Understanding sensory processing disorder & 7 tips to manage it

Key Takeaways

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive and respond to sensory information. Adults with SPD may feel overstimulated or desensitized to senses like smell, taste, and touch.

SPD is thought to be caused by genetic, environmental, or neurological factors, as well as prenatal and birth complications like low birth weight and parental stress.

While there is no cure for SPD, there are tips and tools to help people effectively manage symptoms. For example, environmental changes, a “sensory diet,” and occupational therapy can all help improve daily life.

Do you know how many senses humans have? You’re probably familiar with the primary five: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. But many researchers believe that we actually have three more: movement, balance, and internal body sense.

Together, these senses allow us to experience life to the fullest. They’re essential for learning, communication, and survival. But some people’s brains have trouble receiving and responding to sensory information. Adults with sensory processing disorder (SPD) can be extremely sensitive to sensory stimuli and may feel overstimulated by things like bright lights or loud music.

If this sounds familiar, learn more about how SPD typically affects adults, how it differs from autism, and lifestyle tips to help you effectively manage symptoms.

What is sensory processing disorder?

SPD is a neurological condition that affects how people’s brains receive and process sensory input. SPD can affect one sense or multiple senses, and it impacts people in different ways. People with hypersensitivity often have a heightened awareness and aversion to sensory stimuli. Those with hyposensitivity, on the other hand, are under-sensitive and may even seek out sensory stimulation. SPD can also affect coordination, organization, and emotional regulation.

SPD is usually diagnosed during childhood, but symptoms can continue into adulthood if untreated. Because it affects people’s ability to filter out unimportant sensory information, many adults with SPD struggle with routine tasks and everyday interactions. For example, they may feel overwhelmed by a shopping trip at the mall or overstimulated by a noisy lawn mower.

Other signs and symptoms of SPD in adults include:

Trouble navigating sensory-rich environments
Challenges with coordination and spatial awareness
Poor organization skills
Low self-esteem
Trouble adapting to change
Discomfort with physical touch, like hugs
Restlessness

Types of sensory processing disorders

There are three major categories of SPD: sensory modulation disorder, sensory discrimination disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder.

Sensory modulation disorder: People with this condition are usually over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory information. While loud sounds like sirens can trigger distress for some people, others may be unaware of any loud noises around them.
Sensory discrimination disorder: People living with this condition have difficulty with identifying and distinguishing characteristics of certain sensory stimuli. For example, a person might mistake one sound for another.
Sensory-based motor disorder: People who have this condition often struggle with balance and coordinating movements, which can affect things like handwriting and tying shoes.

What causes sensory processing disorder?

SPD is likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Some research suggests that SPD may be associated with prenatal and birth complications such as:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Parental stress
Substance use during pregnancy

Sensory processing disorder versus autism spectrum disorder

According to the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, at least 1 in 20 people may be affected by SPD, and it’s more common among people with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts behavior, communication, learning, and social skills. Sensory processing issues are common among children and adults with ASD and are even part of the condition’s diagnostic criteria.

Although SPD is often associated with ASD, it can also occur independently or with other mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Seven tips for managing sensory processing disorder

There’s no cure for SPD, but there are ways to effectively manage symptoms.

Identify your triggers. Learning more about your SPD triggers can help you manage or avoid difficult situations. Common SPD triggers in adults include tight clothing, loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, and sticky surfaces.
Explore your sensory “likes.” It’s also important to understand your sensory preferences. Are there certain temperatures, sounds, visuals, or textures that can help you create a more satisfying and calming environment?
Educate others. As you learn more about SPD and how it affects you, consider sharing that information with your loved ones so that they’re better prepared to understand and support your needs.
Try a sensory diet. A sensory diet is a personalized activity plan that helps people remain organized and focused throughout their day. This can include sensory tools like fidget toys and weighted vests, as well as movement-based activities.
Explore environmental changes. Try to make the places you regularly spend time, like your home or office, calm and sensory-friendly spaces. And in situations where you can’t control your environment, consider ways to control its effect on you. For example, try wearing noise-canceling headphones in loud environments.
Seek out an occupational therapist. Occupation therapy helps people develop the skills and confidence to participate in their daily activities. It can help with self-regulation, sensory integration, and social skills.
Try talk therapy. Many people also benefit from talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help increase self-awareness and coping skills for managing co-occurring mental health symptoms. Family therapy is another option for families interested in learning how to better support and communicate with loved ones with SPD.

Find care with Rula

Living with SPD can have an impact on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you think you might have SPD, getting an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional can help you get the support you need to thrive. That’s where Rula can help.

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist who is in network with your insurance, accepting new clients, and an expert in whatever you’re dealing with. With Rula, you’ll have access to a network of more than 10,000 therapists, making it easier to find a provider who understands you.