What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? Signs, Symptoms & Support Strategies

🌟 Overview

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) describes challenges in how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. Children (and adults) with sensory processing disorder may be over‑responsive (sensory‑avoidant), under‑responsive (sensory‑seeking), or have mixed patterns across different senses. With the right supports, children thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

🧩 What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

• Sensory processing disorder affects how the nervous system interprets input from eight senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, vestibular (balance/movement), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals like hunger or need to use the restroom).
• SPD can occur on its own or co‑occur with other conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, anxiety, developmental coordination disorder).
• Occupational therapists (OTs) commonly evaluate sensory processing disorder and design individualized intervention plans.

💡 Language note: Families and clinicians use “sensory processing disorder” widely in practice. What matters most is matching supports to a child’s functional needs.

🔬 The 8 Sensory Systems—Quick Guide

Throughout this guide we’ll show how sensory processing disorder in each system can be supported at home and in school.

👶 Signs & Symptoms by Age

Infants & Toddlers (0–3)

• Startles easily, poor sleep, hates diaper changes/baths
• Limited eye contact or avoids cuddling
• Seeks constant movement or is unusually floppy/still

Preschool (3–5)

• Meltdowns during grooming (haircuts, tooth‑brushing)
• Extreme picky eating related to textures/temperatures
• Avoids playground equipment or takes unsafe risks

School‑Age (6–12)

• Distracted by classroom noise/visual clutter
• Tires easily from writing; presses too hard/too lightly
• Difficulty staying seated; craves deep pressure

Teens (13+)

• Headaches after noisy days, avoids cafeterias/gyms
• Wears the same fabrics, struggles with personal hygiene routines
• Emotional burnout after sensory‑heavy environments

If these patterns significantly affect daily life, an OT evaluation for sensory processing disorder is recommended.

🔎 Screening & Evaluation

• Who evaluates? Pediatric or school‑based occupational therapists trained in sensory integration.
• What tools? Parent/teacher questionnaires, clinical observation, and standardized assessments of sensory processing disorder and functional skills.
• What comes next? An individualized plan: targeted activities, environmental modifications, coaching for caregivers/teachers.

🧠 SPD Profiles You May See

• Over‑responsive (sensory‑avoidant): Easily overwhelmed; prefers predictable, quiet spaces.
• Under‑responsive: Misses cues; slow to react; may seem “tuned out.”
• Sensory‑seeking: Craves movement, pressure, or strong input; often impulsive.
• Dyspraxia (motor planning): Difficulty planning and sequencing new movements.

Children often show a mixed profile—another reason individualized plans for sensory processing disorder are essential.

🏠 Home Strategies (Room‑by‑Room)

Entryway

• Visual schedule/first‑then board
• Basket with fidgets, noise‑reducing headphones, sunglasses

Bedroom

• Consistent bedtime routine card (pictures/words)
• Weighted blanket or compression sheet (OT‑guided)
• Blackout curtains and white‑noise machine

Bathroom

• Soft‑bristle toothbrush, flavored toothpaste choice
• Warm towel wrap (deep pressure) before haircare
• Non‑slip mat, dimmable lighting

Kitchen/Dining

• “Try plate” with tiny tastes; preferred utensil textures
• Stool or footrest to ground feet (postural stability)
• Smell‑safe zone away from strong cooking odors

Living Room

• Calm corner: beanbag, soft lighting, visual timer
• Crash pad or mini‑trampoline (for proprioception/vestibular input)
• Limit visual clutter; use labeled bins

These changes make sensory processing disorder needs part of daily life—quietly and respectfully.

🏫 School Strategies That Work

• Environmental supports: Seat away from doors/vents; reduce glare; headphone policy
• Predictability: Visual schedule, clear transitions, timer cues
• Movement breaks: 5‑minute heavy‑work (wall push‑ups, chair push‑pulls)
• Writing supports: Pencil grips, slant boards, keyboarding options
• Cafeteria/gym plans: Early/late entry, quiet zones, peer buddy
• IEP/504: OT services, sensory goals, test accommodations

Collaborate with the team so sensory processing disorder strategies appear across classes, buses, and after‑school spaces.

🧰 The “Sensory Diet”: Daily Input Plan

A sensory diet is a planned set of activities woven through the day to regulate arousal and attention for sensory processing disorder.

Sample Day (mix & match; 3–5 mins each):

• Morning: wall push‑ups, joint compressions (OT‑taught), chewelry
• Mid‑day: scooter board/corridor walk, theraband chair stretches
• After school: outdoor swing, animal walks, playdough/knead dough
• Evening: warm bath, lotion massage, deep‑pressure burrito wrap

Always design sensory diets with an OT; intensity and frequency matter.

🎲 Play‑Based Activities (by Sense)

• Tactile: Kinetic sand, water beads, rice bins; wear seamless clothing
• Vestibular: Swings, rocking chairs, yoga poses (down dog, child’s pose)
• Proprioception: Carry groceries, push laundry basket, resistance putty
• Auditory: Noise‑meter app games; gradual exposure playlists
• Visual: Low‑clutter puzzles, dimmable reading lamp, tinted overlays
• Interoception: Feelings thermometer, mindful breathing, body‑scan stories

These are motivating, regulation‑first tools for sensory processing disorder routines.

🍽️ Picky Eating & Mealtimes

• Separate flavors/textures; consistent plate layout
• Offer one tiny taste beside safe foods—no pressure
• Use vibration toothbrush and chewy tubes outside meals to prepare mouth
• Invite child to prep food (touching ingredients reduces anxiety)

Feeding therapy from an OT or SLP experienced in sensory processing disorder can be very helpful.

🧯 Meltdown vs. Tantrum—Quick De‑Escalation

• Prevent: Keep predictable routines; preview transitions
• During: Reduce input (lights/sounds), offer calm corner, avoid lots of language
• After: Co‑regulate first; reflect later using simple visuals

This reframes behavior as communication tied to sensory processing disorder needs.

📝 When to Seek Professional Help

• Daily routines (sleep, hygiene, school) are consistently disrupted
• Safety risks from sensory‑seeking or avoidance
• Persistent distress with touch, sound, or movement

Ask your pediatrician for an OT referral and mention concerns about sensory processing disorder. Autism Wings Inc. can help you find low‑cost clinics and school‑based resources.

❓ FAQs

Is sensory processing disorder the same as autism?
No. They can co‑occur, but sensory processing disorder refers to differences in processing sensory input; autism includes social‑communication and behavioral features as well.

Do kids “outgrow” it?
Many learn regulation strategies and environmental fit improves. With OT, children develop strong coping tools.

Are weighted products safe?
Yes, when OT‑guided (typically 10% of body weight or less, used in short intervals).

📥 Free Downloadables (on request)

• Home Setup Checklist for Sensory Processing Disorder
• Teacher One‑Page: Classroom Supports for SPD
• Weekly Sensory Diet Planner (fillable)

Say the word and I’ll generate PDF versions you can upload—branded for Autism Wings Inc..

💙 How Autism Wings Inc. Can Help

• Family coaching on sensory processing disorder routines
• Low‑cost OT referrals and school advocacy support
• Webinars and printable toolkits for caregivers and teachers

👉 Need 1:1 help? Contact us and we’ll build a custom home/school plan around your child.