Sens

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot 023

Cathédrale Saint-Ètienne, Sens-6998

AT 13763 Roof figure Wilhelm von Sens at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna-64

Portrait Augusta Hure

Bacary Sagna 2012

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. Individuals with SPD may have difficulty processing input from the five traditional senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), as well as from the sense of movement (Proprioception) and the positional sense (vestibular sense). This can lead to challenges in performing countless everyday tasks.

Definition

SPD occurs when sensory signals are either not detected or don't get organized into appropriate responses. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which can cause a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and social isolation to motor skills problems. SPD can affect people in only one sense–for example, just touch or just sight or just movement–or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may over-respond to the touch of a shirt on their skin, while another might be under-responsive to pain or extreme temperatures.

Classification

SPD can be classified into three primary types:

• Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD): Difficulty regulating responses to sensory input, which can include over-sensitivity, under-sensitivity, or both.
• Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD): Presents challenges with balance, posture, and movement due to poor processing of vestibular or proprioceptive sensory input.
• Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD): Difficulty with interpreting the qualities of sensory stimuli (e.g., distinguishing between similar sounds or textures).

Symptoms

Symptoms of SPD can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the disorder but may include:

• Extreme sensitivity or aversion to sensory stimuli
• Difficulty with coordination and fine or gross motor skills
• Being easily overwhelmed in environments with a lot of sensory input
• Unusual interest in sensory experiences, such as textures or sounds
• Difficulty with social interactions and communication

Diagnosis

Diagnosing SPD can be challenging, as there is no standardized test for the disorder. It often involves a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including occupational therapists, psychologists, and pediatricians, who observe the child's responses to sensory stimuli and assess their sensory processing abilities.

Treatment

Treatment for SPD typically involves occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach. Therapists work with children to help them manage their sensory challenges and improve their ability to participate in daily activities. Strategies may include sensory diets (personalized activities that provide the sensory input a person needs to stay focused and organized) and modifications to the person's environment to reduce sensory overload.

Impact

SPD can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to learn, engage in social interactions, and perform everyday tasks. Early intervention and therapy can help individuals with SPD develop coping strategies and improve their sensory processing abilities, leading to better outcomes.

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