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"Sensory processing disorder

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) (also known as sensory integration dysfunction) is a condition that exists whenmultisensory integration is not adequately processed in order to provide appropriate responses to the demands of the environment.

The senses provide information from various modalities, vision, audition, tactile, olfactory, taste, proprioception, vestibular system; that humans need to function. Sensory processing disorder is characterized by significant problems to organize sensation coming from the body and the environment and manifested by difficulties in the performance in one or more of the main areas of life: productivity, leisure and play or activities of daily living. Different people experience a wide range of difficulties when processing input coming from a variety of senses, particularly tactile (p.e. finding fabrics itchy and hard to wear while others don't), vestibular (e.g. experiencing motion sickness while riding a car) and propioceptive (having difficulty grading the force to hold a pen in order to write).

Sensory integration was defined by occupational therapist Anna Jean Ayres in 1972 as "the neurological process that organizes sensation from one's own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment"."

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Emotional and other impacts of Sensory Processing Disorder

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder often have problems with motor skills and other abilities needed for school success and childhood accomplishments. As a result, they often become socially isolated and suffer from low self-esteem and other social/emotional issues.

These difficulties put children with SPD at high risk for many emotional, social, and educational problems, including the inability to make friends or be a part of a group, poor self-concept, academic failure, and being labeled clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive, or "out of control." Anxiety, depression, aggression, or other behavior problems can follow. Parents may be blamed for their children's behavior by people who are unaware of the child's "hidden handicap."

Effective treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder is available, but far too many children with sensory symptoms are misdiagnosed and not properly treated. Untreated SPD that persists into adulthood can affect an individual's ability to succeed in marriage, work, and social environments."