Neurodiversity 7 min read

Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the nervous system has difficulty receiving, processing, and responding to sensory information, causing over or under-reactions to stimuli.

You're not alone

If your teen melts down in busy environments, can't tolerate certain textures, or seems oblivious to pain, they may have sensory processing differences. SPD affects 5-16 percent of children, often co-occurring with autism or ADHD. Many teens hide sensory struggles, appearing defiant when they're actually overwhelmed. Understanding SPD transforms how families approach daily challenges.

What it looks like day to day

Student

Your teen can't concentrate in class because fluorescent lights feel like stabbing their eyes, but teachers think they're being dramatic.

Parent

Getting your teen dressed involves negotiations about sock seams, tag removal, and specific fabric textures that seem ridiculous but cause genuine distress.

Tiny steps to try

1

Sensory inventory

Identify triggers and soothers across all senses. Knowledge enables accommodation.
2

Sensory toolkit

Noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, weighted blankets. Having tools available prevents overwhelm.
3

Environmental modifications

Adjust lighting, reduce clutter, create quiet spaces. Small changes make big differences.
4

Sensory diet

Plan regular sensory input throughout day. Heavy work, movement, or compression as needed.
5

Advance warning

Prepare for sensory challenges ahead of time. "The restaurant might be loud. Want your headphones?"

Why sensory processing affects everything

When sensory processing is disrupted, everyday experiences become overwhelming or go unnoticed, affecting learning, behavior, and emotional regulation.

SPD patterns include:
• Sensory avoiding: Overwhelmed by normal stimuli
• Sensory seeking: Craving intense sensory input
• Sensory discrimination: Difficulty distinguishing between stimuli
• Motor challenges: Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Mixed responses: Different reactions to same stimulus

These aren't preferences but neurological differences in processing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is SPD real if it's not an official diagnosis?

SPD is recognized by occupational therapists and researchers, though not yet in the DSM-5. The sensory processing challenges are absolutely real regardless of diagnostic labels. Many professionals diagnose it as part of autism, ADHD, or anxiety. The important thing is addressing the sensory needs, not the label.

Will my teen outgrow sensory issues?

Some sensory sensitivities decrease with age and nervous system maturation. However, many adults continue having sensory processing differences. The goal isn't eliminating sensory needs but developing coping strategies and self-advocacy skills. Many successful adults have SPD and thrive with appropriate accommodations.