Sensory Processing Disorder Overview: Diagnosis and Testing

Types of Sensory Processing Challenges

SPD can manifest in different ways, typically categorized into three primary types:

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD): Difficulty regulating responses to sensory input, resulting in over-responsiveness (hypersensitivity), under-responsiveness (hyposensitivity), or sensory-seeking behaviors.
2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD): Challenges with motor coordination due to issues with processing sensory input, often leading to poor balance, clumsiness, or difficulty performing tasks that require motor planning.
3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD): Difficulty distinguishing between different types of sensory stimuli, affecting the ability to identify and perceive subtle differences in textures, sounds, or visual details.

Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms of SPD vary depending on the person and the specific type of sensory processing issue they experience. Common signs include:

1. Hyperresponsiveness (Oversensitivity):
    – Aversion to certain textures, such as clothing fabrics or food.
    – Distress or discomfort in noisy environments.
    – Extreme reactions to light touch, sounds, or visual stimuli.
    – Hypo responsiveness (Under sensitivity):
    – Lack of awareness of pain, temperature, or physical touch.
    – Seeking intense sensory input or stimulating games that may involve spinning, jumping, or loud noises.
    – Difficulty paying attention and responding to typical sensory cues.
2. Sensory Seeking Behaviors:
    – Craving intense sensory experiences, such as vigorous movement or deep pressure.
    – Engaging in repetitive behaviors, like hand-flapping or spinning objects.
    – Fascination with certain visual or auditory stimuli.

Impact on Daily Life

For individuals with SPD, these sensory issues can significantly affect daily activities, including self-care, academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Children with SPD may struggle in school settings due to difficulties processing sensory information in a typical classroom environment.

At the same time, adults may find it challenging to navigate crowded or chaotic settings.

Testing and Diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder

Importance of Early Identification

Early identification of SPD is crucial for implementing effective interventions and supports. Although SPD is not formally recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5, professionals such as occupational therapists can assess sensory processing difficulties and provide strategies to manage them. Taking a SPD test can be the first step in this process.

How is SPD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing SPD typically involves a combination of clinical observations, parent or caregiver reports, and standardized assessments. Critical steps in the diagnostic process include:

1. Clinical Observation: A trained professional observes the individual’s responses to various sensory stimuli in different contexts, such as during play, social interactions, or daily routines.
2. Parent/Caregiver Reports: Parents or caregivers provide detailed information about the individual’s sensory preferences, behaviors, and responses to everyday situations.
3. Standardized Assessments: Tools such as the Sensory Profile or the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) are used to quantify sensory processing patterns and identify areas of difficulty. These are often part of a comprehensive sensory processing disorder test.

Sensory Processing Disorder Tests

Sensory Profile

The Sensory Profile is a questionnaire designed for parents, teachers, or caregivers to fill out, capturing the individual’s responses to sensory experiences in everyday life. It helps to identify patterns of sensory processing and how they affect participation in various activities.

Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)

The SPM assesses sensory processing, praxis, and social participation in different environments, such as home and school. It includes forms for parents, teachers, and professionals, providing a comprehensive view of how sensory processing issues manifest in different contexts. Taking a sensory processing disorder test like the SPM can provide valuable insights for creating effective interventions.

Intervention and Support for Sensory Processing Disorder

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is one of the most effective interventions for individuals with SPD. Therapists use sensory integration techniques to help individuals process sensory information more effectively, improving their ability to participate in daily activities.

Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments

Modifying environments, whether center-based or home-based, to reduce sensory overload can be beneficial. This may include creating quiet spaces, using noise-canceling headphones, or providing weighted blankets and sensory toys to help regulate sensory input.

Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

1. Establish Routine: Consistent routines can provide predictability and comfort for individuals with SPD.
2. Use Visual Supports: Visual schedules and cues can help individuals understand and anticipate sensory experiences.
3. Implement Sensory Diets: A sensory diet involves planned activities that provide the sensory input an individual needs to stay focused and organized.

Conclusion

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a challenging condition that affects how a person processes sensory information.

Understanding SPD and addressing it with a personalized approach is crucial. Early identification and targeted therapy can greatly affect the lives of those affected by SPD.

By using research-based  therapy techniques and creating supportive environments, individuals with SPD can better manage their sensory experiences, leading to improved daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With Move Up ABA, we can help your affected love ones by utilizing ABA therapy techniques to deal with SPD. It’s easy to get started, just tap here. Move Up ABA team is here to support you every step of the way.