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Sensory Processing Disorder

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 Sensory Processing Disorder, formerly known as Sensory Integration Disorder, is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Sensory Processing Disorder is often a secondary diagnosis to things such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). Everything Sensory Processing Disorder #sensoryprocessingexplained #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #sensoryprocessing #sensory

I get a lot of questions from parents and educators about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). I used those questions to create this resource where I give a very abbreviated version of an answer to the most common questions I hear and then provide a link to an article that goes into more detail. This way, you can use this as a guide to be able to go in depth on the questions you have and to get an overview on the rest.

If you suspect that your child or student has SPD, I suggest speaking to their paediatrician or taking them to see an occupational therapists. Occupational therapists (OTs) really are the front line when it comes to sensory processing issues.

What are the signs of Sensory Processing Disorder?

If you’re wondering whether or not your child has Sensory Processing Disorder, you will want to be looking out for clues that indicate that this is an issue. Keep in mind that because a child can be hypersensitive to some things and hyposensitive to others, no two kids will present with exactly the same symptoms of SPD.

Some of the things to be on the lookout for can include:

  • does not like having hair combed
  • complains about tags or seams in socks or clothing
  • picky eater
  • enjoys the feeling of being dizzy or doesn’t seem to get dizzy
  • covers ears for loud noise
  • takes physical risks
  • constantly touching things or others
  • avoids certain textures…

Read more about the signs and symptoms in Does My Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder?

The 8 Sensory Systems

There are actually 8 sensory systems in the body. You may be familiar with the 5 senses, but may be surprised to discover that there are 8.

  • Visual (Sight)
  • Tactile (Touch)
  • Auditory (Sound)
  • Gustatory (Oral and Taste)
  • Olfactory (Smell)
  • Proprioception (perception of the position and movement of the body)
  • Vestibular (sense of balance and spatial orientation)
  • Interoception (perception of the body’s internal signals)

When you’re first learning about this, it can be overwhelming. There is a new vocabulary to master (hello vestibular!), potentially new professionals to involve, and a new mindset shift to acquire.

Take it one step at a time. Solving sensory challenges won’t happen overnight, but small things can make a big difference to your child’s quality of life. 

Patterns of Sensory Processing

We all process sensory input differently. Some may be hyposensitive while others may be hypersensitive.

There are 4 patterns of sensory processing.

  • sensation seeking
  • sensation avoiding
  • sensory sensitivity
  • low registration

The tricky thing about this is that your child can have a combination of these patterns. For example, one of my daughters is a sensory seeker when it comes to vestibular and tactile but a sensory avoider for auditory. 

This can take some detective work on your part, but it will be worth it once you’re able to better understand your child.

What is sensory overload?

Sensory input is constantly coming at us in many forms. Sensory overload can occur in anyone but those with Sensory Processing Disorder are particularly prone to it. It occurs when a child is unable to process, organize, and respond to all the sensory stimuli coming at them. If it is not adequately handled, it will quickly lead to a meltdown or negative behaviours.

Read about the signs of sensory overload and what to do to prevent it. 

How can I better understand Sensory Processing and explain it to others?

One of the things that parents who are raising kids with sensory issues often complain about is that others just don’t understand. If you are struggling to explain sensory processing to others (and have them understand that this is a real thing) or if you are looking for practical solutions to everyday sensory struggles with clothing, behaviour, hair combing, sleep, sitting, eating, or playing, Sensory Processing Explained: a Handbook for Parents and Educators has everything you’re looking for.

This book contains all the information you need to understand sensory processing and to actually be able to implement strategies that work at home or in the classroom.

What is a sensory meltdown?

A sensory meltdown is not the same as a tantrum, though to the casual onlooker, they may look similar. A sensory meltdown is not designed to get attention or for a child to “get their way”. They are not much fun for the child or for the parent. This is particularly true if they happen in public.

Learn the causes of a sensory meltdown, what to do when they happen, how to recognize them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place by clicking these words.

Is it sensory or is it behaviour?

Parents and teachers often have a hard time differentiating between a child’s responses being sensory or behaviour related. I really like this 5 part series over on Growing Hands-On Kids that explores this in depth. It gives great insight on this and takes some of the mystery out of this complex question.

When working with or parenting children with SPD, it’s also helpful to understand how each of the sensory systems affect a child’s behaviour. This allows you to see behaviours in a new light and have increased understanding.

