Sensory Processing Disorder
A condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
Andy says:
Imagine the volume of the world is either turned up too high or too low. Sounds can be deafening, lights blinding, or touches painful. That's what it can feel like.
Detailed Explanation
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, affects how the nervous system processes sensory stimuli. This can lead to over-sensitivity (hypersensitivity), under-sensitivity (hyposensitivity), or both. It can impact any of the senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioception). While often associated with autism, it can also be a standalone condition.
Community Context
People with SPD often develop coping strategies, such as wearing noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses indoors, or avoiding certain textures. Understanding SPD is key to creating more accessible and comfortable environments for neurodivergent individuals.
Everyday Accommodations
- Sound: noise-canceling headphones, soft earplugs, quieter schedules
- Light: dimmers, sunglasses, warm lighting, screen filters
- Touch: tagless clothing, fabric choices, layered textures, consent around touch
- Smell/Taste: unscented products, predictable food textures, safe snacks
- Movement: swing breaks, weighted/compression items, balance tools
For Different Ages
- Early childhood: sensory-friendly play, OT-informed strategies
- School-age: sensory corners, movement breaks, choice of seating
- Teens: self-advocacy scripts, personalized kits (earplugs, sunglasses)
- Adults: workspace adjustments, remote options, flexible dress codes
Myths vs Facts
- Myth: "They’ll just grow out of it."
- Fact: Needs may change, but supports remain helpful across the lifespan.
- Myth: "It’s just being picky."
- Fact: It is a neurological processing difference.
Quick Tips
- Carry a small sensory kit (earplugs, sunglasses, fidget)
- Schedule low-sensory recovery time after demanding events
- Use checklists to reduce cognitive load when overloaded
- Advocate for dimmer lights and quiet zones when possible
Do / Don't
- Do: ask consent before touch; offer choices for seating/lighting
- Do: provide written info when verbal channels are noisy
- Don't: force exposure or remove aids as “practice”
- Don't: label needs as “overreacting”
Scripts (Examples)
- "It’s loud for me—can we step somewhere quieter?"
- "I need lower lighting to focus; is that okay?"
- "Written instructions help me when it’s busy—could you send a summary?"
Scientific Context
Neuroimaging-Studien zeigen Unterschiede in der sensorischen Verarbeitung im Gehirn von Menschen mit SVS. Die Prävalenz wird auf 5-16% der Kinder geschätzt. Die S3-Leitlinie zu Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen erkennt sensorische Besonderheiten als häufiges Merkmal an.
Sprachliche Hinweise
Im Deutschen wird "sensorische Verarbeitungsstörung" oder "Wahrnehmungsverarbeitungsstörung" verwendet. In der Community wird oft von "sensorischen Besonderheiten" gesprochen, um die pathologisierende Sprache zu vermeiden.
Related Terms
Sensory Overload
When sensory input (sound, light, touch, smell, movement) exceeds the brain’s capacity to process it comfortably, leading to distress and reduced functioning.
Stimming
Repetitive body movements or sounds that help regulate sensory input and emotions.
Autistic Meltdown
An involuntary state of overwhelming distress in which an autistic person temporarily loses the ability to self-regulate, often resulting in crying, shouting, pacing, or other intense behaviors.
Autistic Shutdown
An involuntary response to overload where an autistic person becomes very quiet or unresponsive, withdrawing to protect themselves and reduce input.
Accommodations
Changes to the environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so a person can participate on an equal basis.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Differences in how the brain processes sound, leading to difficulty understanding speech (especially in noise) despite typical hearing.
Interoception
The sense of internal body signals (hunger, heartbeat, temperature, tension) that inform emotions and regulation.
Neuroaffirming
Creating spaces, practices, and attitudes that accept and support neurodivergent people as they are, rather than trying to change, fix, or hide their differences.
Sensory Diet
A planned set of activities and inputs designed to give the nervous system the right amount of stimulation across the day.
Sources
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