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This episode is all about sensory processing, sensory integration, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). We dive into the 8 sensory systems, why SPD is not a recognized diagnosis, sensory meltdowns, and how SPD can affect daily life.
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All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
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Did you know that as many as 1 in 20 people experience sensory processing challenges? Whether you’re a parent diving into this world for the first time or a professional looking to deepen your understanding, learning about sensory integration and sensory processing disorder (SPD) is crucial.
These insights can empower you to support children with sensory needs more effectively and confidently. Let’s explore 12 essential facts about sensory integration and SPD to help you navigate this often misunderstood topic.
Your sensory system is what allows you to navigate the world. From hearing sounds to feeling textures, your sensory system takes in and processes countless inputs every second.
While most people process these inputs seamlessly, others may find them overwhelming or underwhelming, which is where sensory processing differences begin. These differences are unique to each person and shape how they experience their environment.
Everyone has sensory quirks—those little preferences or aversions that don’t impact daily life. For example, you might avoid certain fabrics or need to fidget with a pen to focus.
While tied to your sensory system, these quirks differ from SPD in that they don't significantly interfere with functioning. For children with SPD, however, these preferences can become roadblocks, making routine tasks like eating, dressing, or socializing far more challenging.
3. There Are More Than 5 SensesIn addition to the traditional five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing), there are three lesser-known but equally important senses:
These hidden senses regulate emotions, focus, and physical movement. Understanding these senses can help children better interpret and respond to their bodies’ signals.
Children who spin, jump, chew, or crash into objects aren’t just being “wild.” Their behavior often reflects a need for more sensory input.
For instance, a child who constantly chews on their shirt may benefit from alternatives like chewable necklaces or crunchy snacks that provide oral sensory stimulation. By meeting these needs proactively, you can help them regulate and thrive.
On the opposite side of sensory seeking is sensory avoidance. Children who shy away from loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures are not difficult—they are protecting themselves from overwhelming or painful stimuli.
Identifying these triggers and providing alternatives, like noise-canceling headphones or tag-free clothing, can help create a more comfortable environment.
Research suggests that 5-16% of the population experiences true SPD. This means millions of people face sensory challenges that disrupt their ability to navigate daily life.
These challenges go beyond simple quirks and may require structured support to overcome.
While SPD is very real, it isn’t formally recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals. This makes it harder for families to access insurance-covered treatments.
Despite this, occupational therapists (OTs) widely acknowledge SPD as a condition and have strategies to address it effectively.
SPD is frequently found alongside conditions like autism, ADHD, and anxiety, but it can also occur independently. This co-occurrence doesn’t mean one causes the other but reflects the complexity of how the brain processes sensory input.
Each child’s combination of challenges is unique, making individualized support essential.
Children with sensory challenges are often mislabeled as “naughty,” “lazy,” or “too sensitive.” These misconceptions can lead to frustration and shame for the child. Instead of focusing on the behavior, try to uncover the sensory need behind it.
For instance, a child who struggles to sit still might need more vestibular input, like jumping or spinning, to feel grounded.
A sensory meltdown is a physiological response to sensory overload, not an act of control or manipulation. Unlike tantrums, which arise from frustration or wanting something, meltdowns occur when the nervous system is overwhelmed and require patience and a calm environment to help the child recover.
For children with SPD, everyday tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or attending school can be overwhelming. They might resist socks with seams, struggle to tolerate bright classrooms, or refuse certain foods due to their texture.
Recognizing how these challenges affect daily routines is the first step in creating accommodations that support their needs.
Sensory processing challenges are not one-size-fits-all. Some children may avoid sensory input in certain areas while seeking it in others.
For example, a child might avoid loud sounds but crave deep pressure, like bear hugs. SPD is highly individualized, so personalized strategies are important for success.
Whether you’re a parent raising a child with sensory processing disorder or a therapist supporting their journey, understanding sensory integration is an essential foundation. SPD exists on a spectrum, and every child experiences it differently.
By learning about these differences and responding with empathy and informed strategies, you can create an environment where children feel empowered, understood, and supported every step of the way.
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.
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