Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory processing disorder (SPD), also known as sensory integration dysfunction, is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can affect various aspects of daily life and may lead to challenges in functioning effectively in different environments.
Sensory processing involves the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. For individuals with SPD, the sensory information may be perceived as exaggerated or diminished, leading to difficulties in responding appropriately to the environment.
Classification
There are three main types of Sensory Processing Disorder;
Sensory Modulation disorder: difficulty regulating responses to sensory stimuli, resulting in over or under reaction.
Sensory-Based Motor disorder: difficulty with motor skills and coordination due to sensory challenges.
Sensory Discrimination disorder: difficulty interpreting and making sense of sensory information.
Cause
There are several causes of Sensory Processing Disorder including;
Genetics: individuals with a family history of sensory challenges are more likely to experience SPD.
Neurological factors: SPD is believed to be associated with differences in the way the nervous system processes and integrates sensory information.
Neurodevelopmental disorders: sensory processing challenges are often observed in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism or ADHD.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for SPD including genetics, low birth weight, complications during birth, traumatic experiences and infections or illnesses during early childhood.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder include;
Sensory over- responsivity.
Sensory under-responsivity.
Sensory seeking behaviour.
Poor motor coordination.
Occupational Therapy Specialism
Occupational Therapists who specialise in assessing and treating people who have SPD are based in a branch of Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergence.
Common Difficulties associated with SPD
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can manifest in a variety of difficulties that impact daily functioning. These difficulties are often related to challenges in processing and responding to sensory stimuli. Here are some common difficulties associated with SPD:
Over-responsivity (Hyperresponsivity)
Sound Sensitivity: Overreacting to or feeling distressed by loud noises or specific sounds.
Light Sensitivity: Discomfort or avoidance of bright lights or intense visual stimuli.
Tactile Sensitivity: Strong reactions to certain textures, fabrics, or tactile sensations.
Smell and Taste Sensitivity: Being bothered or overwhelmed by certain smells or tastes.
Under-responsivity (Hyporesponsivity)
Lack of Awareness: Reduced responsiveness to sensory stimuli, leading to difficulty noticing or reacting to environmental cues.
Low Muscle Tone: Reduced sensitivity to proprioceptive input, resulting in challenges with posture and motor coordination.
Constant Movement: Difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, or engaging in repetitive movements to seek sensory input.
Craving Intense Sensory Experiences: Seeking out activities that provide deep pressure, fast movement, or other intense sensory input.
Motor Coordination Difficulties
Fine Motor Skills: Challenges with tasks that require precision, such as handwriting, using scissors, or buttoning clothing.
Gross Motor Skills: Difficulty with coordination, balance, and activities like running, jumping, or catching a ball.
Balance and Spatial Awareness Issues
Fear of Heights: Discomfort or fear of activities that involve changes in elevation.
Difficulty Navigating Space: Challenges with spatial awareness, leading to clumsiness or bumping into objects.
Social and Emotional Challenges
Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing emotions in response to sensory stimuli, leading to frustration, anxiety, or meltdowns.
Social Interaction Difficulties: Challenges in social situations due to sensory sensitivities or difficulties interpreting social cues.
Difficulty Falling Asleep: Challenges with sensory sensitivities affecting the ability to relax and fall asleep.
Sleep Disruptions: Waking up easily due to sensitivity to environmental stimuli.
Sensory-Related Anxiety: Heightened anxiety in response to unpredictable or overwhelming sensory input.
How can Occupational Therapy help?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a primary and effective intervention for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Occupational therapists with expertise in sensory integration use a holistic approach to address sensory challenges and help individuals develop adaptive responses to their environment. Here's how occupational therapy can help with SPD:
Assessment and Evaluation
Occupational therapists conduct thorough assessments to understand an individual's sensory processing patterns, strengths, and challenges. This may include observing the individual's responses to various sensory stimuli and assessing motor coordination and functional abilities.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Based on the assessment findings, occupational therapists develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific sensory needs of the individual. The treatment plan addresses the person's unique sensory processing profile.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a core component of occupational therapy for SPD. It involves engaging individuals in purposeful activities that provide controlled and graded sensory input. These activities are designed to help the individual integrate and respond appropriately to sensory stimuli.
Environmental Modifications
Occupational therapists work with individuals and their families to create sensory-friendly environments. This may involve making adjustments to lighting, noise levels, and textures to reduce sensory triggers and support better sensory regulation.
Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a personalized and structured plan of sensory activities that an individual can incorporate into their daily routine. Occupational therapists help create sensory diets to meet the specific needs of each person, promoting self-regulation and participation in daily activities.
Motor Skills Development
Occupational therapy addresses motor coordination challenges associated with SPD. Therapists work on improving fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and praxis to enhance functional abilities in activities of daily living.
Self-Care Skills Training
Individuals with SPD may face challenges with self-care activities such as grooming, dressing, and eating. Occupational therapists provide strategies and interventions to improve these skills, taking into account sensory sensitivities.
Coping Strategies and Emotional Regulation
Occupational therapy helps individuals develop effective coping strategies to manage sensory challenges. This includes teaching techniques for emotional regulation and stress reduction in response to sensory stimuli.
Social Skills Development
For individuals with SPD who struggle in social situations, occupational therapists may incorporate social skills training. This helps improve communication, social interactions, and the ability to navigate sensory-rich environments.
Collaboration with Families and Caregivers
Occupational therapists collaborate with families and caregivers to ensure that strategies and interventions are implemented consistently at home and in other environments. Education is provided to empower families to support the individual's sensory needs.