Quick Answer: Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) means your child's brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory information—making them either overly sensitive or under-responsive to touch, sound, taste, smell, or movement.
Does your child melt down when you try to put on certain clothes? Do they cover their ears in environments that don't seem loud to you? Or do they constantly crash into things, spin in circles, or chew on everything in sight?
These behaviors might seem random or difficult, but they could be signs of sensory processing disorder (SPD) — a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses.
This guide explains what SPD looks like, the difference between sensory seekers and sensory avoiders, and how occupational therapy can help. For a broader look at the signs that therapy may be appropriate, read: Signs your child needs therapy.
What Is SPD?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain struggles to process sensory information — sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, movement, and body position. For children with SPD, sensory input can feel overwhelming, confusing, or insufficient.
SPD is common in children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences, but it can also occur on its own. It's not yet recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, but occupational therapists and other specialists widely recognize and treat it.
Seekers vs. Avoiders
Children with SPD typically fall into one of two categories (or sometimes both):
Sensory Seekers
Under-ResponsiveThese children are under-responsive to sensory input. Their brains don't register sensory information as strongly, so they seek out intense sensory experiences to feel regulated.
Constant Motion
Constantly moving, jumping, crashing into things.
High Pain Tolerance
May not cry when bumped or bruised, and often doesn't seem to notice injuries.
Intense Physicality
Enjoys "crashing" into things, tight hugs, needing deep pressure like heavy blankets, and may play more roughly than intended.
Oral & Sound Seeking
Chewing on objects (clothes, toys, pencils) constantly, seeking loud noises or making loud sounds, and touching everything.
Spinning & Rocking
Spinning in circles or rocking back and forth to seek vestibular input and feel regulated.
Sensory Avoiders
Over-ResponsiveThese children are over-responsive to sensory input. Their nervous systems perceive normal sensory experiences as too intense, overwhelming, or even painful.
Sound Sensitivity
Covers ears at sudden noises like vacuums, blenders, hand dryers, or sirens. Difficulty in crowded or noisy environments.
Tactile Defensiveness
Extreme distress over clothing textures, tags, seams. Refuses certain fabrics, avoids messy play like sand, paint, or playdough.
Picky Eating
Extreme picky eating, often limited to specific textures or brands.
Grooming Distress
Extreme distress during haircuts, nail trimming, or tooth brushing. Avoids hugs, touch, or physical contact.
Impact on Daily Life
Sensory processing challenges can affect nearly every part of a child's day:
- Getting dressed becomes a battle because of clothing sensitivities
- Mealtimes are stressful because of texture aversions or extreme picky eating
- School is difficult because of noise, transitions, or sitting still
- Social situations are overwhelming because of crowds, sounds, or unpredictability
- Bedtime routines are disrupted by sensory needs (need for deep pressure, difficulty settling)
For parents, it can feel exhausting and isolating. Behaviors that look like defiance or pickiness are actually your child's nervous system struggling to regulate.
How OT Helps
Occupational therapy (OT) is the primary treatment for sensory processing disorder. An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration works with your child to help their brain process sensory information more effectively.
OT for SPD might include:
- Sensory integration therapy: Activities designed to challenge and organize the sensory systems (swinging, brushing, weighted activities, tactile play).
- Sensory diets: Personalized routines of sensory activities throughout the day to help your child stay regulated.
- Environmental modifications: Changes at home or school to reduce sensory overload (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, weighted blankets).
- Desensitization strategies: Gradual exposure to challenging sensory experiences in a safe, controlled way.
The goal of OT is not to "fix" your child, but to give them tools to navigate the sensory world more comfortably and participate fully in daily life.
For more on what OT addresses, read: Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy for kids.
When to Evaluate
If your child's sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors are interfering with daily life, school, or relationships, it's worth pursuing an occupational therapy evaluation. You don't need a formal SPD diagnosis to access OT services. Many children receive OT for "sensory processing challenges" or "sensory regulation difficulties" as part of their treatment plan.
To understand what happens during an evaluation, read: What happens during a pediatric therapy evaluation?. And for help finding an OT, visit: How to find a pediatric therapist.
You're Not Alone
If you've been told your child is "just picky" or "too sensitive," or if you've felt judged for accommodating your child's sensory needs, know this: sensory processing challenges are real, they're neurological, and they're treatable.
With the right support, children with SPD can learn to regulate their sensory systems, participate in activities they once avoided, and feel more comfortable in their own bodies.