If you’ve noticed your child struggling with sensory integration, you’re not alone. Many parents recognize the challenges of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and its impact on daily life. Research reveals that SPD is a neurological disorder affecting how the brain processes sensory information from the environment.
This info graphic explains Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) as a dysfunction in the nervous system when it gets messages from the senses (touch, sight, taste, smell or sound), and then responds. There are two types of SPD. A hypo-reactive nervous system under reacts and it takes longer for someone to feel a sensation. This may make someone appear lazy, clumsy or disorganized. A Hyper-reactive nervous system is an increased response to stimulus, and makes a child appear hyper-sensitive and easily distracted. The graphic ends with signs of SPD and solutions at home, school, and through therapy.
Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration #sensory
Did you know that Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects how the brain processes sensory information? Learn more about SPD and how to support individuals with this neurological disorder.
In-Put and Out-Put of the Senses
The infographic illustrates the process of sensory input and output, highlighting how the brain processes sensory information. A diagram shows the flow of sensory information from the environment to the brain and back out again.
This process is crucial in understanding how SPD affects individuals. By recognizing the complexities of sensory processing, we can better support those with SPD.
Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological disorder that affects how the brain processes sensory information – Laura Lurns
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Hypo-Reactive and Hyper-Reactive Nervous Systems
A hypo-reactive nervous system is characterized by a decreased response to sensory stimuli. Individuals with a hypo-reactive nervous system may exhibit behaviors such as under-reactive to touch and delayed reaction to sounds.
A hyper-reactive nervous system, on the other hand, is characterized by an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli. Individuals with a hyper-reactive nervous system may exhibit behaviors such as overly sensitive to touch and difficulty filtering out background noise.
Key takeaways
- SPD Definition: A neurological disorder affecting sensory processing.
- SPD Symptoms: Difficulties with sensory integration, challenges in daily life.
- SPD Solutions: Setting routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids.
Signs of SPD and Solutions
The infographic provides a list of signs that may indicate the presence of SPD, including difficulty staying in line, trouble following directions, and avoiding certain textures or smells. Solutions for SPD involve setting routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using visual aids.
By understanding the signs of SPD and implementing these solutions, parents and caregivers can better support individuals with SPD.
By understanding SPD, we can better support individuals with this disorder and help them reach their full potential – Laura Lurns
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
The system that labels rather than develops is a significant obstacle for individuals with SPD. However, by embracing a growth mindset and focusing on skill-building, we can empower those with SPD to reach their full potential. The Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan, and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit.
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Why we use AI, plainly: it writes from a knowledge base our team maintains and audits. We work through it line by line and pull anything the evidence stops supporting. The roadmap you get on Tuesday reflects what we corrected on Monday, and a human still reads it before you do.
Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
References
- Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation - https://www.spdfoundation.net/
