What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Understanding SPD and Related Terms

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information, such as touch, sound, taste, or movement. For individuals with SPD, everyday experiences can feel overwhelming, unorganized, or even distressing. Furthermore, this condition affects people of all ages, including adults, and can significantly impact daily life.

In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms of SPD, how it affects adults, and related concepts like sensory integration disorder and sensory processing sensitivity. Importantly, by understanding SPD and its related terms, families, educators, and workplaces can create environments that better support individuals experiencing sensory challenges.

Understanding the Difference: SPED vs. SPD

SPED (Special Education)

Special Education (SPED) provides tailored educational programs and services for students with unique learning needs. In addition, it ensures that students with disabilities receive the appropriate accommodations to thrive in school settings.

SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) refers to a neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input. For example, individuals with SPD may be over- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli, impacting their ability to navigate daily activities comfortably.

Term	Meaning
SPED (Special Education)	Educational programs designed to support students with diverse learning needs.
SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)	A condition where the brain has difficulty processing sensory input, leading to over- or under-responsiveness to stimuli.

Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder

Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsiveness)

Individuals with hypersensitivity may experience extreme reactions to sensory stimuli. For example, some common signs include:

• Overreacting to sounds, lights, or textures.
• Avoiding crowded spaces or loud environments.
• Feeling discomfort with clothing tags or certain fabrics.

Read more: Feeling the World on High Alert: Hypersensitivity Uncovered

Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsiveness)

On the other hand, those with hyposensitivity may seek out additional sensory input. For instance, some common signs include:

• Seeking intense sensory experiences, such as spinning or touching objects repeatedly.
• Having difficulty recognizing pain or temperature changes.
• Frequently touching objects or people to gather sensory feedback.

Type of Sensitivity	Examples of Symptoms
Hypersensitivity	Overreacting to sounds, lights, or textures; avoiding crowded or loud environments.
Hyposensitivity	Seeking intense sensory input, like spinning or touching objects repeatedly.
Common Challenges in Adults	Struggling with focus, experiencing sensory overload, and relying on tools like noise-canceling headphones for regulation.

Understanding Sensory Processing Differences

Sensory processing differences can affect how people experience and react to the world around them. For example, some people are hypersensitive, meaning they react strongly to sensory input. In contrast, others are hyposensitive, meaning they need more input to notice or feel comfortable. However, sensory challenges are not just about being too sensitive or not sensitive enough—there are other ways they can impact daily life.

For example, some individuals may be hypersensitive to sound, making loud environments stressful, but at the same time, they could be hyposensitive to touch, meaning they don’t notice small textures or temperature changes. Others may struggle with sensory discrimination, which makes it difficult to tell the difference between sounds, textures, or even where their body is in space. In addition, some people experience sensory-motor challenges, which can affect balance, coordination, and movement.

These differences can make everyday life harder in different ways. For instance, someone who is hypersensitive to light might avoid brightly lit rooms, while another person who is hyposensitive to movement might constantly be on the go, seeking physical activity. On the other hand, others might struggle with fine motor skills, making tasks like tying shoes or using utensils more difficult.

Since sensory processing affects people in unique ways, it’s important to understand the different types of challenges. As a result, the more we learn about them, the better we can create spaces and activities that support everyone’s needs.

Four Types of Sensory Processing Differences

Type	Description	Example
Hypersensitivity (Over-responsive)	Reacts strongly to sensory input and may avoid it.	Avoids loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells.
Hyposensitivity (Under-responsive)	Needs extra sensory input to notice or engage.	Seeks movement, deep pressure, or loud noises.
Sensory Discrimination Issues	Has trouble telling differences between sensory input.	Can’t tell the difference between textures or background noise.
Sensory-Motor Challenges	Struggles with movement, balance, or coordination.	Has difficulty with fine motor skills, like writing or buttoning a shirt.

Moreover, by recognizing these different sensory processing experiences, we can better support individuals in their daily lives, whether at school, work, or social settings.

Sensory Processing in Adults

While often associated with children, SPD also affects adults in many ways. In fact, many adults with SPD experience challenges in work and social settings. Furthermore, some common difficulties include:

• Managing sensory overload in professional or social environments.
• Struggling to focus in noisy or visually cluttered spaces.
• Depending on sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget tools, or noise-canceling headphones to regulate sensory input.

SPD vs. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)

SPD and Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) are often confused, however, they refer to different experiences:

SPD	SPS
Difficulty processing sensory information.	Deep sensory processing and heightened awareness.
May lead to sensory overload or avoidance.	Often seen in Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
A clinical condition requiring interventions.	Not a disorder but a personality trait.

Supporting Individuals with SPD

At Home

To create a more sensory-friendly home environment:

• Use sensory tools like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys. Find out more about each in these blogs:
  • How to Pick a Weighted Blanket
  • Ear Protection, Headphones for Autism, and Sensory Sensitivity
  • Fidgets: More Than Just Child’s Play
• Identify sensory triggers and adjust the environment accordingly.

At Work

A workplace that accommodates sensory needs can greatly benefit individuals with SPD:

• Provide quiet spaces and adjustable lighting to reduce sensory overload.
• Offer flexible work setups to accommodate different sensory needs.
• Dive deeper: Sensory Friendly Workplaces Course

In Education

Schools and classrooms can become more sensory-friendly by:

• Incorporating sensory-friendly classrooms with clear routines.
• Using adaptive seating and creating calm areas for students who need a break from overstimulation.

Environment	Strategies
At Home	Use sensory tools like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys.
At Work	Provide quiet spaces, adjustable lighting, and flexible work arrangements.
In Education	Create sensory-friendly classrooms with clear routines and adaptive seating options.

FAQs About Sensory Processing

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is the brain’s ability to organize and respond to sensory input from the environment.

What are the symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder?

Symptoms include hypersensitivity (intensely reacting to sensory input) and hyposensitivity (seeking increased sensory input), both of which can impact daily activities. Additionally, symptoms may also include challenges with sensory modulation and sensory-motor function, affecting coordination, movement, and overall regulation.

Can adults have Sensory Processing Disorder?

Yes, SPD can persist into adulthood, impacting work, relationships, and daily life.

Is sensory integration disorder the same as SPD?

Sensory integration disorder is an older term, now replaced by SPD to encompass a broader range of sensory challenges.

What is sensory processing sensitivity?

Sensory processing sensitivity refers to deep sensory processing and heightened awareness, often seen in Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). However, it is not a disorder but a personality trait.

Are there tests for SPD?

Yes, there are self-assessments (checklists that indicate the need for testing by an occupational therapist) as well as assessments that can be administered by an occupational therapist to help determine a formal diagnosis. Find out more in our blog: Sensory Processing Disorder Checklists

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