What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information. Children with SPD may have difficulty managing and responding to the sensory stimuli they encounter in their daily environment, such as touch, sound, taste, sight, and movement. This can lead to challenges in everyday tasks, including engaging in typical childhood activities. When SPD occurs in children with autism, it can particularly compound their difficulties, as sensory issues are often already a part of the autistic experience.
Children with autism and SPD may exhibit hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory inputs. Those who are hypersensitive might find certain sensory experiences overwhelming, leading to sensory overload. They may react strongly to sounds that are barely noticeable to others, find certain clothing textures unbearable, or be unable to tolerate bright lights or specific smells. This sensory overload can result in meltdowns, extreme anxiety, or avoidance behaviors.
Conversely, hypo-sensitive children seek out sensory stimulation. They might have a high tolerance for pain, enjoy spinning or other repetitive movements, or have a fascination with certain textures or sounds. These sensory-seeking behaviors can pose challenges in terms of safety and social appropriateness.
In both scenarios, the sensory processing issues can significantly impact the child’s ability to navigate social situations, leading to difficulties in making friends or participating in group activities. It can also affect their ability to learn in traditional educational environments.
Managing SPD in autistic children often involves our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) specializing in ABA therapy to focus on each child’s ability to interact with their environment and our occupational therapists, which can help children develop strategies to cope with sensory overload or underload.
By recognizing and accommodating their unique sensory needs, our team can help children with autism and SPD engage more fully with the world around them.
How is Sensory Processing Disorder Treated?
For children with autism, Sensory Processing Disorder can be particularly impactful, as they may already struggle with social interactions and communication. At Riverbend Pediatric Therapy in Covington and Hammond, LA, we recognize the unique challenges faced by children with autism who also have SPD.
Our primary service, ABA therapy, led by our BCBA therapists, is crucial in addressing the behavioral aspects of autism and SPD. We work on helping these children develop coping strategies for managing sensory overload and enhancing their ability to process sensory information more effectively.
In addition, our comprehensive therapy approach includes pediatric occupational therapy, which plays a vital role in assisting children with SPD. Occupational therapists at Riverbend focus on sensory integration techniques, helping children become more comfortable with sensory experiences and improving their ability to perform daily activities. This might involve activities that sensitize or desensitize the child to various stimuli, thereby improving their sensory processing abilities.
Our speech therapists address any communication difficulties, enhancing their ability to express their sensory experiences and needs. Aligned with our mission to provide tailored, high-quality services, we ensure that each child’s therapy plan is designed to address their individual needs.
At Riverbend Pediatric Therapy, we are committed to helping children with SPD and autism maximize their function and achieve meaningful outcomes.Give Riverbend Pediatric Therapy in Covington or Hammond, LA a call and schedule an evaluation.
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