What Does Behaviour Have to do with Sensory Systems? How is behaviour affected by your child's sensory systems?

How do I manage everyday sensory challenges?

Parents in particular ask often for suggestions for helping their kids with the everyday challenges that sensory issues can create. These challenges include such things as clothing, sleep, toilets, going to the store or other public places, hair combing or cutting, chewing on items that are not meant to be chewed on, and eating. For practical tips and real do-able strategies for these issues, check out Sensory Processing Explained: a Handbook for Parents and Educators.

Sleep

Kids who have sensory needs can really struggle with falling asleep. It can be due to not getting enough sensory stimuli during the course of the day or because of sensory irritants that are present when they are trying to sleep.

Read Sleep Solutions for Sensory Needs to find common sleep issues for kids with sensory needs as well as find strategies to combat them. weighted blanket for sleep

Chewing on things they shouldn’t

For some kids, their need for oral sensory input leads to them chewing or sucking on things that they shouldn’t like collars, sleeves, fingers, toys, or pencils. Read What to do with Kids Who Chew for positive alternatives of things to chew on and other ways to save those sleeves! 

Clothing

Ahhhh! Getting dressed when you are sensitive to fabric textures or temperature or seams in socks or tags in shirts can present quite a challenge, particularly for kids who are not yet able to express their sensory preferences with words.

There are other sensory issues that can affect clothing choices as well such as our daughter’s desire to wear tight fitting clothing because of her need for proprioceptive sensory input. You can read that story and what our solution was in Tight Fitting Clothing: A Sensory Mystery Unravelled. 

Going out in public

There are so many challenging things concerning sensory processing when it comes to things like running errands or going grocery shopping. Just going to a public washroom can be terrifying or exciting depending on a child being sensory seeking or avoiding. Find tried and true tips for this scenario in Surviving Public Washrooms with a Child with Sensory Needs. public bathroom tips for children with sensory issues

Grocery stores, department stores, and clothing stores provide a plethora of sensory experiences which can make them daunting. Read ideas to help you Navigating the Store with a Child with Sensory Needs. 

What items can help my child with sensory issues?

Sensory materials and tools vary depending on the sensory preferences and age of the child. There are many options for sensory activities and ways to save money by making your own sensory items and tools. It isn’t necessary to buy or create everything out there. So much is dependant on what will be effective for your particular child.

When researching the available sensory tools, it can be overwhelming. There are the noise cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and vests and lap pads, indoor swings, hammocks, stretchy sheets, fidgets, trampolines, visual timers, exercise ball, body socks, mermaid pillows, brushes, palm massagers, sound therapy machines, the list goes on and on. It may help you narrow it down to read our Must-Haves for Kids with Sensory Needs.

Occupational therapy to come up with a sensory diet designed to best suit your child’s individual needs can be helpful.

What are the best books on Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators (digital version)Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators (digital version)Buy NowSensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators (paperback)Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators (paperback)The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook: How to Create Meaningful Sensory-Filled DaysThe Sensory Lifestyle Handbook: How to Create Meaningful Sensory-Filled DaysSensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing DisorderSensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing DisorderThe Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing DisorderThe Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing DisorderThe Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with SPD in the Adolescent and Young Adult YearsThe Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with SPD in the Adolescent and Young Adult YearsSensory Processing 101Sensory Processing 101Raising a Sensory Smart ChildRaising a Sensory Smart ChildUnderstanding Your Child's Sensory SignalsUnderstanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals

Sensory Play

Incorporating sensory play is an important aspect of helping kids with Sensory Processing Disorder to self-regulate and better be able to navigate the world around them. While sensory play may seem like, well, “play”, it is necessary for all kids, especially those with SPD.

Find a list of 175 Sensory Activity Ideas for Kids (sorted by sensory system). 

Create sensory play activities for your child or students easily. Here are some ideas to get you started:

