Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (pronounced: sen-suh-ree proh-ses-ing dis-or-der), also known as SPD, is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
Etymology
The term "Sensory Processing Disorder" was first used by occupational therapists to describe the condition in which sensory signals are not organized into appropriate responses. The term is derived from the words "sensory" (pertaining to the senses), "processing" (the act of processing information), and "disorder" (a disruption of normal physical or mental functions).
Symptoms
Symptoms of SPD may include hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input, difficulty with motor skills, and behavioral problems. These symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and can affect any combination of the senses.
Related Terms
- Sensory Integration: This is the process by which the brain organizes and interprets external stimuli such as touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, and the pull of gravity.
- Occupational Therapy: A type of therapy often used to treat SPD, which helps individuals achieve independence in all areas of their lives.
- Proprioception: This is the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
- Vestibular System: This is the sensory system that provides the leading contribution to the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance.
Treatment
Treatment for SPD typically involves Occupational Therapy, which uses play activities to improve the way the brain processes and responds to sensory information. The goal is to improve the individual's ability to function in daily life.
See Also
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