Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Paper Example

Introduction

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) also known as sensory integration dysfunction is a neurological condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses from the eyes, ears, body, and skin (Sensory input) rendering the brain trouble receiving and responding appropriately to information that comes in through the senses. What feels 'just right' may mean different for every person. Some people like things quiet, some prefer a little noise. So reactions they give to different sensations can be either too strong, or not strong enough. This means that individuals with SPD may feel sensory input more or less intensely than other people. Autism Spectrum Disorder

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This is a severe developmental behavior that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Many researchers confirm that Sensory Processing Disorder most commonly presents alongside Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is extremely important to recognize that if a person has SPD this does not mean they are autistic or on the spectrum (Biel & Peske, 152), however, many individuals with ASD do have sensory related problems.

Causes

The exact cause of SPD has not yet been identified though preliminary studies and research suggest that it is often inherited. If left unattended to, SPD can impact on a person's ability to interact with different environments leading development impairment.

Statistics provided by The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2012 estimated that PSD affects 1 in 88 children, while a Canadian study shows that 1 in 100 children are affected. However, this does not account for all cases of PSD and autism spectrum disorders. Many cases of PSD go unnoticed or detected late in children and therefore, it is not clear how many undiagnosed cases of ASD are actually in existence all over the world.

The concept of PSD was first introduced by Jean Ayres, a Ph.D. occupational therapist in 1972. He laid the foundation for sensory integration dysfunction studies (Biel & Peske 152). Since then, different professionals have defined and remodeled it. For instance, Gallagher and Weigel defined Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) as an inability to interpret sensations and organize a purposeful response (1) while Biel and Peske categorized SPD as an umbrella term consisting many different patterns and subtypes, such as under-responsive or over-responsive sensory reactions of integrative sensory problems (152).

Types of SPD

There are three possible components of dysfunction of sensory integration from previous researchers involving either under-responsiveness, over-responsiveness or sensory seeking. These include:

Sensory Modulation Disorder - impairment in regulating the intensity of responses, that is, having problems in turning sensory messages into controlled behaviors that match the nature and intensity of the sensory information.

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder- having problems in stabilizing, moving or planning a series of movements in response to sensory demands. This can either be Dyspraxia- difficulty with planning and executing complex motor acts or Postural disorder - associated with the poor processing of vestibular and proprioception. Inadequate response to emergencies may cause accidents.Sensory Discrimination Disorder- deficit in discrimination between sensory stimuli (visual, tactile, proprioception), that is, having problems in sensing similarities and differences between sensations.

Over-responsiveness (Hypersensitivity)

Over-responsive behaviors often produce sensory avoidance, causing individuals to avoid any of sensory experiences like touch, smell, sight and sound that may be pleasant, unpleasant, or simply one which an individual may find hard to process (Gallagher & Weigel 1). It is sometimes termed as hypersensitivity. It should be noted that not all hypersensitivity are SPDs (Biel & Peske 152). People with hypersensitivity have difficulties with sensory exploration as they get irritated by everything around them. In children, it can cause them to avoid emotional and social norms, which may cause isolation or aggression towards other children or motor activities, poor grasping of simple skills and cognition problems.

Under-responsiveness (hyposensitivity)

This is quite the opposite to hypersensitivity. People with hyposensitivity are often quiet and self-contained, which may go undetected in infancy, but it is more noticeable at toddler age and beyond when a child is playing with others. Individuals enjoy solitary activities, limited social interactions, not complaining of being bored and sometimes not feeling pain when cut or injured. Furthermore, Cognitive and Speech or Language complications may surface in addition to problems in grooming, dressing and eating (Biel & Penske 152).

Sensory Craving

People with sensory craving have an insatiable need for sensory experiences and actively search for sensation often in ways that are socially unacceptable. What may be perceived as bad behavior in most cases? Sensory seeking behavior may also be caused by children attempting to gain more information from their surroundings (Ashburner et al. 564). People with sensory craving behavior will appear fidgety, hyperactive, restless, and sometimes they appear to invade personal space, appear disorganized among others. They are usually nagging and disturbing, but care should be taken for most of them harm themselves if ignored.

Treatment and Control

At the moment, not many doctors know about sensory processing problems. Some mental health professionals are working to have these problems recognized as a condition called 'Regulatory-Sensory Processing Disorder.' But more research is needed before sensory processing issues can be considered as an official diagnosis. There is no known cure for SPDs, many techniques have been devised to manage and control the disorder.

Sensory diet - This is a treatment plan which delivers sensory information organizing the central nervous system by offering attention and measurable ingredients which help in modulating sensory information. It is usually effective in children (Gallagher & Weigel 1). A sensory diet aims at engaging children in sensory experiences which will enable them to focus and interact effectively with others. It is usually done on a daily basis in a planned and scheduled way. It is worth noting that not every child will require the same type of attention or ingredients.

Expanding abilities - This involves actively working on broadening the range of skill areas and interests. It may involve developing strength and coordination in children to enable them to participate in a multitude of co-curricular activities which would be good for their social interaction.Education - This should aim at enhancing efficient and appropriate response to sensory stimulation for SPD patients. It also involves teaching patients how to handle their feelings.Recognizing triggers - It is important to discover the environment or events that trigger negative responses especially in children. Adults are advised to avoid visiting their triggers. School transition (basically for children) - This involves providing additional support to teachers in school to check how a child is blending with others. There should be consistent engagement between teacher-child and teacher-parent or caregiver to monitor progress.Behavior management - Families should use a consistent approach to managing the behavior of their children. This makes it possible to manage behavior more quickly. Monitoring their behavior closely while at home helps in managing their behavior. This may involve accommodating them to feel loved and cared for.

Conclusion

Whether a parent, occupational therapist, child or any party, it is important to pay close attention to sensory related issues. It is not good to assume that an individual is trying to be difficult to handle when in a real sense they are suffering from different auditory, visual or tactile senses related issues. If someone seems particularly disturbed by different visuals in the room, extremely fatigued body language, 'do not bother attitude' it should not be dismissed as normal behaviors. It is extremely important to put their concerns and feelings into consideration rather than passing judgment due to misinformation.

It is extremely important to advocate for anyone experiencing SPD. Some people do not have abilities or measure to advocate for themselves even if they wished. It would be beneficial to know trigger environments when carrying out different treatment and controls plans. Throughout the treatment and control plan, caregivers should exercise patience with SPD patients and accommodate them so that they can feel they are not alone.

Works Cited

Ashburner, J. Ziviani, J., & Rodger, S. Sensory Processing and Classroom Emotional, Behavioral and Educational Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2008, pp.564-573.

Biel, L. & Peske, N. Raising a Sensory Smart Child. The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues. New York, NY, 2009, pp. 152-160.

Gallagher, M. M. & Weigel, P. Children, and Challenging Behavior. Making Inclusion Work-Center for Inclusive Child Care, 2005, pp.1-15.