In addition to motor skill disorders, sensory issues can also arise and are often identified during childhood. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing stimuli received by the sensory organs, including vision, touch, and sound.
Children with this condition may become overly sensitive or completely unresponsive to external stimuli, leading them to seek additional stimulation.
What impact does this condition have on a child’s life, and how can it be managed?
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What Is Sensory Processing Disorder in Children?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition in children that causes the brain to process sensory stimuli differently. These stimuli include sound, light, touch, taste, and smell.
As a result, children with sensory disorders tend to be extremely sensitive to light, sound, or physical contact. Even wearing clothes can be uncomfortable because of the fabric touching their skin.
Although more common in children, adults can also experience this condition.
Symptoms of Sensory Disorders in Children
The most common symptom of sensory disorders in children is an exaggerated reaction to stimuli that most people find normal. These children tend to be overly sensitive to external stimuli, such as light, sound, and touch.
Even minor stimuli can disturb them, making it difficult to focus and easily distracted.
However, sensory disorders in children can also manifest as hyposensitivity, meaning they have a reduced response to external stimuli.
Symptoms of Hypersensitivity in Children with Sensory Disorders:
- Overreacting to sounds, lights, or touches that seem normal to others
- Becoming fussy in noisy environments
- Low pain tolerance
- Frequently covering their eyes or ears in response to stimuli that most people find harmless
- Picky eating, especially with specific textures
- Appearing clumsy
- Feeling that gentle touches are painful
- Refusing hugs or sudden touches
- Struggling to control emotions
- Difficulty adapting to new environments
- Trouble maintaining focus
Symptoms of Hyposensitivity in Children with Sensory Disorders:
- High pain tolerance due to reduced sensitivity
- Frequently touching objects
- Putting objects in their mouth
- Bumping into people, furniture, or walls
- Seeking physical contact, such as giving strong hugs
- Lack of awareness of personal space
- Constantly moving or rocking
Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder
The exact cause of sensory disorders is unknown. However, researchers believe it is related to problems in the brain’s sensory pathways.
Children with autism often experience sensory issues.
In addition to autism, sensory disorders can also occur in children with:
- ADHD
- Schizophrenia
- Head injuries
- Sleep disorders
- Developmental delays
How to Manage Sensory Disorders in Children
If you suspect your child has sensory issues, consult a pediatrician or a developmental specialist.
Sensory disorders cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with various therapies, such as:
1. Sensory Integration Therapy
The primary therapy for sensory disorders is sensory integration therapy. This therapy involves engaging children in fun activities that help them learn how to respond to stimuli appropriately.
2. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children perform daily tasks, such as dressing and buttoning clothes. For children with sensory issues, the sensation of fabric on their skin can be overwhelming, making these tasks challenging.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for sensory disorders may involve a sensory diet. A sensory diet consists of various activities designed to help children become more comfortable with certain stimuli by gradually exposing them to it.
Why Early Intervention Is Important
Children with sensory disorders struggle to process stimuli from their five senses (sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell). These senses help provide information about safety, and difficulty processing them can make children less aware of danger, putting their safety at risk.
Additionally, sensory disorders can affect behavior as children react to discomfort. This can make social interactions challenging.
If you suspect your child has sensory issues, consult a pediatrician. Working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists can help develop a proper treatment plan to manage sensory disorder symptoms.
You can visit the Children’s Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital to consult with a pediatrician and receive therapy from our experienced specialists.
Contact us via WhatsApp chat, book an appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and the App Store for a more convenient consultation experience.
