If you’re a parent or carer of a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD), you’ll be keen to understand how to better support them mentally, emotionally and physically. As every child is different, it can take time to work out the best ways to help them, as well as what kind of assistance each child actually needs. While it may be difficult, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible — as long as you have the right resources and a supportive care team.
According to mental health counsellors and life coaches, children with SPD need support that is tailored to and caters to their particular sensory needs. This will help them grow and achieve their full potential. If we understand and focus on what they are most sensitive to, we can form an environment that helps them thrive and empowers them to participate in daily life. By providing sensory processing help, we can foster their development and well-being.
It’s important for parents and carers to understand how best to support an individual child with SPD. To facilitate your understanding of the process, we spoke with occupational therapists and other experts about the signs of sensory processing disorder, the different ways it impacts kids and how to best support a child with their sensory needs.
What is sensory processing disorder?
SPD is a condition in which the brain struggles to receive and process information. This can involve hypersensitivity to sound, touch, taste or movement — or hyposensitivity, which is an absence of sensory feedback. Each person experiences it differently.
There is no single cause for sensory processing disorder. It is believed to be a complex condition with many factors contributing to its development. According to a counsellor we spoke to, these factors may include:
- genetics.
- neurological development.
- premature or low birth weight.
- environmental factors.
It’s important to note that sensory processing disorder isn’t recognized by Health Canada as a stand-alone disorder, but as a subset of symptoms that some people, especially children, may experience.
How does sensory processing disorder impact children?
Not every child with sensory processing disorder will experience the same set of symptoms or behaviours. There are three main patterns of SPD.
Sensory over-responsivity
Sensory over-responsivity refers to children who are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli (often called sensory defensive). They may have exaggerated or negative reactions to sensory input that others find tolerable. Examples may include heightened reactions to bright lights, loud noises, certain clothing textures or strong odours.
Sensory under-responsivity
Sensory under-responsivity refers to children with a reduced response to sensory input (also known as sensory passive). They may appear unresponsive or have difficulty noticing or processing certain stimuli. For example, a child with sensory under-responsivity might not react appropriately to a very loud noise or unpleasant smell which others may find disturbing or repulsive.
Sensory seeking
The last type of SPD is sensory seeking. Children with this form of SPD, also known as sensory craving, may actively seek out intense sensory experiences. For example, they may have a constant need for movement, touch or other forms of input to regulate their sensory arousal levels.
SPD symptom checklist
The signs of sensory processing disorder can become noticeable at any time, but typically show up during developmental milestones, when children acquire various skills that contribute to their overall growth and well-being. However, children who may potentially have SPD may exhibit differences in their responses to these milestones.
For example, a child with motor-based SPD may struggle with gross motor skills like balancing, jumping or catching a ball. They may appear clumsy or need more help coordinating movements in comparison with their peers.
According to experts, other SPD symptoms may include:
- low tolerance for certain textures, sounds, smells or movements.
- lack of responsiveness to sensory stimuli.
- communication difficulties.
- high anxiety levels.
- social withdrawal.
Some parents wonder whether sensory processing disorder is the same thing as attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SPD is not equivalent to conditions like ADHD or autism, but is often an element of these disorders.
Some individuals with SPD may meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, and vice versa. In such cases, a comprehensive evaluation by qualified professionals is needed in order to assess and address the individual’s specific needs and challenges across multiple domains of functioning.
Things to help with sensory processing disorder in kids
If you’re wondering how to better support a child with sensory processing disorder, then there are a few things experts say you can do.
1. Occupational therapy for sensory processing disorder
In addition to a pediatrician, an occupational therapist (OT) can provide unique support for a child with sensory processing disorder. OTs provide personalized programs to help children thrive in their daily activities and environments:
- specialized therapy.
- self-regulation techniques.
- help with motor skill development.
- sensory diets.
- parent education.
Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy, which is a play-based approach, to expose the child to different sensory experiences in a controlled, supportive environment. This helps the child’s brain process and respond to sensory stimuli more effectively.
2. Try out new sensory activities
Aim to provide your child with sensory activities to help them build skills in a safe and relaxed environment. The key is to create a positive, supportive environment that encourages sensory exploration, allowing children to have fun while developing essential sensory processing skills.
To help children explore different textures, try activities like:
- finger painting.
- playing with sand.
- water games.
- activities with playdough.
Physical activities can help engage the whole body and support sensory processing. Some popular activities for kids that offer these benefits include:
- swinging on swings or hammocks.
- jumping on a trampoline.
- jumping onto crash mats or pillows.
- dancing.
- doing yoga.
- doing “animal walks” (e.g., a bear crawl or leap frog).
3. Seek support from other parents, caregivers and available networks
It requires a lot of time and emotional investment to support kids with learning differences and sensory needs, so you can turn to others who understand the situation for advice, tips and support.
Michelle L., a mom of two children with sensory processing disorder, says support groups have been extremely helpful for her. “We found a local one through Facebook where we can connect with other families and kids with sensory issues,” she explains.
Aside from support groups, there are also resources available online to seek out information and advice. CHEO has a page dedicated to resources for parents and carers with links to childcare resources, case studies, guides and checklists they can reference for help and support.
4. Provide the child with resources to help them succeed
While the sensory activities listed above can be beneficial for many children, parents should tailor interventions to their child’s specific preferences and sensitivities.
For example, if a child is sensitive to loud noises, provide them with ear plugs. Offer those who need sensory stimulation a fidget toy that they can use — whether in the car, in class or when out and about.
5. Collaborate to support kids in every setting
To help a child with sensory processing disorder, parents should take an integrative approach and involve all the important individuals in the child’s support network. This includes carers, teachers and anyone else responsible for the child’s care. Why not develop a collaborative plan with input from all involved parties to support the child’s needs?
Parents should offer resources and guidance to carers and teachers in order to help them better understand and meet the child’s sensory needs. They should also regularly update carers and teachers about any changes in their child’s sensory requirements and progress, and should ask for a plan to reflect these changes.
Lastly, parents and carers should establish regular communication to exchange updates and discuss strategies. This could be in person, by e-mail or phone or via a communication book that travels between home and school or daycare. Involving parents, carers and teachers in the child’s therapy is crucial for consistent support and progress. Collaborating with the child’s support network can help create a holistic approach to addressing sensory challenges both at home and in educational settings.