Welcome To The
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)Resource Center

Good news... Your frustration and confusion about your child - who may have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) - is almost over!

Finally!... A thorough explanation and a name for the behaviors and developmental concerns that exist - which seemed almost impossible to understand or cope with. 

When parents first find out about SPD, their reaction usually comes as: a "flash", a "light bulb moment", the "Aha!", "So that explains it!", "Oh, so now I understand!", "Why didn't someone tell me about this years ago?"

Sensory Processing Disorder: A New Name

This is the newest term for, and is synonymous with the terms, Sensory Integration Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI Dysfunction) and Dysfunction in Sensory Integration (DSI).

Sensory Processing Disorder is clearly classified under 3 different types... Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD), Sensory Based Motor Disorder (SBMD), and Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)

2 out of the 3 of these additionally have subtypes underneath them that more clearly define the exact nature of the disorder.

The Subtypes Under Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) are:

Sensory Over-responsivity

Sensory Under-responsivity

Sensory Seeking

The Subtypes Under Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD) are:

Postural Disorder

Dyspraxia

At this point, the term sensory integration is still being used to describe the theory and treatment, based on the original work of A. Jean Ayres.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is used to define and describe the disorder / dysfunction symptoms - in hopes of making this a universally accepted "medical diagnosis" - thus enabling insurance reimbursement for evaluation and treatment.

We Receive And Perceive Sensory Input Through Sights, Sounds, Touch, Tastes, Smells, Movement and Balance, Body Position and Muscle Control.

Difficulty taking in or interpreting this input can lead to devastating consequences with:

• interactions with others
• daily functioning
• social and family relationships
• behavioral challenges
• regulating emotions
• self-esteem
• learning

Ever Wonder Why Your Child Does The Things He/She Does?

• Do you wonder why they are excessive risk takers - jumping and crashing into anything they can ?
• Why they can’t do puzzles - write well - or find the coordination for riding a bike or hitting a ball?
• Why they cry or cover their ears with every loud sound - even vacuums, toilets or hairdryers ?
• Why they don’t like to be touched or can’t be touched enough?
• Why they will only eat macaroni and cheese and pizza?
• Why they will only wear certain clothes or need you to cut the tags out of their shirts?
• Ever wonder why you can’t seem to calm them down or get them to sleep?
• Why they won’t put their hands in anything messy or use glue, Play Doh, or play with mud?
• Why they fear playground equipment or being tipped upside down?
• Why crowded stores bother them so much leading to major meltdowns in public places?

 

Take some time to explore this site for more of these “behaviors” and to find the reasons why this apparent “chaos” actually makes perfect sense.

Through this site, you will finally begin to understand - or further understand, why your child does the things he/she does.

SPD - also known as SID - is still in the process of becoming widely accepted and treated by all professionals.

Even though the theories have been around for almost four decades, much still needs to be done before the "word" has reached the millions affected by this neurological disorder.

Now you can take this information and positively influence, understand, validate, "treat", support, and help so many children who are behaviorally and emotionally "imprisoned" by their ineffective perception and interpretation of sensory input.

Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist - comprehensive SPD Checklist; signs and symptoms of tactile, auditory, olfactory and oral defensiveness, as well as proprioceptive and vestibular dysfunction.

The Adolescent and Adult SPD Checklist - Find out signs and symptoms of SPD with the adolescent and adult SPD checklist.

Comfortable Underwear - Some great suggestions from the readers of Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com about comfortable under wear they have found

Sensory Integration Activities - Turning Therapy Into Play - Sensory integration activities are the lifeline to achieving maximum function in children with SPD.

Heavy Work Activities - An extensive list of heavy work activities and proprioceptive input (gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, etc.) which are useful in calming unfocused, over aroused children.

Creating A Home Sensory Diet - Are you confused about how to create a home sensory diet for your child who has a sensory processing disorder? Then check this article out for explanations and suggestions.

The Sensory Processing Disorder Blog - The latest updates,articles,reader submissions, additions, and tidbits on Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com

Oral Sensitivities - A great resource for the signs of oral sensitivities (hypersensitive or hypo sensitive) as it relates to Sensory Processing Disorders, as well as great treatment ideas!

Behavior Problems In Children - Explaining behavior problems in children through the sensory integration/sensory processing disorder theory as a root cause and basis for treatment.

Problem Behavior In The Classroom - Is the problem behavior in the classroom related to sensory processing disorders? Tips for teachers on classroom accommodations to help gain control and lessen frustration with the more difficult children.

Sensory Integration Dysfunction Symptoms: What You Must Know! - An in-depth article describing the normal process of sensory integration and sensory integration dysfunction symptoms; What you NEED to know!

Sensory Processing Disorders: Through The Eyes Of Dysfunction - Sensory Processing Disorders; How does it REALLY feel to have SPD? Come take a realistic look at how a world is perceived by an SPD child or adult.

SPD And Problems sleeping - a common associated problem that SPD kids and parents deal with on a nightly basis.

Tactile Overresponsivity (Tactile Defensiveness) - A description, signs and symptoms, effects of, and ways to provide tactile stimulation that will help your child tolerate this type of input.

Fine Motor Skills Activities For Children - An extensive article about the importance of fine motor development, and, the top recommended fine motor skills activities for children to help them develop their fine motor skills.

Proprioceptive Dysfunction - An in-depth article defining proprioceptive dysfunction; signs and symptoms to help you understand the REAL reason your child may not be able to learn new motor tasks or has a high energy level.

Picky Eaters - An in-depth, educational article on the tips, strategies, resources, and products to help your picky eaters; finally, the answers you have been searching for to get him eating better!

Sensory Resources - Sensory resources for further exploration and enlightenment about SPD

Sensory Room - A sensory room is extremely therapeutic for both children and adults with, or without, sensory processing/sensory integration disorders. What should we put in it?

Sensory Integration Products - Sensory integration products designed to meet the sensory needs of children in any environment. Hundreds of products right at your fingertips!

Is SPD a Real Diagnosis? - In a word, YES! Come and explore with me; the HOW and WHY. Includes over 100 abstracts and full research article links!

What Is Occupational Therapy? - An extensive article describing what occupational therapists do and how we are involved in treating Sensory Processing Disorder.

ADD and ADHD Resources - Educating yourself on both ADD/ADHD and SPD/SID is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment. Check out these great ADD and ADHD resources that will help.

Autism Resources - Related online resources for professionals, parents, and families of children with Autism.

Parent Resources - Dozens of unique sensory processing disorder parent resources; from books to e-books, articles to products. You don't want to miss this one!

Real Stories of SPD Families - It's time we told the real stories of SPD Families. The struggles, hardships, pain, sorrow, hope and strength of parents willing to share their personal journeys.

The SPD Q & A - Your Sensory Processing Disorder Questions... Answered. Submit a question or help answer someone else's.

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