Could My Child Have SPD?

By Karen Fittinger, MS, CCC-SLP

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)—a neurological disorder also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)—are often either hypersensitive or hyposensitive (with decreased sensitivity). No two children are affected by SPD in exactly the same way, and SPD can stand alone or be part of another childhood disorder such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, and many other developmental delays. For these reasons, and others, it is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. But children with SPD often demonstrate certain atypical behaviors, and with early identification and intervention, kids stand a better chance of achieving better outcomes.

SPD Warning Signs:

• Enjoys excessive movement or may calm with movement (including spinning, swinging, jumping, rocking, hand-flapping or other repetitive movements).
• Oversensitive to loud noises or bright lights; may often cover ears or eyes.
• Enjoys feeling a variety of textures including walls and other rough or smooth surfaces.
• Has a high tolerance to pain and does not seem to be bothered when injured.
• Has a difficult time transitioning between activities, and may resist entering into new situations or environments.
• Does not like being touched on the body, face or in the mouth by others.
• Strongly dislikes certain grooming activities, such as brushing the teeth, washing the face, and having the hair brushed or cut.
• Has a hard time with the feeling of clothing, including tags, textures, socks, or long-sleeves.
• Often walks on tiptoe rather than his feet.
• Does not like to touch grass, sand or water with bare feet.
• Avoids getting hands dirty; avoids playing with dirt, sand, Play-Doh, glue or finger paints.
• Mouths, tastes, or smells many non-food objects past the appropriate developmental age.
• Picky eater who does not tolerate many textures or tastes.
• Shows no preference for certain temperatures such as hot or cold.
• Runs into many things, or bangs into objects on purpose.
• An especially high or low activity level.

Identification & Therapy

An occupational therapist with specialty training and certification in Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI Certification) can identify SPD. The evaluation may include observations of the child, standardized testing, as well as a parent report and reports from other professionals (such as your pediatrician, a speech & language pathologist, a physical therapist, psychologist or child development specialist).

If your child is identified as having SPD, therapy can help. Children in therapy are assisted to organize their central nervous systems, so they can process sensory information in a more appropriate way, enabling them to improve their responses to everyday sensory stimuli. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the sooner intervention can begin. Check out the links in this online exclusive for support.

Karen Fittinger, MS, CCC-SLP is a Speech & Language Pathologist with experience in early intervention. She is the owner of Bright Start Therapies in Sacramento and Roseville. She has also served as President of the Sacramento Speech and Hearing Association.