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Sensory Processing/Integration Disorder

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Some children have atypical reactivity, either hypo- or hyper-reactivity (over or under responsivity), to a single or combination of tactile, auditory, visual, vestibular, olfactory, and gustatory stimulation, a condition known as sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensory integration disorder. Children with this disorder have difficulty responding appropriately to external stimuli, which can lead to problems such as anxiety, challenging behaviors, attention difficulties, feeding problems, and poor academic performance. Although SPD is not specified in the DSM-5 or the ICD-10, it is listed in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3R).
  • SPD is more common in boys, more common in children who were born preterm, have ADHD or autism, and/or Developmental Coordination Disorder. SPD is thought to occur in 5-16% of children. [Gouze: 2009]
  • Suspect SPD when a child is hyper-sensitive to some stimuli and/or hypo-responsive to other stimuli. This may appear as seeking or avoiding stimuli.

Diagnosis

Essential features of SPD include atypical responses to typical stimuli, including sounds, touch, movement/body awareness, taste/smells, and sights. The child should not have severe delay or show significant abnormalities on neurologic exam; these are flags for different disorders. Ideally, the medical home should consult with a multidisciplinary team including developmental pediatrics and occupational therapy trained in standardized tools to assess children if SPD is suspected.

Treatment

Children with SPD should be referred to occupational therapy to help organize their environment at both home and school to minimize disruption as well as for sensory integration therapy. Behavioral therapy may be needed for secondary problems such as difficult behaviors and/or anxiety.

Role of the Medical Home

  • Identify concern and consider an occupational therapy assessment for the treatment of sensory processing disorder.
  • Explain to child/family the nature of the condition.
  • Consider developmental pediatrics consultation.
  • Ensure parents know how to access services needed via school system (e.g., OT consultative input if needed).
  • Seek associated problems such as autism, ADHD, anxiety and manage as needed.

Resources

Information & Support

For Parents and Patients

The Unbearable Sensation of Being (UCSF)
Some kids find everyday stimuli excruciating. Scientists are finally figuring out why. Summer 2018 article from the University of California Magazine.

Sensory Processing Disorder/Sensory Integration Disorder (Psychology Today)
Understanding sensory processing disorder (SPD), treating SPD, and SPD, ADHD, and autism.

Services for Patients & Families in New Mexico (NM)

For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.

* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.

Helpful Articles

PubMed search for articles in the last year about sensory processing disorder in children

Mazurek, MO, Kanne, SM, Wodka, EL.
Physical aggression in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2013;7:455-465.

Authors & Reviewers

Initial publication: May 2021
Current Authors and Reviewers:
Author: Lynne M. Kerr, MD, PhD
Reviewer: Marilyn A. Schneider, OTD