Many parents worry about their children when they will only eat certain foods, when they insist on carrying around the same object all day long, or when they want to swing for hours at a time. In many cases these are just phases small children go through, but in some cases these are signs of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
There are four checklists of common symptoms of SPD. They cover Sensory Modulation Problems, Sensory Discrimination Problems, Sensory-Based Motor Problems, and Associated Regulatory Problems.
Children who have Sensory Modulation Problems may seek out sensory stimulation, avoid or over respond to sensory stimulation, or under respond to stimulation.
Children with Sensory Discrimination Problems may have trouble identifying one sensation from another.
Sensory-Based Motor Problems are found in children who have problems organizing and moving their bodies.
Associated Regulatory and Behavior Problems pertain to issues that come from inefficient sensory processing, as well as other developmental problems. Children with these issues don't necessarily have SPD.
Carol Stock Kranowitz, the author of "The Out-of-Sync Child" tells parents, "As you check the symptoms you recognize, please understand that they will vary from child to child, because every brain is unique...No child will exhibit all the symptoms. Still, if several descriptions fit your own son or daughter, chances are that he or she has some degree of SPD".
The four checklists can be found at www.sensory-processing-disorder.com
Recognizing the symptoms of SPD is one thing, having a child diagnosed is another. Some parents recognize SPD early on, but many doctors aren't willing to test for SPD until the child is between the ages of 7 and 9. When a child psychologist referred us to Primary Children's Medical Center when our son was 4, they told us they don't test children for SPD until they are 7 or 8 years of age.
Other doctors may not be familiar with SPD and may diagnose a child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most children with SPD have adequate impulse control unless they are upset by certain sensations. Symptoms of SPD are also misinterpreted as psychological problems such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Bipolar Disorder.
SPD may also look like a learning disorder because it effects the way a child interacts and learns in the classroom, but SPD is not yet identified as a qualifying disability.
Some symptoms of SPD also look like Autism. It is recognized that most people with Autism have some degree of SPD. But, this does not mean that people with SPD have a form of Autism.
The most important thing parents can do is be aware of their child, their strengths and inconsistancies, and then make sure their voices are heard.
For more information: What is sensory processing disorder or spd?, The bike lesson, a fun read for parents and kids
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