Sensory Processing refers to the way our nervous system receives messages from the senses and responds to those messages. Neurodivergent people who have a difficult time processing this sensory information essentially have a neurological traffic jam that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information they need to interpret sensory information correctly. These difficulties lie on a spectrum with some people having severe difficulties while others are more mild.
Humans have seven senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular. You have probably heard of the first five but the last two are often overlooked. Proprioceptive input is the sense we get from our muscles and joints. Vestibular is the sense that tells us when we feel dizzy. People who have a difficult time processing sensory information misinterpret the strength of different input to senses. Some people have one or two senses impacted, others have difficulties with all of the senses.
Types of sensory issues
A person may be hypo-senstive or hyper-sensitive to any sense. Hypo-sensitive means that the brain turns down the volume on these senses. They may not notice input and are often referred to as “sensory seekers”. Hyper-sensitive means that the brain turns up the volume on these senses. They are extra aware of input and are often referred to as “sensory avoiders”.
A person may be hypo-senstive or hyper-sensitive to any sense. Hypo-sensitive means that the brain turns down the volume on these senses. They may not notice input and are often referred to as “sensory seekers”. Hyper-sensitive means that the brain turns up the volume on these senses. They are extra aware of input and are often referred to as “sensory avoiders”. Others are both hyper and hypo sensitive based on the situation and input type.
A sensory profile refers to the unique combination of sensory issues a neurodivergent person experiences. Some senses could be hypo-sensitive, others hyper-sensitive, maybe both hyper and hypo and some not impacted at all. For instance, a person may be overly sensitive to sounds and avoid loud noises, be under sensitive to touch and seek out rough textures while having no issues with their vision.
Signs of sensory overload
Each person has a unique set of sensory needs and will show different signs of being overwhelmed. Some common signs are:
- Refusal of activity
- Crying/hysteria
- Anger/agitation
- Loss of balance/coordination
- Heart racing
- Stomach distress
- Sweating
- Lashing out
Diagnosis
In the United States, there is no official medical or mental health diagnosis for sensory processing difficulties. Some countries recognize Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or Sensory Integration Disorder (SID). These terms are often used informally in the United States. While a person can’t be diagnosed with SPD here in America, they can be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD or Anxiety with the line “with sensory processing difficulties” included on the end.
People are typically diagnosed as children but there are many neurodivergent adults who are now realizing that they have been struggling with sensory difficulties their whole life. And although sensory processing difficulties are more common in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, not all people with sensory problems have Autism. Neurodiversity spans well beyond an Autism diagnosis.
Sensory processing and mental health
Think of sensory processing difficulties as the uncomfortable feeling you have when you notice that you have an itch but are unable to scratch that area and it is all you can think about. When a person has sensory issues they are so preoccupied with getting their sensory needs met so they can feel “normal” that they cannot always handle any extra stressors. Essentially their “stress bucket” is so full because of their sensory problems that even the smallest drop of water from any stressor (their car breaking down or getting into an argument) is enough for the whole bucket to overflow. Some people describe an anxious feeling, others feel depressed or they may appear distracted, hyperactive, angry or have temper tantrums.
Many times, babies who have sensory processing problems are labeled “difficult” and their parents may have a hard time connecting with them. As children, they may get the same label in school and struggle with achievement or social interactions. Years of isolation and rejection can cause low self-esteem and relationship issues.
Causes
Unfortunately we do not know exactly what causes sensory processing difficulties. Like neurodiversity in general, it does appear to run in families. Research is being done everyday to find out more information.
Treatment
Occupational therapists (OT) with a sensory integration approach have special training to help a person understand their sensory needs and so they can learn to self-soothe. People try out different sensory tools and strategies during this type of therapy. The goal is to help the person improve their internal state and therefore be able to participate more fully in life.
Another form of treatment is to create a “sensory diet”. This is essentially a sensory routine created to help the person stay regulated all day. One example would be a child who wakes up, plays with slime, gets ready for school, spins around in an office chair, then gets on the bus. At school they may need to wear headphones to block out loud noises, have a piece of velcro taped to their desk to rub and get several breaks in their day to go hang on the monkey bars. After school they may go to a gymnastic class. Before bed they may need to spin in the office chair again and go to sleep with a weighted blanket.
Sensory diet ideas can be suggested by an OT or knowledgeable therapist. There are many self-help books and online support groups that can also offer sensory regulation ideas.
Mental health professionals can also help with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, temper tantrums and relationship issues. They can also help parents better connect with their neurodivergent children and repair strained relationships. Therapy and support groups can be beneficial for family members as well.
How to help a loved one with sensory processing difficulties
Managing sensory processing difficulties is an individual process. It may not follow a set pattern and there may be setbacks along the way. Being supportive requires patience and acceptance.
The following may help:
- Recognize all accomplishments, no matter how small. Let your family member know you appreciate the effort he or she has put forth. Find positive improvements no matter what, even if your family member only partially met a goal.
- Measure success based on your family member’s progress rather than measuring based on “societal” standards.
- Expect stressful times to cause increased symptoms and change your expectations during these times.
- Help your family members stay on a daily routine. Structure can help to minimize anxiety symptoms. Predictability can help maintain stress levels, surprises can increase anxiety.
- Rather than assuming you know what the family member needs, ask what you can do