From the Guidelines
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses, affecting how people process sensory input like sounds, sights, movement, touch, taste, and smell, as supported by recent research on autism spectrum conditions 1.
Definition and Characteristics
SPD is characterized by difficulties in processing sensory information, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain stimuli. According to a study published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 1, autistic individuals, who often experience SPD, show superior attention to detail, heightened ability to systemize, and enhanced perceptual functioning.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for SPD typically involves occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach, which helps individuals develop appropriate responses to sensations. As noted in the study 1, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms of sensory processing in autism, which can inform the development of effective treatments for SPD. A comprehensive treatment plan may include creating a "sensory diet" - a personalized activity plan that provides needed sensory input throughout the day, as well as environmental modifications to reduce overwhelming stimuli.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key in addressing SPD, as the brain's neuroplasticity allows for better adaptation and development of coping strategies when treatment begins earlier. While SPD is not officially recognized in the DSM-5 as a standalone diagnosis, it is widely acknowledged by occupational therapists and some other healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for further research and recognition of this condition 1.
Key Considerations
Some key considerations in managing SPD include:
- Creating a personalized sensory diet to provide needed sensory input throughout the day
- Making environmental modifications to reduce overwhelming stimuli
- Providing occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach to help individuals develop appropriate responses to sensations
- Recognizing the importance of early intervention in addressing SPD and promoting better adaptation and development of coping strategies.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where individuals struggle to form meaningful responses to sensory stimuli, leading to problems with coordination, sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding behaviors, and sensory modulation 2.
- SPD is characterized by difficulties in integrating and modulating sensory information, which can affect cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes 3, 4.
- The concept of SPD stems from the work of occupational therapist Jean Ayres, Ph.D., and is primarily treated by occupational therapists using a sensory-based approach 2.
Diagnosis and Assessment of SPD
- There is no universally accepted framework for diagnosing SPD, and it is often considered a characteristic associated with other developmental and behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and childhood anxiety disorders 4.
- Assessment tools, such as the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and the Sensory-Motor Preference Checklist, are used to evaluate sensory modulation difficulties in individuals with SPD 3.
Treatment and Intervention for SPD
- Occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach (OT-SI) is a common treatment for SPD, which involves activities designed to organize the sensory system and provide vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, and tactile inputs 4, 5.
- Sensory-based therapies, such as sensory integration/sensory processing treatment (SI/SP-T), aim to enhance sensory integration and processing by utilizing equipment, devices, and activities that stimulate the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems 6.
- However, the effectiveness of these treatments is still limited and inconclusive, and further research is needed to operationalize OT-based sensory modulation interventions and define their tolerability and efficacy 3, 4, 5, 6.