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Sensory Processing Disorder / Sensory Integration Dysfunction

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (also known as Sensory Integration Disorder / Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is a neurological condition which occurs when sensory signals are not organised into the appropriate motor and / behavioural responses. The main senses include sight, sound, touch, taste, movement and body awareness. Sensory integration is the process used to distinguish between these senses. Sensory integration occurs automatically for most people, however for others this process is ineffective and causes Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder is caused by neurological disorganisation in the brain, which can occur in three ways:

Disconnection in the neurons leading to the brain not receiving messages
Sensory messages are received inconsistently
Sensory messages, although received consistently, do not connect properly with other sensory messages

This poor processing of sensory information within the brain will lead to disorganised motor, emotional and language output.

The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder has not yet been identified. Sensory Processing Disorder is usually detected in young children and difficulties will continue into adulthood. These difficulties may appear less severe as the child grows and is usually due to the child adopting coping strategies for their difficulties.

Sensory Processing Disorder can occur in isolation; however it commonly occurs alongside other conditions and disorders which include:

Learning Disabilities
Attention Deficit Disorder
Language Disorders
Behavioural Disorders
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Fragile X Syndrome

Some of the common symptoms associated with Sensory Processing Disorder include:

Auditory

Negative responses to loud or unexpected noises
Holding hands over ears
Speech and language delay
Humming or producing strange noises

Visual

Avoiding bright lights and preferring the dark
Hesitation of going up and down the stairs
Avoiding eye contact with others
Tendency to stare at people or objects

Taste/ smell

Avoiding specific tastes / smells that form a normal part of children's diets
Seeking out certain tastes / smells

Touch

Appearing to seek touch due to a desire / need of sensation that is frequent, long or intense
Avoiding activities which involve getting messy e.g. sand, paint and glue
Over sensitive to specific textures or fabrics
Dislike of being barefoot
Decreased awareness of temperature or pain
Touching others / objects frequently which may become annoying to others

Movement

Avoiding playground equipment
Increased anxiety when their feet are not touching the ground
Minimal awareness of danger and need for safety
Physically clumsy
Difficulty learning new tasks or movements
Difficulty carrying out tasks which use fine and gross motor skills
May appear lazy

Attention, behaviour and social

Reduced attention span
Highly affectionate with others
Increased levels of anxiety
Prone to accidents
Inability to make friends
Unable to express emotions
Tendency switch activities regularly
Decreased self-control
Finds it difficult to deal with stress

Individuals with sensory Processing Disorder may have various or a combination of symptoms from the above list. The types of symptoms the individual will have are dependent on the type of Sensory Processing Disorder the individual has.

There are three main types of Sensory processing disorder which include:

Sensory Modulation Disorder
Sensory modulation disorder is a difficulty grading or regulating a response to sensory stimulus. There are three subtypes within this category:

Sensory over-responsitivity - too much response, for too long or too weak an intensity.
Sensory under-responsitivity - too little response, or requires very strong stimulus to be made aware of the stimulus.
Sensory seeking - responds with an intense searching for more or stronger stimulus.

Sensory Based Motor Disorder
Sensory based motor disorder can be divided into two subtypes:

Postural disorder - a difficulty with balance and core stability.
Dyspraxia - difficulty with organising, sequencing and motor planning.

Sensory Discrimination Disorder
Sensory Discrimination Disorder is a difficulty with interpreting certain characteristics of sensory stimulus, including intensity, duration and speed.

If you would like to arrange an assessment with one of our therapists please contact us by emailing office@asdclinic.co.uk or calling 0330 088 6693.

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