SPD Diagnosis: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and How It's Diagnosed

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects the way the brain receives and responds to sensory information. This information, or stimuli, includes everything we perceive through our senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. SPD can impact any or all of these senses, and it manifests differently in individuals. Often, people with SPD are overly sensitive to stimuli that others barely notice. Conversely, some individuals may be under-sensitive, requiring more intense stimulation to register sensory input. This difficulty in processing sensory information can significantly impact social and emotional well-being. For instance, untreated sensory issues can lead to social isolation and anxiety, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing SPD.

While SPD can affect adults, it is more commonly diagnosed in children. In adults, symptoms typically stem from childhood experiences, with many having developed coping mechanisms to mask their difficulties. However, these coping strategies may not always be sufficient, and understanding SPD in adults is equally crucial.

The medical community holds varying views on SPD. Some professionals argue that it is not a distinct disorder, suggesting that observed behaviors might be within the range of typical childhood development or simply reflect high sensitivity. Others propose that SPD is a symptom of underlying conditions like autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or anxiety, rather than a standalone diagnosis. Conversely, many clinicians recognize SPD as a genuine condition where individuals struggle to process everyday sensory input, regardless of other diagnoses. Currently, SPD is not officially recognized as a formal medical diagnosis in all diagnostic manuals. Despite this, “Spd Diagnosis” remains a relevant search term for parents and individuals seeking to understand and address sensory processing challenges. Recognizing SPD, even without a formal label, is vital for identifying those who would benefit from targeted support and intervention.

Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of SPD

SPD presents with a wide array of symptoms that can affect one or multiple senses. Children with SPD may exhibit overreactions or underreactions to sensory input. Oversensitivity can lead to distress from everyday sounds, clothing textures, or food consistencies. Under-sensitivity, on the other hand, can manifest as a craving for intense sensory experiences, such as thrill-seeking behaviors. It’s important to note that individuals can experience a combination of both oversensitivity and under-sensitivity.

Children who are oversensitive may:

Find clothing labels or certain fabrics extremely itchy or scratchy.
Perceive normal levels of light as overwhelmingly bright.
Experience everyday sounds as painfully loud.
React negatively to light touch, finding it too intense.
Have strong aversions to certain food textures, leading to gagging or refusal to eat.
Exhibit poor balance and appear clumsy in their movements.
Show fear or avoidance of playground equipment like swings.
React with distress to sudden movements, unexpected touches, loud noises, or bright lights.
Display behavioral challenges related to sensory discomfort.

These sensory sensitivities can sometimes be linked to motor skill difficulties. Children might struggle with fine motor tasks like holding a pencil or using scissors, or gross motor skills like climbing stairs. Low muscle tone and language delays can also be observed in some cases. In older children, these challenges can contribute to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and even depression.

Conversely, children who are under-sensitive (sensory-seeking) may:

Have difficulty staying still and constantly fidget or move.
Seek out thrilling and intense activities, enjoying heights, spinning, and fast movements.
Be able to spin for extended periods without feeling dizzy.
Miss social cues and struggle to understand nonverbal communication.
Not recognize or respect personal space boundaries.
Chew on non-food items like clothing, toys, or their hands.
Seek excessive visual stimulation, often drawn to screens and electronics.
Experience sleep disturbances and difficulty settling down.
Be unaware of being dirty or having a runny nose.

Unraveling the Causes of SPD

The exact causes of SPD are still under investigation. Researchers are exploring potential genetic links, suggesting a hereditary component to the condition. There is also ongoing research examining a possible connection between autism and SPD. Studies suggest that individuals with autism may have a higher likelihood of having children with SPD. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the majority of people diagnosed with SPD do not have autism. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to SPD.

The Process of SPD Diagnosis

Parents are often the first to notice that their child’s behaviors are atypical compared to their peers. While they may recognize something is different, understanding the underlying cause can be challenging. Open communication with your child’s doctor is the crucial first step if you suspect SPD. Your doctor can provide an initial assessment and may recommend a referral to an occupational therapist (OT). Occupational therapists are the primary professionals who assess and diagnose SPD.

The “spd diagnosis” process typically involves:

Observation: OTs observe the child’s interactions and responses in various sensory-rich environments and situations.
Standardized Assessments: They use standardized sensory processing assessments and questionnaires to evaluate sensory reactivity and processing patterns.
Parent and Teacher Interviews: Gathering detailed information from parents and teachers about the child’s sensory behaviors across different settings is essential.
Clinical History Review: The OT will review the child’s developmental and medical history to rule out other potential conditions and gain a comprehensive understanding.