175 Super Simple Sensory Activities for Kids175 Sensory Activity Ideas for Kids
Trampoline Games and Activities5 Trampoline Games
Alphabet Sensory Bin for Preschool Letter Recognition
American Girls Doll Sensory Bag
American Girls sensory bottle squareAmerican Girls Sensory Bottle
apple tree made out of playdough on a blue backgroundApple Tree Colour and Counting Playdough Game
Arctic Sensory Bag
Bring a bit of the North home with this Arctic Sensory BottleArctic Sensory Bottle
Astronaut Sensory Bottle
At the Beach Nature Sensory Bottle
At the Beach Sensory Bottle
Autumn Sensory Bin with birdseed and cinnamonAutumn Sensory Bin with Birdseed and Cinnamon
Baseball Mini Sensory Bottle
balls of playdough in 6 colours stacked on top of each otherBasic Homemade Playdough Recipe
Bath Time Sensory Bin with Ice and Gelatin
a child's hands hold a blue calm down bottle. The child's hands are all that is visible as the child is snuggled underneath a green blanket.Bedtime Calming Sensory Bottle
Bee Life Cycle Sensory Bin
hands holding dripping black slimeBlack Glitter Slime Easy Recipe
Bright Butterfly Sensory Bin
Bubble Paint Body SlamBubble Wrap Body Slam Painting
Bubble Painting!
Bug Action Cards for Kids
Bug Action Cube Gross Motor Fun
Bug Slime without Borax
soap dispenser with clear soap and blue and green plastic bugs in itSimple Bugs Fun Hand Soap for Kids
Bugs Sensory Bottle
Butterfly Sensory Bag
Button Stacking Fine Motor and Sensory Activities
Scented Bubbles: Calming Lavender Bubble Recipe
Calming Lavender Scented Playdough
16 Calming Sensory Activities With Lavender
Calming Lavender Sensory BinCalming Lavender Sensory Bin
red and white swirls in a dish with candy canes and cookie cuttersCandy Cane Oobleck
Candy Sensory Bin PlayCandy Sensory Bin
Chocolate Milk SlimeMilky Slime Recipe
a child's hands pull a brown sensory material over a bowlChocolate Oobleck or Fake Mud for Sensory Play
Christ-Centered Easter Sensory Bin
Christmas Counting I-Spy Discovery (Sensory) BottleChristmas Counting I-Spy Discovery Bottle
Christmas Gifts Sensory Bin
Christmas Nativity Slime
Christmas Ornaments Sensory Bag
Christmas Ornaments Sensory Bottle
Christmas Sticky Tree at The Chaos and The ClutterChristmas Sticky Tree
Christmas Tree Sensory Bottle
Citrus Sensory BinCitrus Sensory Bin
coffee sensory binCoffee Sensory Bin
Colour Mixing Sensory Science
Colour Mixing Sensory Bottle
ice cube tray with paint while a hand paints a rainbow with a yellow brushCondensed Milk Edible Paint
Construction Sensory Bins
Cool Camo Fluffy Slime
The Coolest Slime Recipes
Cotton Ball Painting
Create your own Sensory Bin...a creative challenge for kidsCreate Your Own Sensory Bin
Creating a Colour Themed Sensory Bin
Spider Slime Recipe: Just Like A Spider Web
Deconstructed Christmas Tree Sensory Bottle
Desert Sensory BinDesert Sensory Bin
Despicable Me Minions Sensory Bag
Minions Despicable Me Sensory BottleDespicable Me Minions Sensory Bottle
Dino-riffic Dinosaur Slime
Dinosaur Fossils in Playdough
Dinosaur Sensory Bottle
Hop Easter Sensory BinEaster Egg and Bunny Sensory Bin
yellow and purple with toy sparkly eggs and the letters to spell Easter Egg HuntEaster Egg Hunt Sensory Bin
Easter Fluffy Slime
drips of pastel colours of goo coming down into a sensory bin of oobleckEasy Easter Oobleck Recipe
blue plush mini chick and pastel sequins in a bottle with clear liquid and glitterEaster Sensory Bottle
slime that has coloured mini beads and small bunny toys in itEasy Easter Slime Recipe
Easy Fall Sensory Bag
Edible Freezie Painting
Edible Shark Fluffy Slime
Eggs and Carrots Easter Sensory Bin
Eyeball Sensory Bin...even popular with older kids.Eyeball Sensory Bin
Fall Leaves Sensory Jar
Fall Leaves Slime
Fill an Ornament Christmas Sensory Bag
making paint from leaves and stemsFlower Petal Fingerpaint
blue slime with a yellow toy fish and a green and red toy fish in itFluffy Fish Slime
Football Mini Sensory Bottle
Frog Sensory BinFrog Sensory Bin with Play Puffs
Frozen Inspired Elsa Microwave Playdough
Frozen Inspired Elsa Slime
Frozen inspired sensory binFrozen Sensory Bin
