Understanding sensory processing disorder

Have you noticed that your child is acting very clumsy? Are they regularly afraid of their own clothes or socks? Do they react unusually negatively to bright lights or loud sounds?

It is not surprising that children act extra sensitive about new experiences or situations. The little people around us can become unreasonably sensitive when their senses are overwhelmed. Even as adults, some develop certain sensory preferences, such as some of us who can’t stand the smell of lemons or the texture of cooked mushrooms. We all develop certain preferences for how our bodies interact with the world, and some of us can be more sensitive than others.

It’s all normal. Sometimes, however, the way children process sensory information becomes a problem and begins to affect their daily lives; It is likely that they were suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Let’s understand what a sensory processing disorder is and how it affects different individuals.

What is a sensory processing disorder?

A sensory processing disorder can equate to a traffic jam in your brain. It is a condition in which the brain reacts ineffectively to certain stimuli – such as sounds, smells, tastes, etc. 2013 study from the University of California, San FranciscoUp to 5-10% of school-going children are affected by a sensory processing disorder.

Some may be bothered by the way their clothes rub against their skin, while others may be more sensitive to certain food smells, textures, or sounds. Some stimuli may be more subtle and less obvious to the observer. For example, some children feel a rush in certain movements such as riding a roller coaster or swinging. Babies also struggle with their sleep patterns or the sound of their heartbeat.

Symptoms of SPD

The first step toward recognizing acute personality disorder and making an appropriate treatment option is recognizing the warning signs and symptoms that are affecting your child’s life.

These include:

• Refuse to wear certain types of fabrics because they feel itchy, painful or uncomfortable,
• being clumsy and constantly bumping into things,
• reacts strongly to sounds and lights,
• to be in constant motion,
• increased sensitivity to odors and complaining about odors that others may not notice,
• avoid getting into new or crowded situations,
• Fear of being touched by others, etc.

Read more: The most common social issues for teens.

Ways to help a child with SPD?

When you begin to notice some atypical behavior in your child, taking appropriate notes and sharing your observations with a professional is essential. Once you have an accurate diagnosis from a qualified professional, there are several ways you can help your child.

1. Start treatment

Starting treatment early is very helpful for a child with a sensory processing disorder. There are several types of treatment you can choose from. These include:

• Practice therapy: In this type of therapy, the therapist helps the child perform activities that he would otherwise refuse to do because of his sensory responses. The therapist can also work with a child’s teacher to support their needs in class.
• physical therapy: A therapist can also help your child develop a sensory diet or a list of activities that can satisfy cravings for sensory input. It can also include physical activities such as jumping or jogging from one point to another.
• Sensory Integrative Therapy: This approach helps the child learn different ways of dealing with their sensory responses.

Read more: Best online therapy platforms

2. Create an intelligent sensory atmosphere at home

Creating a smart sensory environment for your child at home that caters specifically to his needs can make all the difference for him. You can work with your child’s therapist to incorporate different elements and activities in your home to help your child’s senses. These can include therapy balls and weighted blankets.

conclusion:

Sensory processing disorder is a very real condition that can cause significant distress in the lives of children and their caregivers. There is no magic cure for this condition. However, with the right help and support, a child can eventually recover from this condition successfully.

To understand the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in your child, you need to be aware of a wide range of mental health issues. To learn more, read the best mental health awareness blogs over here.

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