What is spd?
Sensory processing disorder is a disorder that is not widely heard of. Spd is a set of behaviors related to trouble processing information from the senses, like sight and sound. Spd usually means that you're overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not. But the disorder can also cause the opposite effect as well. In which it would normally take more stimuli to affect you. Although this is a disorder, it is not recognized as an official diagnosis by psychiatrists.
Who experiences spd?
Spd more commonly impacts children rather than adults. An interesting fact that I found on BrainBalence.com is that 1 in 6 children experience sensory symptoms with everyday functioning. While most children are particular about their likes and dislikes, children with spd are affected by their likes and dislikes everyday, and more severely.
The 8 main types
As a kid I think it is safe to say that most of us have learned that we experience the world through the 5 senses. But the truth is that we experience the world with more than just those 5 senses.
Sensory processing is divided into 8 main groups. They include:
-Proprioception: The internal sense of awareness you have for your body. It maintains posture and motor control. It also tells you about how you're moving and occupying space.
-Vestibular: This term refers to the inner ear spatial recognition. It's what keeps you balanced and coordinated.
-Interoception: This is the sense of what's happening to your body. It's best understood about how you feel. This includes whether you feel hot or cold and whether you feel your emotions.
-Five senses: Lastly, there are the five common senses- touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight.
There isn't enough research-based evidence to support diagnosing this disorder on its own. Many doctors and experts believe that sensory issues are actually a component of Autism spectrum disorder.
Children may be over sensitive if they:
-Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy.
-Think lights seem too bright.
-Think sounds seem too loud.
-Think soft touches feel too hard.
-Some food textures make them gag.
-Having poor balance or seeming clumsy.
-Are afraid to play on the swings.
-React poorly to sudden movements, touches, loud noises, or bright lights.
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