Frozen Treasure Find
thumb pulling blue slime filled with confettiFun Birthday Slime Recipe
Garden Sensory Bin
Ghost Hands FunGhost Hands Campfire Fun
Gingerbread Playdough Station
Glitter Sensory Bottle
Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottle
Glow in the Dark Slime with Glitter
Gluten Free Candy Cane PlaydoughGluten Free Candy Cane Playdough
Googly Eye Monster Slime
Gross Motor Dinosaur Action Cube
close up of a sensory bottle with orange pumpkins and purple huesHalloween Sensory Bottle
Hallowe’en Sensory Game
History Sensory BinHistory Sensory Bin
Holiday Jingle Bell Slime
Holiday Scented Christmas Tree Slime
How To Make Squishies
How to Colour Moon Dough
four trays. One with red macaroni, another with yellow, another with green, and the other with blue.How to Dye Noodles for Sensory Play
seven metal trays each with a different colour of rice on itHow to Dye Rice for Sensory Play
clump of orange slimeHow to Make Pumpkin Slime
Create Your Own Sensory Balls (for pennies each)How to Make Sensory Balls
Human Body Sensory Bin
clear bottle on its side filled with dry rice and colourful bird buttonsI Spy Birds Sensory Bottle
clear bottle filled with dry rice and forest animal buttonsI Spy Forest Animal Babies Sensory Bottle
I Spy Sensory Bin
Ice Painting
Insect Sensory Bin with Pasta
Joy Sensory BinJoy Sensory Bin
matching two cards of a cartoon sad giraffeJungle Sensory Bin with Printable Feelings Cards
a collage of photos demonstrating different activities using kinetic sand including stamping, stacking, shaping, and building. The words "kinetic sand activities" are on the image.Kinetic Sand Activities
Kinetic Sand Sensory Bins
a white bin filled with kinetic sand also contains 3 small construction vehicle toys that are yellow and black in colour.How To Make Kinetic Sand At Home
hand scoops up blue goo as it drips from the fingersKitchen Play with Oobleck
Lego Sensory Bottle
Lemonade Oobleck Summer Sensory Play for Kids
Lemonade Sensory Soup
Life Cycle of a Chicken Sensory Bin
A closeup picture of a sensory bottle filled with bright colours of alphabet beads and bright coloured tinsel.Lightweight ABC I Spy Sensory Bottle
Homemade Playdough that won't make your arms soreMaple Scented Canada Day Playdough
Mardi Gras Slime
This melted snowman sensory bottle is adorable!Melted Snowman Sensory Bottle
Melting Ice Cream Playdough
Mermaid Calm Down Bottle
Mermaid Stress Balls
Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Sensory Bottle
Minnie Mouse Slime
Money Sensory Bag
Money Sensory Bottle for Math Unit
Monster Sensory Bottle
Monsters Sensory Bin
Nativity Playdough Invitation to Play
Nativity Sensory Bag
Nativity Sensory Bottle Snow Globe
plush bunny sits by a sensory bin filled with moss, grass, and toy butterfliesNature Inspired Easter Sensory Bin
Nature Inspired Spring Sensory Soup
New Year’s Eve Noisemakers
New Year’s Eve Sensory Bottle
This New Year's sensory bottle is especially for the kids but can also add to the decor of any New Year's celebrations.New Year’s Sensory Bottle for Kids
O Holy Night Nativity Sensory Bin
Ocean Sensory Bag
Ocean Discovery Bottle that keeps items suspended including the glow in the dark jellyfish and starfishOcean Sensory Bottle
On the Go Christmas Sensory Tub
Our Best Sensory BinsOur Best Sensory Bins
Outdoor Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Huge List of Outdoor Winter Sensory Activities
Peppermint Essential Oil Christmas Playdough
Peppermint Scented Slime Recipe
Peter Rabbit Playdough Invitation to Play
Peter Rabbit Sensory Bin
Printable Pirate Themed Emotions Playdough Mats
Playdough Made with Hair Gel
Free Printable Playdough MatsPrintable Playdough Mats
fluffy yarn in pastel coloursPretend Cotton Candy for Sensory Play
Pretend Play Sensory Activity
Pretty Princess Sensory Bottle
Printable Playdough Mats for Sensory Play
pink circle cookie cutter next to yellow playdough covered in candy sprinklesPudding Playdough
in a red plastic bin, light almost white cloud dough is sprinkled with fall coloured plastic leaves and small metallic leaf shaped confetti. There is also a metal scoop in the corner.Pumpkin Pie Scented Moon Dough
