Sensory sensitivity is a lot to handle – if your sensory processing is disrupted, it can negatively impact your daily functioning, social interactions, and emotional regulation. So how can someone deal with sensory processing challenges effectively? And is sensory therapy an effective therapeutic approach for a person who feels unable to regulate their sensory responses?
In this article, we will take a closer look at sensory processing disorder, learn how it may affect your day-to-day activities, and discover the advantages of sensory therapy designed to help people who experience sensory overload.
What Is SPD?
Sensory processing disorder – often abbreviated to SPD – refers to a neurological condition that means a person’s brain has a hard time receiving and processing various sensory information delivered by the environment they are in. Basically, an individual with this disorder is often sensitive or not sensitive enough to different things they see, touch, hear, taste, and smell whether they are uncomfortable with bright lights, textures of clothing, sudden hugs, or noisy environments.
Common Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges
SPD manifests itself in different ways, and only a qualified healthcare professional can tell you if you have this condition. Still, be on the lookout for the following symptoms in case you suspect sensory processing issues are interfering with your life:
Symptom
Description
Hypersensitivity
If you have an extreme reaction to bright lights or loud noises, you are uncomfortable with specific fabrics and smells, and you feel overstimulated in busy environments, this indicates the presence of over-responsiveness
Hyposensitivity
It is also possible your SPD manifests as an urge to touch objects, spin around, and jump, an inability to concentrate, a short attention span, and low energy levels
Emotional Problems
Whether you are dealing with frequent meltdowns, struggling with transitions, or feeling anxious in certain environments and social situations, it means you need to rule out SPD before treating other conditions
Coordination Issues
If you are very clumsy, it is hard for you to maintain a balance, you often trip, you cannot use small items like pens, buttons, and utensils properly, and you suffer from poor body awareness, it may also suggest the presence of SPD
Impact of Sensory Overload on Daily Life
Unfortunately, when you receive more sensory information than your brain can currently process, it takes a toll on your daily functioning:
- Sensory overload often triggers anxiety, agitation, and panic.
- You feel frustrated, irritated, overwhelmed, and even emotionally shut down.
- It is impossible to focus on a conversation, make a rational decision, or concentrate on a task.
- Your sleep patterns are ruined which affects your energy levels throughout the day.
- Many people notice how their social life is no longer the same after they start avoiding certain settings or crowded places.
- There may be physical symptoms such as muscle tension, dizziness, and headaches which add to your overall discomfort.
The Role of Sensory Integration and Modulation
Sensory integration is a neurological process responsible for arranging and making sense of the information your brain receives – it is necessary to let the person interact with the world around them. Sensory modulation refers to a related process – it is focused on responding to sensory input. The latter term means filtering and adjusting the information you receive during the sensory integration. Naturally, when either of these neurological processes is disrupted, you cannot properly adapt your behavior, regulate your emotions, and participate in daily activities.
Managing Sensory Sensitivity in Everyday Settings
There are ways for you to reduce sensory overload and regulate your nervous system whether you are currently in therapy or not:
- Create a safe space and a calming environment – mask distracting sounds, use natural light, and declutter your living area.
- Come up with healthy coping mechanisms. You may take a break when you feel overwhelmed, practice mindfulness to calm down, and stay away from triggers if exposure to them leads to a negative reaction.
- Let your family and friends know about SPD – they need to be warned so that they do not disturb you with loud sounds and help you stick to routines and schedules that can increase your level of comfort.
- Talk to your employer about workplace accommodations – the lighting you can adjust, noise-cancelling headphones, comfortable clothing, sensory breaks, and flexible hours can make a real difference in your productivity.
Benefits of Sensory Therapy for SPD
Sensory therapy has already helped numerous individuals manage overwhelming sensory responses – it has been found effective for children as well as adults. Here is a brief overview of the advantages this therapeutic approach can offer:
Positive Impact
Description
Improve Sensory Processing
You can deal with sound, sight, and touch much easier as you learn to process sensory input and respond to it calmly
Deal With Emotional Dysregulation
In case you have been stressed and anxious due to complicated sensory experiences, you will have an opportunity to learn to react to them in a constructive manner
Boost Social Skills
As your treatment continues, you can understand social cues with ease and interact without internal discomfort with your loved ones and strangers
Enhance Cognitive Function
Your academic performance can get a boost if you rely on sensory therapy – patients are able to retain information for longer and concentrate on their tasks
Regain Independence
It is empowering for a patient to feel more independent as they manage their emotions and motor skills with ever-growing confidence
Comparing SPD With Learning Theories
What is SPD in the context of learning and development? There are certain similarities between SPD and learning theories – behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, and humanism. They relate to the way the person interacts with their environment during the learning process – the disorder in question will be responsible for the sensory aspects of the interaction while a particular learning theory will explain how the individual acquires the knowledge. SPD can have a major impact on someone’s learning experience which is why it is necessary to apply learning theories bearing this disorder in mind especially when the student is young and inexperienced.
Find Guidance With Hillside Horizon for Teens
No matter how long you have struggled with sensory sensitivities and how difficult your life has been because of multiple issues related to SPD, you can always talk to a mental health professional about your problems.
If you are wondering “What is SPD?” or this disorder already disrupts your life, increases your stress and anxiety, and does not go away as you grow older, it is time to speak to a qualified therapist and see what can be done to manage your condition. At Hillside Horizon for Teens, we address the unique needs of each patient and offer the highest quality of care – reach out to us and get the support you need without a delay.
FAQs
What are the common sensory issues associated with Sensory Processing Disorder?
People with SPD often have difficulties with jarring sounds, clothing textures, unauthorized physical contact, specific food smells, flashing lights, and crowded spaces.
How can sensory regulation techniques help manage sensory processing challenges?
You can utilize sensory input to influence your emotional state whether you are calming down or becoming more alert – for example, you can ground yourself with a heavy blanket, jump on a trampoline to perceive things around you clearer, dim the lights to calm down, or enhance your relaxation by using scents and perfumes.
What is the role of sensory therapy in improving sensory integration dysfunction?
Sensory therapy will improve your ability to process sensory input and respond to it – you will have a chance to organize and integrate sensory information, work on your motor skills and cognitive abilities, and enhance your neuroplasticity to deal with nervous system problems.
How does sensory sensitivity contribute to sensory overload in daily activities?
If your brain struggles to manage sensory information, you will feel overwhelmed when you are exposed to aversive and excessive sensory input – there is an inevitable build-up of fatigue and stress that makes you more prone to experiencing sensory overload as time goes by.
What strategies can be used to address sensory modulation problems in children and adults?
With the help of sensory therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a customized plan to minimize your exposure to sensory stimuli you can resolve sensory modulation issues. You can challenge your sensory system under the guidance of an occupational therapist, replace negative feelings and thoughts you associate with sensory sensitivities with the assistance of a therapist, and calm yourself down by identifying triggers, establishing routines, and using relaxation techniques.
Clinically reviewed by Alejandro Alva, M.D., Medical Director.