Sensory Processing Disorder – 1

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD (formerly known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is a condition that exists when sensory signals fail to become organized into appropriate responses. Metaphorically, think of this as a neurological traffic jam that prevents the brain from receiving and/or decoding sensory information appropriately. Unaddressed, SPD can trigger symptoms that across a continuum (e.g., anxiety, depression, learning failures, behavioral problems, motor clumsiness, and inattention) and that impact aspects of everyday life and activities. Estimates of incidence range from one in six to one in twenty children (including many that fall along the Austism spectrum). Seek early consultation and treatment if your child exhibits behaviors consistent with SPD. Be aware, however, that because symptoms are often rather nonspecific, these children may be misdiagnosed and inappropriately medicated for ADHD. Sometimes an accurate diagnosis requires consultation with more than one healthcare professional.