Based on this comprehensive evaluation, the occupational therapist can determine if a child meets the criteria for SPD and identify specific sensory processing patterns that need to be addressed. While a medical doctor may not provide an “spd diagnosis” in the formal sense due to its current diagnostic status, an OT’s assessment is crucial for understanding a child’s sensory needs and developing appropriate interventions.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies for SPD

Currently, there are no known preventative measures for SPD, as the exact causes remain unclear. However, early identification and intervention are key to effectively managing the condition.

Treatment for SPD primarily involves therapy, with early intervention showing the most promising outcomes. Therapy aims to help individuals, particularly children, learn to manage their sensory challenges and improve their daily functioning.

Therapy sessions are conducted by trained therapists, often occupational therapists, who work with the individual and their family to develop coping strategies. Treatment plans are tailored to whether the individual is oversensitive, under-sensitive, or a combination of both.

Common therapeutic approaches include:

Sensory Integration Therapy (SI): SI therapy is a play-based therapy conducted in a controlled environment. Under the guidance of a therapist, children are exposed to sensory stimuli in a safe and supportive manner. This helps them gradually learn to process and integrate sensory information without feeling overwhelmed. Through repeated exposure and guided activities, children develop adaptive coping mechanisms that can become automatic responses to sensory input in everyday life.
Sensory Diet: A sensory diet is not about food; it’s a personalized plan of sensory activities incorporated into a child’s daily routine at home and school. It’s designed to provide the sensory input a child needs to stay regulated, focused, and organized throughout the day. Like SI therapy, sensory diets are customized to address individual sensory needs. Examples of sensory diet activities at school can include: scheduled movement breaks, access to calming tools like headphones or fidget toys, and adapted seating to allow for movement.
Occupational Therapy (OT): Beyond sensory integration, OT addresses other challenges related to SPD. It focuses on improving fine motor skills (handwriting, using utensils), gross motor skills (climbing stairs, ball skills), and daily living skills (dressing, self-care). OT helps individuals develop the practical skills needed to navigate everyday tasks and environments more successfully.

In cases where SPD is accompanied by a sensory deficit like hearing loss, addressing the deficit directly, such as with hearing aids, is also an important part of comprehensive care.

Navigating Insurance Coverage for SPD Therapy

It’s important to proactively check with your health insurance provider regarding coverage for SPD-related therapies. Due to SPD’s current status as not being universally recognized as a formal diagnosis, insurance coverage for therapies can vary significantly. Understanding your insurance benefits and exploring options for coverage is a crucial step in accessing appropriate treatment.

Living Well with Sensory Processing Disorder

Living with SPD, whether as a child or adult, can present daily challenges. Parents of children with SPD may feel isolated and overwhelmed, sometimes limiting outings to avoid sensory overload triggers for their child. Adults with SPD can also experience social isolation and difficulties in everyday situations, impacting their ability to work, socialize, and participate fully in life.

Occupational therapy is beneficial for adults with SPD as well. Therapists can help adults develop new coping strategies and adaptive responses to sensory stimuli, leading to improved daily functioning and overall quality of life. Even with therapy, SPD symptoms may persist to some degree throughout life, and significant life events or periods of stress can sometimes trigger symptom exacerbation.

For adults experiencing sensory deficits like hearing loss, seeking professional help, including hearing tests and exploring hearing aid options, is essential for managing sensory input and maintaining overall well-being.

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor

If you suspect you or your child may have SPD, consider asking your doctor these questions:

How can we determine if I/my child has SPD?
What are the next steps after an “spd diagnosis” or identification of sensory processing challenges?
How can I make playgrounds and other public spaces more enjoyable for my child with SPD?
Can my child with SPD live a full and normal life?
How might my child react to specific sensory stimuli, and how can we prepare?
Will SPD symptoms lessen as my child gets older?
Are there any medications that can help with SPD symptoms (note: medication is not a primary treatment for SPD itself but may address co-occurring conditions)?
Can you assist me in understanding my insurance coverage for SPD therapy?

Resources for Further Information

Child Mind Institute: Sensory Processing Issues Explained: https://childmind.org/article/sensory-processing-issues-explained/
National Institute on Aging: Take care of your senses: The science behind sensory loss and dementia risk: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/take-care-your-senses-science-behind-sensory-loss-and-dementia-risk

Last Updated:

This article was contributed by: familydoctor.org editorial staff and Shanda Cook

Categories: Family Health, Infants and Toddlers, Kids and Teens

Tags: ADHD, autism, child, Neurologic, sensitivity, sensory, sensory processing disorder, spd, stimuli

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

SPD Diagnosis: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and How It’s Diagnosed