Condition : Sensory processing disorder

Condition Sensory processing disorder

What is sensory processing disorder?

Sensory processing is the everyday unconscious way our brain takes in and makes sense of information from the environment and our bodies.

Our senses include hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell, vestibular processing, proprioception (awareness of our body in the space around it), and interoception (awareness of our internal body feelings).

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is when challenges appear in one or several sensory systems, either because of over-responsivity (hypersensitivity) or under-responsivity (hyposensitivity).

SPD is not a standalone diagnosable condition. It is usually considered a symptom of another condition, such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, brain injury, or stroke. It can also be context-specific, meaning it might appear improved or more severe in certain situations or due to factors like mood, tiredness, or stress.

If you are over-responsive to sensory information, you might:

avoid certain things, people, or places that overload your senses (such as crowded places)
be picky about what you eat
find it difficult to tolerate tasks like showering
find wearing certain clothes uncomfortable
avoid hugs and other close contact
have a low pain threshold

If you are under-responsive to sensory information, you might:

crave sensory input and seek out sensations (for example, by rocking, humming, or constantly touching things)
be clumsy, often dropping things or bumping into obstacles
be slow to respond, or not realise, when someone or something is trying to get your attention (for example, not registering that your phone is ringing)
have a high pain threshold
not notice clothes being twisted, or shoes being on the wrong feet

SPD can cause:

feelings of being overwhelmed which make it difficult to communicate
stress and anxiety
problems with motor skills
behavioural problems, such as not following instructions

What causes sensory processing disorder?

Our senses are processed in the middle and stem of our brain, so it’s thought that problems in these regions can cause SPD. Alternatively, the regions the information is sent to, which are responsible for emotions, memory, and higher level mental functions, might also play a role.

It is usually present from birth and is often found in neurodivergent people, but it can also develop due to brain damage caused by an injury, illness, or ageing.

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