What is Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD) and Occupational Therapy?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding appropriately to information from the senses. This can lead to challenges in everyday functioning, emotional regulation, and social interaction. The ability of children and adults with SPD to engage in everyday activities may be impacted by their excessive or insufficient sensitivity to sensory stimulation.

Psychowellness Center, a trusted name in mental health and developmental care in West Delhi, provides comprehensive assessment and intervention for individuals with SPD. With a client-centered and family-inclusive approach, the center’s experienced Occupational Therapists work closely with clients to develop personalized sensory integration strategies.

Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for individuals with SPD. Therapy focuses on enhancing sensory processing skills, building adaptive responses, and supporting functional independence in daily life. At Psychowellness Center, the goal is not just symptom management, but overall well-being and meaningful participation in everyday activities.

Causes

While the exact cause of SPD is not known, contributing factors include:

Biological Factors

Atypical brain activity in sensory-related areas
Premature birth or low birth weight
Genetic predispositions

Environmental and Developmental Factors

Complications during pregnancy or birth
Early deprivation or lack of sensory-rich experiences
Co-occurrence with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Signs and Symptoms

SPD symptoms can vary widely but are often categorized based on how individuals respond to sensory input:

Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitivity)

Strong negative reactions to textures, sounds, lights, or smells
Avoidance of messy play or grooming activities (e.g., haircuts, nail trimming)
Easily startled by loud noises or bright lights
Discomfort with clothing textures or tags
Emotional outbursts when overwhelmed by sensory input

Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitivity)

seeks for strong sensations (such as crashing, spinning, and touching everything).
Unaware of pain or extreme temperatures
Appears lethargic or unmotivated
Does not respond to name or external stimuli

Sensory Seeking Behaviors

Constant movement (running, jumping, spinning)
Chewing non-food items (clothing, pencils)
Touching people or objects excessively
Difficulty sitting still or focusing

Motor and Postural Challenges

Poor balance and coordination
Delayed motor milestones
Clumsiness or frequent tripping

Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., writing, buttoning)

Types of Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Modulation Disorder
Difficulty regulating responses to sensory input—can be over- or under-responsive or craving sensory input.

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
Includes dyspraxia (difficulty with motor planning) and postural problem (low body awareness and coordination).

Sensory Discrimination Disorder
Trouble identifying and interpreting sensory information accurately (e.g., not feeling the difference between textures or weights).

OT for Sensory Processing Disorder

Occupational Therapy is the primary treatment approach for SPD. It aims to support sensory integration and improve daily life functioning through structured, engaging, and child-friendly interventions.

1. Sensory Integration Therapy

A specialized form of OT that provides controlled sensory input in a playful, therapeutic setting to help the brain process and respond more effectively.
Key Goals:

Improve sensory modulation
Enhance adaptive responses to sensory stimuli
Build neurological connections through repetitive exposure

2. Individualized Sensory Diet

A customized set of sensory activities scheduled throughout the day to help regulate arousal levels and maintain focus and calmness.
Examples:

Deep pressure (weighted blankets, bear hugs)
Movement breaks (jumping, swinging)
Oral motor input (chewy foods, whistles)

3. Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development

Activities designed to improve coordination, balance, posture, and hand-eye coordination for functional independence.

4. Environmental Modifications

Adapting the child’s environment at home or school to reduce sensory overload and support comfort and engagement.
Modifications include:

Noise-cancelling headphones
Visual schedules
Fidget tools or adapted seating

5. Parent and Family Education

Empowering families with strategies to understand, support, and respond to their child’s sensory needs.
Focus areas:

Creating sensory-friendly routines
Reinforcing therapy techniques at home
Managing meltdowns and transitions

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER & OT