Motor and behavioral responses exhibited by human beings depend on the reception and processing of messages by the brain. The process through which the brain receives and processes messages is referred to as sensory processing. The process is sometimes referred to as sensory integration and abbreviated as SI. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is the condition that results when sensory signals received in the brain cannot be organized into the appropriate responses.
Senses provide signals from modalities such as proprioception, vision, olfactory, tactile, taste, vestibular and audition systems. Those signals are needed to maintain proper functioning in the body. The main characteristic of SPD is difficulty in processing information fed from the senses, which results in performance problems in daily activities. Areas of life that are affected include daily activities, leisure, productivity, contact, feeding and play among others.
The level of difficulty in processing input from senses varies among people. For example, some people find it uncomfortable to wear cloths made from certain fabrics that others have no problem with. Such difference results from difference in sensitivity of the sense of tactile. Motion sickness is also experienced by some people and not others due to sensitivity in vestibular sense. The same case applies to proprioceptive sense which varies how much force people apply on a pen when writing.
SPD falls under three major types, that is, SDD, SBMD, and SMD. There are several subtypes under each of the types named above. Each type has a different set of senses it affects on the body. That is why symptoms differ with the type and subtype. Similarly, either a single sense or multiple senses may be affected by the condition.
Individuals with over-responsivity dislike certain textures that are found in items like foods, fabrics, and grooming products. Completely normal sounds, lights, smells, movements and tastes affect them profoundly. As such, they appear stressed constantly and they avoid places that are crowded and noisy. There is a lot of difficulty sleeping and motion sickness is a common occurrence. Kissing, hugging and other normal skin contact irritates them, making the individuals to dislike them. They also become picky eaters.
People with under-responsivity have a different set of symptoms. They appear unreactive and slow and are often unaware of pain. When asleep, it is very difficult to wake them up and they often appear to be deaf even if they pass auditory function tests. In children, parents usually have difficulty in training the child how to use the toilet. They often appear unaware of being soiled or wet.
Research into finding the causes of SPD is still underway. However, current research has linked the disorder to damage in any part of the brain that is involved with multisensory processing. Current research is also aimed at finding if there are any neurological or genetic causes for the condition.
The condition is diagnosed in children using various tests. The tests are standardized and they include TSFI, SIPT and TSI. The diagnosis process also involves the use of standardized questionnaires. Sensory integration therapy is one of the approaches used in treatment. The therapy challenges all senses of the body. It takes place in a room with close supervision from a therapist.
Senses provide signals from modalities such as proprioception, vision, olfactory, tactile, taste, vestibular and audition systems. Those signals are needed to maintain proper functioning in the body. The main characteristic of SPD is difficulty in processing information fed from the senses, which results in performance problems in daily activities. Areas of life that are affected include daily activities, leisure, productivity, contact, feeding and play among others.
The level of difficulty in processing input from senses varies among people. For example, some people find it uncomfortable to wear cloths made from certain fabrics that others have no problem with. Such difference results from difference in sensitivity of the sense of tactile. Motion sickness is also experienced by some people and not others due to sensitivity in vestibular sense. The same case applies to proprioceptive sense which varies how much force people apply on a pen when writing.
SPD falls under three major types, that is, SDD, SBMD, and SMD. There are several subtypes under each of the types named above. Each type has a different set of senses it affects on the body. That is why symptoms differ with the type and subtype. Similarly, either a single sense or multiple senses may be affected by the condition.
Individuals with over-responsivity dislike certain textures that are found in items like foods, fabrics, and grooming products. Completely normal sounds, lights, smells, movements and tastes affect them profoundly. As such, they appear stressed constantly and they avoid places that are crowded and noisy. There is a lot of difficulty sleeping and motion sickness is a common occurrence. Kissing, hugging and other normal skin contact irritates them, making the individuals to dislike them. They also become picky eaters.
People with under-responsivity have a different set of symptoms. They appear unreactive and slow and are often unaware of pain. When asleep, it is very difficult to wake them up and they often appear to be deaf even if they pass auditory function tests. In children, parents usually have difficulty in training the child how to use the toilet. They often appear unaware of being soiled or wet.
Research into finding the causes of SPD is still underway. However, current research has linked the disorder to damage in any part of the brain that is involved with multisensory processing. Current research is also aimed at finding if there are any neurological or genetic causes for the condition.
The condition is diagnosed in children using various tests. The tests are standardized and they include TSFI, SIPT and TSI. The diagnosis process also involves the use of standardized questionnaires. Sensory integration therapy is one of the approaches used in treatment. The therapy challenges all senses of the body. It takes place in a room with close supervision from a therapist.
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