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Development occurs in spirals, each curve laying a foundation for the next. With effective intervention and complete understanding, children with disabilities can build the scaffolding needed to support an upward spiral of development.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)--sometimes referred to as sensory integration dysfunction or sensory processing dysfunction--is an often unrecognized condition that is seen in otherwise typically functioning individuals as well as those with autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurological conditions. These individuals are not able to effectively process information from their senses (touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell, and movement), resulting in delays in motor skills and problems with self-regulation, attention, and behavior.

• Imagine you are a bright kindergarten boy whose ears fill with pain whenever the school fire alarm rings. While the other children line up to leave the room, all you can do is hide in the corner with your hands over your ears.

• Imagine you are a 10 year-old girl who is friendly and has a wonderful imagination but cannot kick a soccer ball, learn the steps in dance class, or ride a bike.

• Imagine you are an adult who has become socially isolated because the slightest touch feels threatening, and the smells and sounds of restaurants, malls, and movie theaters are intolerable.

• Imagine you are a parent of a young child who struggles with sleeping and eating and is irritable much of the day. You hope that it is only a stage, but each day becomes a difficult trial.

Occupational and physical therapists specializing in sensory integration are able to identify and treat these problems. Through therapy, children, adolescents, and adults with sensory integration dysfunction can master skills, develop self-confidence, and find increased ease and comfort in their daily lives.

Watch our introductory video below Sensory Processing Disorder - In Their Own Words for more information on SPD.  Buy our full length video When Our Senses Don't Make Sense, available in our web store.

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