Pumpkin Puffy Paint
Rainbow Confetti Party Slime
Rainbow Playdough Colour and Counting Game
Rainbow Playdough Fine Motor Activity
Rainbow Rainfall Sensory Bottle - This discovery bottle is easily made with straws and beads.Rainbow Rainfall Sensory Bottle
a black child's hand is reaching up from a bin of soap foam holding blue and pink soap foam. The bin contains areas of pink, blue, purple, and yellow soap foam.Rainbow Soap Foam
Scented Valentine’s Sensory Bin
Sea Turtle Life Cycle Sensory Bin
Seashell Fossils in Playdough
Seaside Sensory Bin
Seek and Find Sensory Bin
Sensory Activities with Baby Oil
Sensory Lego Letters Preschool Activity
Sensory Play with Bubbles
Sensory Smell Bottles
Sensory Sound Eggs
Shark Week Sensory Bottle
Shaving Cream Painting
Shaving Cream Polka-Dot Sidewalk Painting
Spring Flowers Sensory BinSilk Flowers Sensory Bins
Simple Christmas Sensory Bag
Simple Fall Sensory Bottle
Simple Hallowe’en Slime
Simple Summer Sensory ActivitySimple Summer Sensory Activity
Valentine's Sensory BinSimple Valentines Sensory Bin
Squishy Sky Sensory Bag
A Sky sensory bottle to encourage exploration and imagination.Sky Sensory Bottle
Snow Playdough and invitation to playSnow Playdough
Snowballs and Jingle Bells Sensory Bag
Snowflake Sensory Bag
Snowflake Sensory Bottle and simple science lessonSnowflake Sensory Bottle and Science Lesson
This Space themed discovery bottle is naturally weighted which provides more sensory input.Space Sensory Bottle
Spring Sensory Bottle with butterflies, flowers and bugsSpring Sensory Bottle
Sprinkles Sensory Bag
I Spy Christmas Sensory Bag
Squishy Mermaid Sensory Bag
Squishy Shark Sensory Bag
finger presses into an air bubble in shamrock slime to get at a gold coinSt. Patrick’s Clear Slime
St. Patrick’s Day Fluffy Slime
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bag
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin
St. Patrick's Day Sensory BottleSt. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bottle
Stretchy Butterfly Slime
an almost opaque white slime with red round confetti and bright green tree shaped confetti is seen held in a hand with only the thumb visibleHow To Make Stretchy Slime
hand presses into blue slime with coloured confetti in itStretchy Superhero Slime
Stuck in the Mud Playdough GameStuck in the Mud with Playdough
Summer Sensory Bin
Superheroes Sensory Bag for Superkids
Superheroes Sensory Bottle
Tactile Sensory CardsTactile Sensory Cards
Tactile Sensory Play with Texture Balloons
This Sky sensory bin is perfect for flight units or for kids who want to explore and use their imaginations.Take Flight with a Sky Sensory Bin
Textured Butter Slime
Thanksgiving Sensory Bottle
The Grinch Sensory Bottle
The Mega List of Sensory Bottles
Timon Inspired Lion King Slime
an empty toilet paper roll covered in birdseed on a table sprinkled with bird seed. A white plate is visible in the background.Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Transportation Alphabet Playdough Mats
Trolls Sensory Bag
Understanding Emotions Birthday Party Printable Playdough Mats
Unicorn Sensory Bag
Unicorn Fluffy Slime
Unicorns and Fairies Sensory Bottle
Unique Slime Recipes
Valentine’s Calm Down Bottle
Valentine’s Day Fluffy Slime
Valentine’s Day Playdough Station
Valentine’s Day Slime
Valentine’s Pluffle Sensory Bin
The contents of this Valentines sensory bottle can later be used to create the base of a Valentine's Day sensory bin.Valentines Sensory Bottle
Valentine’s Chocolate and Strawberry Playdough
Van Gogh Inspired Starry Night Sensory Bottle
Water Beads Sensory Tray
a collage of different winter themed sensory bins and the words "Winter Sensory Bins"Winter Sensory Bins
Winter Sensory Tray on a mirrorWinter Sensory Tray
Winter Wonderland Sensory BinWinter Wonderland Sensory Bin
One Year of Awesome Sensory Bottles
Zoo Mini Sensory Bottle

Join me for a free 5 part email series Sensory Solutions and Activities and get your Sensory System Behaviours Easy Reference Cards.

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