What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), previously referred to as “sensory integration dysfunction,” is a condition in which a person has difficulty processing and acting upon the information they receive through their senses. This creates difficulty with many everyday tasks. Many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder also have Sensory Processing Disorder, and symptoms of these disorders can overlap. Occupational therapists often recommend a sensory diet to treat both.

 Symptoms may include:

  • Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and wandering the house at night
  • Throwing tantrums or zoning out in noisy public places
  • Have trouble sitting still, focusing, or transitioning from one task to another
  • Exhibiting fearful or aggressive behaviors in certain situations
  • Craves tight hugs, banging into things, having people sit on him or pile things on top of him
  • Covering their ears or being bothered by sounds that don’t bother others
  • Constantly putting objects in the mouth past the toddler years
  • May lick, taste, or chew on inedible objects
  • Avoids certain textures, may hate wearing clothes

Overarching Categories

1) Sensory Perception/Discrimination Disorder

Sensory Perception/Discrimination Disorder, also known as SPD, refers to a condition where individuals struggle to accurately identify differences in objects, location, intensity, or timing within their sensory experiences. It is characterized by difficulties in processing and discriminating sensory stimuli. People with SPD may have challenges in recognizing and distinguishing subtle variations in sensory input, such as differentiating between objects, perceiving changes in spatial orientation, evaluating differences in the intensity of sensory sensations, or accurately identifying the timing of events.

Individuals with SPD may find it hard to distinguish between similar objects or textures, leading to confusion or disorientation. For instance, they may struggle to tell apart different fabrics by touch alone or have difficulty identifying specific items based on their visual appearance. Additionally, individuals with SPD may encounter problems in perceiving changes in spatial location, such as finding it challenging to navigate through environments or struggling with directionality.

Intensity discrimination can also be problematic for those with SPD. They may have difficulty discerning variations in the intensity of sensory input, whether it be sounds, lights, tastes, or physical sensations. This can result in hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain stimuli, leading to avoidance or discomfort in specific sensory environments.

Furthermore, individuals with SPD may struggle to accurately perceive or understand the timing of events. This can manifest as challenges in coordinating movements, participating in conversations, or responding appropriately to changes happening around them. Difficulties with timing perception can impact various aspects of daily life, from engaging in social interactions to organizing tasks and activities.

Sensory Perception/Discrimination Disorder presents unique experiences and challenges for individuals affected by it. It is important to acknowledge and understand these difficulties in order to provide appropriate support and accommodations that can help individuals with SPD effectively navigate their sensory world.

2) Sensory Modulation Disorder

Sensory Perception/Discrimination Disorder, also known as SPD, refers to a condition where individuals struggle to accurately identify differences in objects, location, intensity, or timing within their sensory experiences. It is characterized by difficulties in processing and discriminating sensory stimuli. People with SPD may have challenges in recognizing and distinguishing subtle variations in sensory input, such as differentiating between objects, perceiving changes in spatial orientation, evaluating differences in the intensity of sensory sensations, or accurately identifying the timing of events.

Individuals with SPD may find it hard to distinguish between similar objects or textures, leading to confusion or disorientation. For instance, they may struggle to tell apart different fabrics by touch alone or have difficulty identifying specific items based on their visual appearance. Additionally, individuals with SPD may encounter problems in perceiving changes in spatial location, such as finding it challenging to navigate through environments or struggling with directionality.

Intensity discrimination can also be problematic for those with SPD. They may have difficulty discerning variations in the intensity of sensory input, whether it be sounds, lights, tastes, or physical sensations. This can result in hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain stimuli, leading to avoidance or discomfort in specific sensory environments.

Furthermore, individuals with SPD may struggle to accurately perceive or understand the timing of events. This can manifest as challenges in coordinating movements, participating in conversations, or responding appropriately to changes happening around them. Difficulties with timing perception can impact various aspects of daily life, from engaging in social interactions to organizing tasks and activities.

Sensory Perception/Discrimination Disorder presents unique experiences and challenges for individuals affected by it. It is important to acknowledge and understand these difficulties in order to provide appropriate support and accommodations that can help individuals with SPD effectively navigate their sensory world.

3) Sensory Based Motor Disorder

Sensory Based Motor Disorder, also known as SBMD, is a condition characterized by difficulties in movement that are specifically related to sensory input. Individuals with SBMD may struggle to adapt to different sensory stimuli, resulting in challenges with motor skills. This means that even small movements can be problematic for them. Essentially, SBMD manifests as a disconnection or irregularity between the body's sensory processing systems and its ability to perform coordinated and precise motor actions.

   

What is a Sensory Diet?

A sensory diet is a highly personalized activity plan involving various forms of sensory input to help individuals stay focused and self-regulated throughout the day.

There are seven main types of sensory input used in a sensory diet, each pertaining to a different sense:

  1. Proprioceptive – Joint and muscle work that tells the body about its position in space.
  2. Vestibular – General sense of movement centered in the inner ear. Be careful not to overstimulate.
  3. Tactile – Sense of touch that includes deep pressure, temperature, pain, vibrations, and textures.
  4. Auditory – Refers to how we hear and listen. Is closely related to the vestibular sense.
  5. Visual – Affects the eyes, our vision, and how we react to light and color.
  6. Olfactory – The sense of smell. Is tied to the limbic system, the emotional hub of the brain.
  7. Taste – Taste is perceived by the tongue and is influenced by our sense of smell.

Depending on the needs of the individual, sensory activities are either calming or energizing. If an individual is highly energized, then they need calming input like rocking in a rocking chair or carrying books. On the other hand, if someone is sluggish and low energy, they need more stimulating input such as jumping up and down or listening to loud music.

 

Weighted Blankets as Part of a Sensory Diet

A weighted blanket can literally be a lifesaving device for entire families where someone is not sleeping or suffering from some form of sensory processing disorder. Weighted blankets are best used for improving sleep and can also be used on the couch or in the car as a calming tool and for helping focus.

 

SensaCalm and the Sensory Diet

SensaCalm offers a variety of products commonly used in a sensory diet. From weighted blankets, Epsom salt soaps, scented lotions and more, we strive to meet all of our customers’ sensory needs.

All of the products offered on our website have been hand-picked by our staff of mothers, fathers, and caregivers, ensuring only the very best selection. We understand what it’s like loving someone with sensory needs, and we want to help make life easier for them and their whole family.

Weighted Blankets – All of our weighted blankets, wraps, and lap pads provide the user with soothing, deep pressure and compressions, allowing the user to relax and calm themselves.

Weighted Peaceful Pals – Much like weighted blankets, these specialty weighted pals can help the user stay calm and focused. 

Chewies – Safer than chewing gum, and minus sugar or strong flavor, chewies allow young children and aggressive biters a safe way to develop oral sensory skills.