Twelve signs that your child may have Sensory Processing Disorder

Functions in different areas of the brain via Wikipedia

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the signals from our senses are sent to the brain and then processed incorrectly.  SPD is a neurological disorder.  It is sometimes called sensory integration disorder.  The SPD Foundation explains the disorder like this:

Whether you are biting into a hamburger, riding a bicycle or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires processing sensation or "sensory integration.”  …  A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks.

SPD affects different children in different ways and with different degrees of severity.  Here are 12 signs of SPD.

1. Clumsiness or uncoordinated
2. Unusual reaction to everyday sounds
3. Overreaction to light touch or under reaction to strong touch

   

   Jonny Hunter on Flickr

4. Insensitive to temperatures – may not react to extreme cold or hot
5. Poor posture
6. Bothered by tags on clothing, seams on socks or even types of clothing
7. Disturbed by changes in normal routines
8. Bothered by different food textures, smells or colors
9. Strong sense of smell
10. Hates getting dirty
11. Obsessive or compulsive behaviors such as constantly washing hands
12. Problems learning new activities

EME on Pixabay

If you think your child has SPD, contact your child’s medical provider to get the appropriate investigation done. 

More information on SPD is available from:

• SPD Foundation
• WebMD
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital

This article is for information purposes only. It is not intended and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay getting medical advice or treatment based on the information in this article.

I originally published this article on Examiner.com.