Does your child cover their ears at loud sounds? Hate some clothing? An SPD child often can’t control their fear in crowded places. They are often overwhelmed by what seems to be nothing to most other children. Most parents do not know just how common sensory processing disorder is.

We offer coping mechanisms for kids at this level of sensory processing at Dr. A M Reddy Autism Centre in Hyderabad. This way, we help make their lifestyle less stressful, more confident, and more dependable.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Our brain and senses must do some sort of perception. The brain constantly processes signals from the body and other stimuli from the external world. Examples include touch, sounds, and taste. Generally, the brain does this effortlessly.

Neurodynamic systems of children with SPD process stimuli in an imperfect way. They might experience too many signals (oversensitivity) or too few signals (undersensitivity). Unlike most, they find normal stimuli painful.

An example SPD child will feel the whir of a fan as a jackhammer. A busy classroom might be like standing in the center of a storm. They are not exaggerating; they are genuinely suffering.

SPD is a neurological condition, not a behavioral issue. When appropriately supported, children can cope with their sensory responses and potentially flourish.

Sometimes children with ASD, ADHD and other developmental disorders experience sensory processing difficulties. Sensory Processing Disorder can also occur on its own. It affects children of all ages and backgrounds. Unfortunately, it is still often overlooked compared to other developmental disorders and is in most cases unrecognised, making it a greater challenge.

What are the types of Sensory Processing Disorder?

Because no case of this disorder is the same, it is broken up into three categories. Many times, children will fall into one or more of these categories.

1.Sensory Over-responsivity (hypersensitivity)

This means the child is highly sensitive to these types of experiences and will react strongly whether or not others are able to witness or notice the same experience. Wearing a sweater with the seams on the inside itches and digs the skin, while the room you are in is filled with overwhelming smells and sounds, and there is constant visual stimuli, is an experience that these children may endure every day.

• Seems to panic and cry in response to almost any loud sound
• Shows extreme avoidance to tags on clothing or other skin
• Doesn’t avoid hugs
• Scared and seem hyperactive or experience sensory overload
• Turns down or will almost always refuse to eat certain foods because of their sensory experience
• Seems scared of and or doesn’t want their teeth, face, or hair to feel a certain way

2.Under-responsive senses (hyposensitivity)
The child is receiving too little sensory information and it doesn’t ‘register’. The child doesn’t appear to notice pain or temperature and also seems to be unaware of the body’s position in space. The under-responsive child doesn’t notice cuts and bruises, doesn’t feel the cold and might seek highly intense sensations such as banging against objects or touching all that is in their environment just to feel something.

• Has a high pain tolerance-doesn’t notice cuts, bruises, injuries
• Doesn’t appear to notice others infringing on personal space or touch them too roughly
• Is clumsy and bumps into objects or falls frequently
• Seeks movement constantly-spinning, jumping, crashing, etc.
• Puts objects in the mouth beyond the expected age range
• Doesn’t seem to notice people talking to them or loud sounds.

3.Sensory Seeking
The child craves an overwhelming amount of sensory information and actively seeks it, and may do this in unsafe or “unwanted” ways. The sensory-seeking child is not intentionally trying to be “bad”; the child is seeking the sensory input his or her system requires. Jumping off furniture, touching everything, making noises, and moving constantly are all coping mechanisms in search of that required stimulation.

• Is restless, fidgeting, rocking, etc.
• Seeks out rough-and-tumble play and crashing experiences
• Often makes loud noises and hums, sings, or talks loudly
• Touches everything and everyone within range
• Chews on clothes, pencils, or other non-food items
• Loves spinning, swinging or being upside down

What are the causes of Sensory Processing Disorder?

We are not sure what actually causes SPD. However, research has shown that there are various processing and integration differences in the brain. Possible causes of SPD are:

• Born prematurely or had delivery problems
• Alcohol or drug use while in the uterus
• Genetic Factors – SPD appears to run in the family
• Lack of sensory stimuli and experience in infancy
• Co-existing condition with other diagnoses such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD
• Trauma or prolonged periods of stress in early childhood

What are the signs of Sensory Processing Disorder?

