The Misunderstood Child: What parents need to know about Sensory Processing Disorder

A typical morning in my home begins with the words “My clothes hurt me. They are too loose. I need new clothes.”

So, I began the search for the ‘right’ clothes for my 4-year-old daughter. After much time, many tears, lots of tight hugs, and a good dose of frustration, she begins her day in the same dress she wore the day prior and many days prior to that.

The process of getting dressed, which seems simple to most, is the biggest challenge my child faces on a daily basis.

This situation is one example of what living with a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is like.

“Imagine being in an environment where the noise around you is amplified to the highest level, the temperature is the coldest or hottest you have ever felt, you are wearing the most uncomfortable clothing that has ever touched your skin, and you are nauseated by a repulsive smell. All at the same time. What would be your response? Most would quickly escape the situation,” said Dana Lyons, an occupational therapist at Boulder City Hospital. “These are examples of what a child with Sensory Processing Disorder feels, but they cannot escape the symptoms. As a result, these children may respond with anger, frustration, or ultimately avoid situations which may cause a breakdown.”

Sensory Processing is a term that refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

(spdfoundation.net)

“Everyone processes sensory input, but some people process it differently than others,” said Occupational Therapist Carrie Grosdidier. “When the processing of this information interferes with our ability to function on a day-to-day basis is when we have a problem.”
SPD can be hard to diagnose because it affects each person differently.

“Any of the five senses can be affected by being hypersensitive (overstimulated) or by being hyposensitive (under stimulated),” said Lyons.

A hypersensitive response to sensory input may include:

• Distracted by noises that sound normal to others (flushing toilets, clanking silverware).
• Fear of surprise touch or avoid hugs.
• Avoids swings and playground equipment that others enjoy.
• Has poor balance, falls often.
• A hyposensitive response to sensory input may include:
• A constant need to touch people or textures.
• An extremely high tolerance to pain.
• May often harm other children and/or pets when playing, doesn’t understand own strength.
• Fidgety and unable to sit still, enjoys movement-based play such as spinning, jumping, swinging etc.
• Seems to be a “thrill seeker” and can be dangerous at times.

(brainbalancecenters.com)

Children can have one or many of these characteristics, as well as some from each category and in varying degrees of severity.

SPD may cause motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, or other impacts if not treated effectively. (spdfoundation.net). It does create challenges for families, but there is treatment available for kids who struggle with it.

“We had a fabulous occupational therapist that helped my son,” said Joy Alsup, mom of four. “She gave us tools and gave him permission to figure out what worked for him and what didn’t. He has a high need for tight, long hugs, and we understand that this is what helps him. It’s a huge priority for us.”

With the help of an occupational therapist, kids with SPD can find tools that help them balance sensory input. Activities may include swinging, wearing a weighted vest, pushing or pulling heavy objects across the room, or jumping on a trampoline. Many of these activities are fun for the child and can be integrated into playtime at home. (sensorysmarts.com)

“The therapy helps more than just their physical strengths but also their emotional strengths,” said Stephanie Beaudry, a mom of two children with SPD. “When my daughter first started therapy, she was extremely shy. She wouldn’t even talk to children her own age when they approached her. Now, four months later, she is a social butterfly.”

As the mother of a child with SPD myself, I would encourage others to educate themselves about SPD and begin to approach the situation from the child’s perspective. Parents can then begin to use the tools needed to adjust their environment and celebrate as their child meets their goals and overcome challenges.

“When my son was diagnosed, I felt like he would be limited in his future,” said Alsup. “He has worked through many of his issues, and I see his SPD as part of what makes him unique. I wouldn’t have him any other way.”

This article was originally published in the January 2016 issue of KC Parent Magazine.