted caregiving often exhibit sensory dysregulation. They may also meet criteria for Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

How Early Experiences Shape Sensory Processing

Lack of nurturing sensory experiences (rocking, cuddling, rhythmic motion) in early development can impair the brain’s ability to interpret sensory input. These children often rely on primitive fight-or-flight responses rather than regulated emotional reactions.

Trauma-Informed Interventions

Children with trauma histories benefit most from therapies that address both sensory integration and emotional safety. Occupational therapy, Theraplay, and craniosacral work can all support sensory regulation while also reinforcing attachment.

Overlap in symptoms between SPD and RAD:

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Extreme control behaviors

• Inappropriate emotional reactions

Even experienced clinicians can find it difficult to distinguish one from the other—making integrated, sensitive treatment approaches essential.

Effective Treatments for SPD

A multifaceted treatment plan often works best:

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Includes sensory integration therapy to improve processing skills.

• May involve swinging, brushing, balance boards, or deep-pressure activities.

Home Strategies

• Create sensory-friendly environments.

• Use sensory diets: custom activity plans to meet sensory needs.

• Tools: weighted blankets, fidget toys, sound machines.

Other Interventions

• Auditory Integration Training (AIT) for noise sensitivity.

• Vision Therapy for tracking and perception challenges.

• Listening programs and cranio-sacral therapy can also help.

Parent Role

Parents should share attachment concerns with therapists and seek providers who understand trauma-informed care. In the right setting, sensory work can support deeper emotional connections and attachment development.

FAQs About Sensory Processing Disorder

Is Sensory Integration Disorder the same as SPD?

SID is an older term; SPD is the current, more accurate term. Many use them interchangeably, but SPD covers a wider range of sensory issues.

Can trauma cause sensory processing issues?

Yes. Children with trauma histories often show sensory challenges due to neurological and developmental impacts from early neglect or abuse.

What are the signs of SPD?

Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, texture, or touch; clumsiness; emotional dysregulation; hyperactivity or withdrawal in stimulating environments.

How is SPD diagnosed?

Occupational therapists (often using the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) assess how a child processes sensory input.

Can SPD be treated?

Yes—through OT, sensory diets, trauma-informed therapy, and supportive environments at home and school.

Resources for Support

Books:

• The Out-of-Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Stock Kranowitz
• Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration
• How Does Your Engine Run: A Leader’s Guide to The Alert Program for Self-Regulation by Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger
• Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
• The Child with Special Needs by Stanley I. Greenspan
• Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford
• Pediatric Disorders of Regulation in Affect and Behaviour by Dr. Georgia DeGangi
• When the Brain Can’t Hear by Teri James Bellis
• Like Sound Through Water by Karen J. Foli
• Language Processing Problems by Cindy Gaulin

 

Web Resources:

• Come Unity
• SI Network
• Sensory Integration Help
• Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation

 

Auditory Processing Links:

• http://www.ncapd.org/
• http://www.homestead.com/agertner/HOMEPAGE.html
• http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/auditory.asp
• http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/process_deficit/living_working.html
• http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd.html (capd links and more links- just keep clicking away)
• ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc.) www.asha.org
• American Academy of Audiology www.audiology.org
• Fast ForWord www.scientificlearning.com
• Earobics Step 1 and 2 www.earobics.com
• Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (including LiPS and V/V) www.lblp.com

 

Products:

• http://www.sensoryresources.com/
• http://www.southpawenterprises.com/products.asp
• http://pfot.com/about.htm

 

Closing Note

Sensory Processing Disorder can make everyday experiences feel overwhelming—but with early recognition, trauma-sensitive care, and supportive therapies, children can thrive. At ATN, we are committed to helping families navigate these challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based tools.

This resource was adapted and expanded from a contribution by ATN member Susan Olding, a parent of a child with SPD. Please consult with a qualified medical or therapeutic professional for individual assessment and guidance.