Symptoms of SPD can emerge as early as infancy and is often more prominent once a child starts nursery or school. Every child is an individual, symptoms vary across different senses and children; therefore it is important to be aware of common traits to look out for:

At home:

• Has meltdowns over clothing, food and/or routine changes
• Overly sensitive to haircuts, nail trimming and tooth brushing
• Unable to fall asleep/stay asleep
• Very poor eater because of food textures, colors or smells
• An extreme disliker or seeker of mess

At school:

• Finds it hard to concentrate in busy or noisy environments
• Evades art, craft or outdoor activities because of unpleasant sensations
• Becomes overwhelmed at changes of activity or routine
• Is unable to sit still during a lesson
• Is always touching children and objects inappropriately without realising

Socially:

• Has avoidant behavior to crowds like the local market, shopping centers, birthday parties etc.
• Seeks to distance themselves from group activities or social contact
• Labeled as “too sensitive,” “difficult,” or “overreacting”
• Experiences difficulty forming and maintaining friendships due to unpredictability

How does SPD impact a child’s everyday life?

SPD is far more than just sensory processing responses – it impacts everything a child does. A child that is overwhelmed by their senses throughout the day is unable to concentrate, play, relate to others, or self-regulate their emotions. Over time this results in:

• Low self-esteem, particularly in unknown situations where it can lead to anxiety
• Difficulties at school where learning, taking instructions, and sitting still are a challenge
• Strained family relationships, social relations and relations with teachers
• Overblown behavior at times which seems out of proportion with the specific triggers involved
• An avoidance of normal, typical play and activities which other children enjoy

This is why support during childhood is so crucial. When a child’s sensory system has been addressed and understood, the child’s behavior, learning, relationships all tend to improve.

What support and treatment do we offer?

At Dr. A M Reddy Autism Centre, we work with a holistic view on Sensory Processing Disorder, looking at it from neurological, emotional, and behavioral aspects. Our treatment focuses on your child’s individual sensory profile, while remaining gentle and person centered.

Homeopathic Treatment: 

Dr. A M Reddy prescribes constitutional homeopathic remedies which are tailored to the individual child based on their unique sensory profile, temperament and whole picture of their health and well being. Homeopathic remedies balance the over or under active nervous system gently without any side effects.

•     Personalized remedies based on the complete history of the child
•     Balancing the nervous system naturally
•     Safe for any age and for children with no side effects

Sensory Integration Guidance: 

Providing structured and practical strategies and tools to improve your child’s ability to adapt and be comfortable with sensory input and experiences. Activities are graded from those your child finds tolerable and slowly progress them forward to increase tolerance for various sensory stimuli.

•     Customized sensory activities based on your child’s specific sensory triggers
•     Activities and strategies fordesensitization in hyper-responsive children
•     Sensory stimulation in under-responsive children
•     Strategies to create a more supportive home and school environment

Behavioral Support: 

Providing your child with concrete coping mechanisms for potentially difficult situations that could cause sensory overload, in place of emotional reactions and outbursts.

•     Self-regulation strategies appropriate for your child’s age
•     Transitions, new environments, and routines
•     Teaching strategies to help your child communicate sensory needs

Dietary and Nutritional Guidance: 

Nutritional deficits, especially for essential fatty acids, zinc and magnesium, are linked to worsening of sensory sensitivity. At Dr. A M Reddy Autism Centre, you can obtain expert dietary and nutritional advice alongside other treatments.

•     Nutritional supplementation to reduce neurological hyper-reactivity
•     Specific nutritional advice based on individual needs
•     Addressing food aversions in the most gentle manner possible

Parental Guidance and Training: 

Parents are central to helping children overcome sensory processing challenges. At Dr. A M Reddy Autism Centre, we will work with your entire family to help you understand how your child is processing their senses and learn how to respond appropriately to help rather than trigger your child’s sensory challenges.

•     Understanding your child’s sensory triggers
•     Strategies to manage and reduce meltdowns and everyday challenges
•     Providing tools for communicating your child’s needs to caregivers, teachers, and family

What improvements can families expect?

Families consistently report a decrease in problems after consistent treatment, including:

• Less meltdowns
• Increased ability to cope with specific triggers
• Better tolerance for clothes, textures and the normal events of the day
• Increased ability to focus at school and learn better
• Reduced anxiety levels and fewer emotional outbursts
• Increased social skills and confidence in public
• The opportunity to participate in and enjoy more of life’s simple activities and games

The earlier a child receives appropriate support, the easier it is to shape their sensory pathways positively. If you notice any of the above symptoms, seek help without delay!