8 Facts About Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that exists when the brain can’t process information received from the senses leaving the individual unable to properly respond or react to sensory input. The condition is often misunderstood. Here are 10 facts to help foster a better understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder.

1. There Are Eight Sensory Systems

Forget what you’ve been told about the five senses, because there are actually eight. The auditory system processes sound, allowing us to understand what we hear. The tactile system is our sense of touch. The gustatory system refers to taste, but can also include the temperature or texture of food. The olfactory system regulates our reaction to smells. The visual system processes what we see. The vestibular system helps us to maintain balance and a sense of orientation. The interceptive system helps us to understand what’s going on in our bodies – for instance, feeling hungry, full, cold, hot, or thirsty. Finally, the proprioceptive system helps us to understand the position and movements of our bodies.

2. Every Person is Unique

You’ve probably always heard that the qualities that each human possess are unique, and the same thing can be said of how we process senses, as well as our sensory needs and preferences. Some may not like the texture of oatmeal. Others may cringe at the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. Still others may find that apples are the most delicious fruit. Our sensory needs and experiences are as unique as we are.

3. Sensory Processing Disorder is Common

Chances are that you know someone with sensory processing challenges. Therapists suggest that one in 20 people in the general population live with some type of sensory processing disorder with varying degrees of severity.

4. Unique Sensory Tendencies are Not Always Classified as a Disorder

Every child has unique sensory preferences and tendencies. They only rise to the level of a disorder if these unique sensory preferences significantly impact a child’s daily life in a negative way. For example, your child may resist putting on socks every morning due to uncomfortable seams. It is a disorder when this behavior creates a significant struggle on the part of the child and parents instead of a simple no sock preference.

5. SPD is More Common Among Neurodivergent Individuals

Researchers have found a higher level of sensory processing disorder among children that are gifted or have ADHD or autism. In addition, there is a higher incidence of sensory processing disorder children with fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, developmental delays, or who have experienced trauma.

6. A Child with SPD May Be Hypersensitive or Hyposensitive

Hypersensitivity refers to a child that has more sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Hyposensitivity describes children who have diminished ability to detect sensory stimuli. Some children may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive across all sensory systems. Likewise, they may be hypersensitive to some sensory systems and hyposensitive to others.

7. Occupational Therapists Can Help

When children with SPD work with an Occupational Therapist they can learn more about their individual sensory responses. In addition, they can learn different adaptive responses to the sensory input in their environments that they struggle with.

8. October is Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month

The month of October is set aside to raise awareness for Sensory Processing Disorder. Spend the month spreading awareness and understanding. Wear orange to show your support.

SmartKnitKIDS Sensory Products can help children who struggle with some forms of Sensory Processing Disorder. Seamless socks and undergarments are more comfortable for children and are bothered by a raised sock seam. Also, Compresso-T provides deep pressure input to help regulate the proprioceptive system and give children a better sense of body awareness.

** Sources: Star Institute, Autism Speaks, Today’s Parent