If your child sometimes behaves in a way that is not considered typical, it may make you concerned and curious; “Does my child have a sensory processing (SPD) disorder? What does this mean for us?”
No parent should have to live in suspense when it comes to their child’s well-being! That’s why we’ve written this article to help you understand what’s going on in this situation as a parent. Let’s get started!
Debunking the Most Common Myth About Sensory Processing Disorder
The most common myth about sensory processing disorder is that it is the same as autism. This is completely untrue. Although SI disorder is loosely considered a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they are completely different. Signs of ASD do not necessarily indicate sensory issues, and signs of SI disorder do not mean that Asperger's or a similar disorder is present.
At what age do symptoms of a sensory disorder begin to occur
Symptoms can be observed quite early, even in infants. Some of the most common features are:
- Discomfort when dressing
- Problems with certain textures of food and drink
- Refusal to be detained
- Refusing to be cuddled or played with
- Difficulty falling asleep
However, it is difficult to determine this because these problems are common in babies, regardless of their psychological background. But as your child grows into a toddler, these symptoms will show up in different ways.
The most common signs/symptoms of sensory processing disorder
When your child is growing up and you suspect he/she may have SI disorder, you will understand two types: sensory seekers and sensory avoiders.
The former are under-responsive to physical stimuli and seek more, while the latter are overwhelmed by physical stimulation and prefer to minimize sensory input.
Early signs of sensory seekers include:
- Rough play
- Jumping from high places
- Swinging hard in the playground
- Running hard
- Making loud music or noises
For avoiders, this could include:
- Being disturbed by strong sensory stimuli
- Having trouble putting on clothes
- Have an aversion to physical touch
- Being extra sensitive to pain
Sensory breakdown is a clear sign of this problem. This can include screaming, crying, silence, unresponsiveness, stubbornness or panic.
How can we officially diagnose 'sensory processing disorder'?
Occupational therapists can officially assess a child's sensory input. In order to visit this specialist, a referral from a family doctor or a pediatrician is usually required. They have various exercises and techniques at their disposal to make the diagnosis.
Observe how your child responds to different stimuli by watching them swing, jump, run, lean back and spin. Ask your child questions to learn more about how your child plays.
“I just found out that my child officially has a sensory disorder, what should I do?
In many ways, first-time sensory parents have it much easier than they did 20 or even 10 years ago. The rise of the internet has helped to make this topic much more well-known. Many agencies and companies, including us at HappyKido, have tried to do our best to spread information to help and support 'sensory parents'. Also read our article: 5 First Steps to Sensory Parenting .
Occupational therapy is currently the best long-term treatment for sensory challenges. Make plans with your therapist for a lasting treatment solution. For faster results and to prevent meltdowns, you can help your child a lot by offering external solutions, in addition to therapy. For example, sensory toys that are specifically designed to quickly relieve the challenges and frustrations that children with SI disorder experience.