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Will My Child Grow Out of Sensory Processing Disorder?
Answering a listener question today - Will my child grow out of sensory processing disorder?
SPD is a neurological disorder that affects how your brain interprets sensory information. SPD can affect one or more of the eight senses. You might be over-responsive to one type of input while simultaneously being under-responsive to another. Learn more about SPD HERE.
SPD can be lifelong, but there are strategies and modifications you can use to help. Things like environmental modifications, skills training, and sensory integration therapy can be helpful. We dive into these strategies and MORE in this episode!
Sensory Processing Disorder Training
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Will My Child Grow Out Of Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. For a child with SPD, everyday experiences—like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures—can feel intense or even overwhelming.
Although SPD doesn’t “disappear” over time, children can learn to manage their sensory experiences with the right support, enabling them to lead fulfilling and engaged lives. With consistent support and practice, sensory experiences can become more manageable.
Practical Strategies For Supporting Your Child With SPD
Supporting a child with SPD involves creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can explore, learn, and build confidence in managing sensory experiences. Here are some effective strategies to help your child thrive:
1. Start Early with Intervention
If you notice signs of SPD in your infant or toddler, consider seeking occupational therapy (OT) services. OT can guide your child’s development, allowing them to build adaptive responses to sensory input early on, which sets the stage for future success.
2. Engage in Active Sensory Therapy
Gradually introducing various textures or sounds helps children build tolerance and adapt over time. This type of therapy encourages the brain to develop more adaptive responses to sensory input, reducing the risk of sensory overload.
3. Use Environmental Modifications and Sensory Tools
Adjustments to the home environment can help make sensory experiences less overwhelming. For example, noise-canceling headphones may help with sound sensitivities, while weighted blankets provide calming deep-pressure input.
Additionally, creating sensory-friendly spaces at home offers comfort and security. Tools like social stories, which prepare children for specific sensory experiences (such as going to the grocery store), are also valuable in helping children manage unfamiliar environments.
4. Practice Everyday Activities
Practicing daily tasks like brushing teeth or tying shoes with sensory tools and multisensory approaches can build tolerance and independence. Repeating these small, everyday tasks helps children develop skills they can apply across different settings, making life more manageable as they grow.
5. Explore Sensory Integration Therapy
Guided by an occupational therapist, sensory integration therapy uses research-based methods tailored to each child’s needs. While SPD research continues to grow, many therapists report positive outcomes, observing that children respond more effectively to sensory input and experience less stress during everyday interactions.
What About Adults With SPD?
Some adults may have unknowingly managed SPD symptoms since childhood, developing personal coping mechanisms to get through overwhelming situations or avoiding specific triggers altogether. Others may find that sensory processing difficulties emerge later in life due to trauma, neurological changes, or major life events, which can intensify sensory sensitivities and make familiar environments suddenly challenging.
Fortunately, sensory integration activities, environmental modifications, and specific coping tools can help adults with SPD find significant relief and improve their quality of life. Such as:
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Sensory activities: Rhythmic movement or deep-pressure exercises can help regulate sensory responses and reduce anxiety.
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Environmental adjustments: Use noise-canceling headphones, dimmer lighting, or textured fidget tools to minimize sensory overload.
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Developing personalized coping tools: Creating a “sensory toolkit” with soothing items for challenging environments can help take control of their sensory experiences.
Finding supportive resources and connecting with understanding communities can further enhance daily well-being, helping adults with SPD feel more at ease, whether at home, work, or social settings. With the right approaches, adults can learn to manage SPD in ways that foster resilience, confidence, and a more fulfilling life.
Helping Your Child Thrive With SPD
While SPD is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t limit your child’s potential or happiness. With the right tools, strategies, and support, children can learn to manage sensory input in ways that allow them to thrive.
Every small step—from trying a new sensory tool to a therapy session or a moment of understanding—contributes to their journey toward greater comfort and confidence. Whether you're a parent providing daily support or an occupational therapist offering professional guidance, remember that each effort counts.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
1 Response
Thank you for All the assistance finding help for my child as she has SPD thanks She is seeing the occupational therapy with Great results may need a tweek now and then.
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