Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects five to ten percent of all children – an average of one child in every classroom. But how do you know if your child may have Sensory Processing Disorder? What are the sensory processing disorder signs in children?
Imagine having a child who finds hugs unbearable, or a child who throws temper tantrums virtually every time he or she is taken to a restaurant or store, or a child who refuses to eat. These behaviors are daily realities for more than three million children in the United States alone.
The Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation wants parents to know the Sensory Processing Disorder signs, which can include:
- Overly sensitive to touch, noises, smells, or movement
- Floppy or stiff body, clumsy, poor motor skills or handwriting
- Difficulty dressing, eating, sleeping, or toilet training
- Frequent or lengthy temper tantrums
- Easily distracted, fidgety, withdrawn, or aggressive
- Craves movement
- Easily overwhelmed
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects five to ten percent of all children. Click To Tweet
Most children with Sensory Processing Disorder are just as intelligent as their peers, and many are intellectually gifted. Not all children are affected the same way. One child with SPD may over-respond to sensation and find clothing and certain foods unbearable. Another might under-respond and show no reaction to pain, while yet another might have coordination problems.
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, founder of the SPD Foundation, provides parents with background information about SPD and common sense strategies for helping children with sensory issues in her books (affiliate links), “Sensational Kids” and “No Longer A SECRET.” According to Miller, “SPD is not a reflection of bad behavior, and it is not caused by bad parenting. In fact, it’s not ‘bad’ at all. It’s physiologic in nature.”
Treatment for SPD typically involves occupational therapy, which enables children to participate in the normal activities of childhood, such as playing with friends, enjoying school, eating, dressing, and sleeping. Depending on the child’s symptoms, other types of treatment might also be recommended, including feeding programs, listening therapy, speech and language therapy, or the DIR® Floortime model with a pediatric occupational therapist.
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Did you know October is National Sensory Awareness Month…. but really, every month is Sensory Awareness Month for sensory families.
Barbara says
June 13, 2015 at 11:03 amThis sounds like aspergers…..bathe your child in an Epsom salts bath every day at bedtime to assist and eat foods rich in zinc – my son, now 17, suffered from all this and was only diagnosed at 14! Despite visiting done of the ” best” doctors in Jo’burg!!!
Michele says
July 15, 2015 at 4:12 pmDoes Epson salts help? I’ve never heard of it but I’m willing to try anything. I have a 4 year old with spd and my 16 year old was diagnosed finally with aspergers at 15. I’m currently researching essential oils and hope to get my teen off all these meds
jennifer says
July 17, 2015 at 4:23 pmThe FDA won’t allow me to make medical claims… but what I can tell you is I have multiple friends with sensory kids who swear by the benefits of essential oils. I know we’re loving them in our house!
There’s a special deal going on right now for Young Living Essential Oils… http://www.thejennyevolution.com/young-living-starter-kit/
Tam says
July 26, 2016 at 7:59 amEssential oils are great to help with calming and sleeping. My younger brother suffers from SPD and they assist him. Me myself have never been diagnosed with it yet find myself exhibiting symptoms associated with SPD both as a child and now into adulthood. I find calm kids by springfields aromatherapy helps me a lot it can be found in your local health food store.
Victoria says
November 24, 2015 at 7:14 amEpsom salts are a type of magnesium which clams the muscles and nervous system. If you can get them or even if you can a good magnesium supplement and b group supplement will do the same but take before bed.
Wendy says
October 12, 2017 at 5:37 pmHi, how do you define a male aged 17 yrs old who struggles lN talking to people and i mean painfully struggles. Also its still uncomfotable watching his motability skills on climbing ect. He seems to struggle to answer questions about his feelings and thoughts. I have 3 boys and it isnt just a boy thing. He was not labelled at school bit got extra help at school.
Jessica says
January 25, 2018 at 11:39 pmIt could be selective mutism- a type of social anxiety .
Marisol Ortiz says
January 13, 2019 at 1:45 amIm trying to find out how to get my son tested for this. He’s had alot of signs for this since he was young. They think Autism, he was tested n they said no. But I know he has this n is having alot of trouble at school. Can’t get extra help because they say he doesn’t have Autism. Can’t some one just test for this
jennifer says
January 14, 2019 at 1:17 pmA pediatric occupational therapists that works with kids on the spectrum should be able to test for Sensory Processing Disorder – by doing a full assessment, they’ll be able to tell you what your child is hyper or hypo sensitive to.