Introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder

Imagine hearing an annoying sound that keeps repeating in your head. Then think of an intrusive obsessive negative thought you wish you could forget. Couple that with itchy clothing sticking to your sweat. It becomes so overwhelming that you can’t help but to scream. Imagine that every waking moment of your life. Sadly, there are people in this world who have to deal with this. The ailment this is associated with is called Sensory Processing Disorder. I will refer to it as SPD.

When someone asks us how many senses there are, we usually say five. The basic taste, touch, hearing, smell and sight. There are actually three more. Proprioception which tells where our extremities are such as your arm when lifting a sandwich to your mouth, vestibular-our sense of balance and the final one-interoception. Interoception is the intrinsic feelings regulated by the midbrain like the feelings of hunger or the urge to use the bathroom.

In SPD the interoception can be overwhelming. While the individual senses things normally, the perception is heightened. While SPD is not in a diagnostic manual for mental health it is thought to be a form of autism. It is currently categorized as a neurological condition. Many individuals with it exhibit normal function for most of everyday life but may have trouble with social situations. While SPD is often seen in children, it is often not diagnosed even in adults. This can lead to further pathological issues.

Many people with SPD if the illness is not treated lash out in anger, say things they regret or take risks. They, like others with autism, have an issue called perseveration. This means they get hyper focused on one thing when overstimulated. Physical signs that this is happening may be something along the lines like rocking back and forth, sucking on a thumb or fidgeting. While society is focused on punishing neurodivergent people should they act out, it is important to show empathy and patience.

In 2011 Oprah had a young boy named Zach on her show who had this illness. It showed a boy who had violent rage and could be triggered by something small like having to go to his room. He had been forced out of school for wanting to stab a schoolmate and at age 7 had held a knife to his mother. Oprah received a lot of backlash for showing this as the boy likely had other issues as well, however had she not shown something that controversial the illness would likely still be ignored.

SPD’s causes are not known. Some argue that there is a genetic link, while others say it is comorbid with autism spectrum disorders. Adults with SPD tend to feel very isolated as society is quick to judge behaviours. They may have trouble leaving the house and often struggle to find or keep employment. The suicide rate is quite a bit higher for people with SPD and statistics have suggested that people with SPD tend to be more likely in the LGBT spectrum.

Diagnosing SPD requires a series of tests, and often gets misdiagnosed. As it is still seen as a newer illness no preventative measures are known. Most forms of therapy are not insured because the illness is not recognized by many companies. The best form of therapy is working with an Occupational therapist to develop coping strategies. A modified lifestyle is essential for a person living with it. Most sufferers are forced to go from job to job to find accommodations that fit them. Like with any illness, early detection is key. A person suffering from this who has had to suppress their feelings into adulthood has a poorer prognosis than one coming from an accepting family.