Sensory Processing Disorder: What It Is, Types, Symptoms And More.

The disorder sensory processing  also known as dysfunction in sensory integration,  is a neurological condition that exists when sensory signals are not organized in appropriate responses, people with this disorder have difficulty processing sensory information (eg, sound, touch and movement) of the world around them, this means that they can feel sensory input more or less intensely than others. Therefore, it can affect a person’s ability to interact in different environments and perform daily activities.

The disorder of sensory processing may affect only one direction, such as sight or hearing, or may affect multiple senses and impacts each person differently, may react strongly to the different textures of clothes, while another may sobreexigir to loud sounds can also impair the joints and muscles, affecting posture and motor skills.

Symptoms of sensory processing disorder

Children with this problem cannot adequately process sensory input from the outside world and may have trouble interpreting information from one or more senses. Symptoms will vary tremendously from one to another and can include:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Difficulty calming down after exercise or being upset.
• Refusing to eat certain foods due to textures.
• Hypersensitive to certain fabrics.
• Only wear soft or tag-free clothing.
• He does not like to get his hands dirty.
• He does not participate in creative games.
• Lack of variety in what you do – You can watch the same TV show over and over again.
• Sound overdose, especially hair dryers, washing machines or sirens.
• Too sensitive to odors, strong or mild.
• Having challenges with certain movements, such as swinging, sliding, or going down stairs.
• Observe or listen to background noises that others cannot.
• Dangerous behaviors.

Physical symptoms

• Have a strange posture.
• Clumsiness.
• Poor balance.
• Lag in fine motor control, such as handwriting challenges.
• Delayed gross motor development.
• Deficiencies in sleeping and eating patterns.
• Be in constant motion.
• Jumps and spins excessively.
• Fatigue.
• Poor coordination.
• It can fall off often.
• High tolerance to pain.

Psychosocial symptoms

• Decreased ability to interact with peers.
• May be very close to others.
• Social isolation. (Required item)
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Aggression. (Required item)
• Fearful of crowds.
• Avoid standing in large groups.

Causes of sensory processing disorder

The exact cause has not been identified, but a 2006 study of twins found that hypersensitivity to light and sound may have a strong genetic component. Other experiments have shown that children with sensory processing problems have abnormal brain activity when exposed to light and sound simultaneously.

Still other experiments have shown that children with this problem will continue to respond strongly to a blow to the hand or a loud sound, while others quickly get used to the sensations.

Types of sensory processing disorder

Sensory modulation disorder

It is the ability of our brain to regulate the input of our sensory system, our brain can assimilate the things we see, feel, hear, smell and taste, and then we decide what is important and what is not. When sensory modulation is working properly, we can maintain eye contact with a friend as people pass by on the street, disconnect from the sensation of labels and seams on our clothing throughout the day, and ignore the sound of our co-workers chatting. in the background while we write a report.

Sometimes the brain does not process these senses in the same way as others. Sensory modulation disorder occurs when the brain over responds to sensory information, responds to information, or seeks stimulation. Read more about: Sensory Modulation Disorder. (Required item) 

Sensory discrimination disorder

It is the ability to understand parts of the world around you based on a single sense, this allows you to search your bag and search your phone just by touch, or guess what flavors of candy you are eating without looking at the colors.

A person with sensory discrimination disorder has difficulty understanding what is seen, heard, feels, tasted and smells using one-way information, they will have to take extra time to process their experience, or use another sense to help them. A child will have a hard time doing many things that others can easily do, which can cause low self-esteem as he grows older. Complete content on: Sensory Discrimination Disorder. (Required item)

Dyspraxia

It is a common disorder that affects fine and / or gross motor coordination in children and adults and can also affect speech, it is a lifelong condition, formally recognized by international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

A child with dyspraxia will have difficulty planning and executing motor tasks, may accidentally break things, and struggle with activities such as sports. She is often seen as clumsy and therefore may try to hide her poor motor skills with verbalization or sedentary activities. Know in depth about: Dyspraxia. (Required item)

Postural disorder

A person with good postural control can use their body to push, pull and resist force, these basic skills are, at some level, necessary in most motor tasks. A person with postural disorder will have difficulty stabilizing their body for certain activities, including sports, pulling a box off a high shelf, or preparing for the impact of a gust of wind. Get more information here at: Postural disorder. (Required item)

Coexisting disorders

Sensory processing disorder can occur with other types of disorders . The most common include:

• Autism.
• Asperger syndrome .
• Attention deficit and hyperactive disorder .
• Language disorders .
• Difficulties learning .
• Post-traumatic stress disorder .

Treatment for sensory processing disorder

Many families with an affected child find it difficult to get help, this is because this disorder is not a recognized medical diagnosis at this time. Despite the lack of widely accepted diagnostic criteria, occupational therapists often see and treat children and adults with sensory processing problems.

Treatment depends on a child’s individual needs, but in general, it involves helping children perform better in activities that they are not normally good at and helping them get used to things they do not tolerate.

Therapies

• Physiotherapy using a sensory integration approach.
• Vision therapy to improve eye motor skills for people who have trouble reading, being confused by traffic, or writing
• Auditory therapy , which asks people with hearing problems to listen to a variety of sound frequencies and patterns to stimulate the brain while performing other motor tasks, such as walking on a balance beam.
• Psychotherapy for people who have developed a mood oranxiety disorderdue to SPD
• Speech and language therapy.

Some children who have managed to control symptoms with therapy may find that they need additional treatment as they age and come to new life challenges, going to college or work could trigger new symptoms, therapy and additional counseling can help to re-establish control of symptoms as environments and circumstances change.

Changes in lifestyle

These zones can give children a sensory break that can help them focus and return to learning. Here are some suggested strategies for children:

1. The hyperactive child: Have him carry the laundry basket, push the shopping cart, or carry grocery bags from the car.

2. The Touch Sensitive Child:  Do finger painting activities at the kitchen table and let her draw on the bathtub walls with shaving cream.

3. The child with a poor sense of space and balance:  Swimming, riding a horse, and jumping on a trampoline all help.

For teens and adults who experience low stimulation, strenuous activities can help: running, hard swimming, jumping on a trampoline, and martial arts. People who are easily overstimulated find relief by reading, playing music, petting a cat, or gardening.