Sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) has been a hot topic amongst many medical professionals. Is SPD a real thing! How is SPD treated? The purpose of this blog is to provide information through a variety of various media regarding the disorder. This blog will also provide a forum for others to share their opinions and personal experiences regarding SPD!
SO…what is sensory Processing disorder?
The brains of persons with SPD have trouble processing various inputs or information such as; (sounds, sites, smells, and touch). This input then causes an abnormal response or “symptoms”. Some symptoms may include; yelling, hyper activity, poor posture, poor attention, tiredness, and over sensitivity to the environment. The video below accurately describes SPD in short.
How is sensory processing disorder treated?
Sensory processing disorder is typically treated by occupational therapist. Occupational therapist use a variety of techniques. The most widely talked about is sensory integration therapy. This video paints a good picture of Sensory integration and how it is applied.
So what makes SPD debatable
*Sensory processing disorder has been argued by some medical professionals that SPD is a symptom exclusively of autism.
* Some medical professionals and evidence based research supports that sensory integration therapy is ineffective.
*Until recently, no known anatomical evidence showed any disparities in those with SPD. More research must be conducted
Research
Article: White matter microstructure is associated with auditory, tactile processing in children with and without sensory processing disorder. (2016)
Summary: “Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that boys and girls with sensory processing disorder (SPD) have altered pathways for brain connectivity when compared to typically developing children, and the difference predicts challenges with auditory and tactile processing.”( S. Leigh, 2016)
Link to full study https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnana.2015.00169/full
Article : Sensory processing difficulties, behavioral problems, and parental stress in a clinical population of young children, (2012)
Summary: The article talks about sensory processing disorder and how it can relate to behavioral problems among young children. This study followed 59 children from an outpatient clinic. Each participant filled out a behavioral checklist as well as a sensory profile. Out of the 59 children 55.9% of them reported sensory processing difficulties. Based on these results the article suggest that some children who obtained difficulties with sensory processing would benefit from therapies that target these concerns. The article also related these results to parent stress. Parents of children with sensory difficulties reported a much higher level of stress than parents with children who did not have sensory difficulties.
link to Full study
http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eoah&AN=28041949&site=ehost-live
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Personal thoughts
I do believe that sensory processing disorder requires additional research regarding diagnostic testing and treatment interventions. Occupational therapist and other practitioners utilizing sensory integration therapies should continue to imply the use of evidence based practice. Research both supports and disproves the use of sensory integration as well as the validity of calling SPD a disease.
Please post personal thoughts or additional videos here:
References
Gourley, L., Wind, C., Henninger, E. M., & Chinitz, S. (2012). Sensory Processing Difficulties, Behavioral Problems, and Parental Stress in a Clinical Population of Young Children.Journal of Child and Family Studies, 22(7), 912-921. doi:10.1007/s10826-012-9650
Howe, F. E., & Stagg, S. D. (2016). Erratum to: How Sensory Experiences Affect Adolescents with an Autistic Spectrum Condition within the Classroom. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(6), 2273-2273. Doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2791-8
Leigh, S. (2016, January 26). Brain’s Wiring Connected to Sensory Processing Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2016/01/401461/brains-wiring-connected-sensory-processing-disorder
Ricon, T., Sorek, R., & Yeger, B. E. (2017). Association between Sensory Processing by Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Daily Routines. TheOpen Journal of Occupational Therapy, 5(4). doi:10.15453/2168-6408.1337