What causes a child to have sensory issues?

They often love to move around and crash into things. Hypersensitive kids avoid strong sensory stimulation and get overwhelmed easily. A change in environment can trigger a child's sensory difficulties. For example, a child who is calm sitting in a quiet car might get overwhelmed in a bright, crowded grocery store.

What does it mean when a child has sensory issues?

Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to things that overstimulate their senses, such as loud environments, bright lights, or intense smells. Or, they may seek out additional stimulation in settings that don't stimulate their senses enough.

What can trigger sensory issues?

Snapshot: What sensory processing issues are

Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food, and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.

Can a child have sensory issues and not be autistic?

Recent studies suggest that between 90% and 95% of people on the autism spectrum have sensory processing differences. The reverse, however, doesn't hold true: Most people with SPD aren't on the autism spectrum.

Can a child outgrow sensory issues?

We simply do not have evidence that children can “outgrow” SPD if it is left untreated. In fact, there is evidence to the contrary. Research has shown a strong correlation between SPD symptoms in childhood and adulthood (Rosenthal, M.Z., 2013).

Treating Children for Sensory Processing Disorder

What are examples of sensory issues?

How do you calm down sensory issues?

What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?

What is a sensory diet?

A sensory diet is a group of activities that are specifically scheduled into a child's day to assist with attention, arousal and adaptive responses. The activities are chosen for that child's needs based on sensory integration theory.

Is there a cure for sensory processing disorder?

There is no medication to treat sensory processing issues. But there are therapies as well as practical changes you can make at home and at school to help your child feel better and do better. You'll want to rule out other causes for your child's symptoms.

Are sensory issues part of ADHD?

Sensory issues and sensory processing disorders are prevalent in people with ADHD.

What are sensory seeking behaviors?

Sensory seeking behaviors typically include poor balance, coordination, and awareness of their body in space. Kids with sensory challenges or a sensory seeking disorder may also have decreased awareness of vestibular and/or proprioceptive input.

What is a sensory meltdown?

A sensory meltdown is a fight, flight or freeze response to sensory overload. It is often mistaken for a tantrum or misbehaviour. The main way to be able to tell the difference between a tantrum and a sensory meltdown is that tantrums have a purpose.

Is SPD on the autism spectrum?

Today, they're such a widely recognized aspect of autism that they are included in the diagnostic criteria for the condition. Still, many child psychiatrists do not see SPD as a distinct diagnostic label.

How do you test for sensory processing disorder?

Currently the standardised assessment tool used to diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. This consists of 17 tests that are used to test several aspects of sensory processing.

How do you discipline a child with sensory processing disorder?

Take a look at your child's behavior and see what senses they are looking to stimulate. Rather than punish them for engaging in a behavior, redirect them to another activity that stimulates their senses in a similar way. Explain why it's a better choice than the other behavior.

What can kids with sensory processing disorder eat?

Depending on your child's food texture preference, serve either soft foods made using a food processor like creamy chicken salad or vegetables and proteins hidden in dips or for those who like a crunchy texture, serve fresh raw vegetables vs cooked or baked potato wedges instead of mashed potatoes.

How do sensory seekers sit still?

Using a fidget: Sometimes giving the child a fidget toy to hold during class will keep their hands busy and help them to stay engaged and sit still. Taking movement breaks: It might be helpful for children to periodically get out of their seats to take a movement break.

How long should sensory breaks be?

Children in fourth grade and above it is suggested to have a break every 45 minutes. Realistically this may not always be the case. So if you can at least get a break in every 1-2 hours, that is ideal. Breaks can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes.

How do I know if my child has sensory issues?

Being very sensitive to the fit and texture of clothing, for example, refusing to wear anything with a tag or anything that feels “wrong” Refusing to brush their teeth or hair, or avoiding other activities that involve the senses, like haircuts. Not enjoying cuddles or touch, especially when it's unexpected.

Do sensory issues get worse with age?

SPD becomes worse with injuries and when with normal aging as the body begins to become less efficient. So, if you always had balance problems and were clumsy, this can become more of a problem in your senior years.

How can you tell the difference between ADHD and sensory processing disorder?

ADHD is treated with medications and cannot be impacted by changing the child's environment. A child with SPD is unable to accurately “translate” information received through their senses so that it can be used functionally in life. While some children are hypersensitive to stimuli, others are hyposensitive.

How can I help my child with sensory needs?

Discuss changes that might help, like letting your child fidget when they have to sit for a long time. Or allowing them wear noise-blocking headphones when things get loud. Sensory breaks, like walking in circles or jumping on a mini-trampoline, can help under-sensitive kids get the input they need.

What type of doctor can diagnose sensory processing disorder?

Although not yet recognized officially (for example, in the DSM-5), Sensory processing Disorder can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist with advanced training in sensory processing and integration.

How do you parent a sensory child seeking?