Sensory processing disorder is a condition that causes changes in how their brains interpret information from their senses. Depending on how they are impacted, people with sensory processing disorders may be highly sensitive to sensory information or may not respond to it at all.
A few examples of sensory input are:
- light
- taste
- sound
- smell
- touch
Sensory-challenged children may dislike items that overstimulate their senses, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. Or, they can look for more stimulation in environments that don’t provide enough stimulation for their senses.
Sensory problems and sensory processing disorders are poorly understood. There is still a need for more study.
Learn more about the probable causes and signs of sensory processing disorders, the causes, and treatment options by reading on.
What does sensory processing mean
It is common knowledge that there are five senses, as we were taught in elementary school, but the truth is that we experience the world with more than just your five senses.
Sensory processing is basically divided into eight main types. They include:
- Proprioception: Proprioception is the “internal” sense of awareness you have for your body. It is what helps one maintain posture and motor control, for example. It also lets you know how you are moving and occupying space.
- Vestibular: This term refers to the inner ear spatial recognition. It’s what keeps you balanced and coordinated.
- Interoception: This is the sense of what is happening in your body. Basically “how you feel.” This includes whether you feel hot or cold and whether you feel your emotions.
- Five senses: Lastly, there are five common senses in a human being, they include hearing, touch, smell, taste, and sight.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) [1] does not formally recognize sensory processing disorder. Lack of research-based evidence makes it difficult to diagnose this illness on its own. Many medical professionals and specialists think that sensory difficulties are a symptom of another disease or ailment, such as autism spectrum disorder.
In the realm of occupational therapy, “sensory processing disorder” is a phrase that is more frequently used.
However, what is understood about sensory processing disorder is that it can aid in understanding the problem and offering support to parents, medical professionals.