Does My Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder? (SPD) Signs To Look Out For

 Is My Child’s Behaviour Just a Phase, or Could It Be Sensory Processing Disorder?

Alright, grab your coffee because if you’ve ever found yourself watching your child have a meltdown over something as simple as a scratchy sock or the sound of a vacuum, this one’s for you. We’re talking about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and I know, I know, it sounds like one of those medical terms you’d rather just ignore. But stick with me — we’ll break it down in a way that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out. Promise.

So, What Is SPD? (And Why Is My Child Acting Like This?)

Let’s start with the basics: Sensory Processing Disorder is when your child’s brain has trouble processing information from the senses. That means what seems like a “normal” experience to most of us — like a loud sound or a soft fabric — might feel completely overwhelming to them. Imagine being stuck in a room full of people yelling, while you’re trying to get some work done — not fun, right?

For kids with SPD, it’s like their brain has trouble filtering the info coming in through their senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell). Some kids might be over-sensitive (where everything feels too intense), and some might be under-sensitive (where they don't react as much to things others would notice). It’s a bit like a sensory rollercoaster, and it can leave parents wondering, “Is this just a phase, or is there something more to it?”

The Tell-Tale Signs You Might Be Dealing With SPD

So, what should you be looking for? Here are a few clues that might point to SPD in your child:

1. Meltdowns Over Small Things

Your child loses it over something seemingly tiny, like the tag inside their shirt or the sound of the dishwasher. If your kid has a meltdown every time you turn on the blender or they can’t stand the feeling of certain fabrics, SPD could be at play. These can be signs of over-sensitivity.

2. Avoiding or Seeking Sensory Input

• Avoiding: Your child might refuse to wear certain clothes, avoid messy play, or cover their ears in loud environments. It’s like they’re on sensory overload all the time. Over-sensitive kids often react this way.

• Seeking: Or, on the flip side, your child might seek out things like spinning, jumping, or even crashing into furniture. This is a sign of under-sensitivity — their brain just isn’t getting enough sensory input, so they’re trying to find it themselves.

3. Extreme Sensitivity to Sounds, Lights, or Textures

Does your kid freak out when they hear the vacuum or the hairdryer? Maybe they cover their eyes when stepping into a brightly lit room. Sounds and lights that might seem “normal” to you can feel like a sensory overload to a super-sensitive child (over-sensitive). But, on the other hand, under-sensitive kids might not react at all, even in loud or brightly lit environments.

4. Difficulty With Transitions

Kids with SPD can struggle with transitions, like moving from one activity to another. If your child goes from “happy” to “meltdown” at the thought of switching gears, it could be a sign of SPD. The change can feel jarring to their sensory system. Over-sensitive children might find transitions overwhelming and need extra time to process the shift.

5. Clumsy Movements or Balance Issues

SPD can mess with a child’s motor coordination, too. If your child is constantly tripping over their own feet, bumping into things, or having trouble with balance, they might be under-sensitive to their own body’s movements. It’s like they can’t feel where they are in space, so they move less smoothly.

6. Sleep Issues

Kids with SPD may also have trouble winding down or sleeping. If your child is constantly fidgeting, tossing, and turning, or having difficulty relaxing, it could be a sign that their brain is overstimulated and struggling to process sensory input. Over-sensitive kids might have trouble with the sensation of their clothes, the sheets, or the lights at night, making sleep harder.

7. Unusual Pain Responses

This one’s a big one. Some kids with SPD might feel too much pain from a small injury (like a scrape) or, on the other hand, they might not react to pain at all. You could see your child trip and not notice it until they’re on the floor crying, or they might scream in pain over something that seems pretty minor to us.

Over-Sensitive vs. Under-Sensitive: What’s the Difference?

Over-Sensitive (Hypersensitive)

If your child is over-sensitive, they might find the world around them way too overwhelming. Their senses are firing on all cylinders, and it feels like everything is turned up to 11. Here’s what you might notice:

• Loud noises like the vacuum, sirens, or even laughter might feel like a sharp pain.

• Bright lights might feel like being in the sun for hours, even indoors.

• Textures — things like seams in socks, the feeling of a shirt collar, or certain foods could send them into a meltdown.

What to do:

• Create a calm environment: Minimize loud noises, dim the lights, and have a cozy spot where they can retreat when they need to.

• Use noise-canceling headphones or soft fabrics for clothing to reduce sensory input.

• Give them extra time to adjust to transitions, and don’t rush them.

Under-Sensitive (Hyposensitive)

For under-sensitive kids, they might seem like they’re always “seeking” sensory input. They don’t react as much to sensory stimuli, so they’ll often be the ones crashing into things, spinning, or seeking out rough play to feel more grounded. Here’s what you might notice:

• They might not notice pain or get hurt easily.

• They might crave rough play (like spinning, jumping, or crashing into furniture) or be constantly seeking out deep pressure (like hugs or tight clothing).

• They may seem unaware of personal space or have trouble recognizing their body’s movements.

What to do:

• Provide sensory activities: Encourage them to engage in activities like jumping on a trampoline, swinging, or squeezing a stress ball to get the input they crave.

• Use weighted blankets or tight clothing to help them feel grounded.

• Create routines that include sensory breaks to help regulate their sensory needs.

So, What’s the Next Step? Is It SPD or Just a Phase?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hmm, that sounds like my child,” don’t panic. The first thing to know is that SPD isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Every child is different, and their sensory needs may change as they grow. What might seem like a quirky phase could actually be a sign of sensory struggles.

The next step? Consult an expert. An occupational therapist (OT) is your go-to person here. They can evaluate your child’s sensory processing skills and help develop a plan to manage their needs. It could be a game-changer for both you and your child, making daily life much easier for everyone.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a “Phase”

At the end of the day, you know your child better than anyone. If you’re feeling like something’s off, trust your instincts. SPD isn’t something that gets talked about enough, but the good news is that it’s treatable. With the right support, kids with SPD can learn to better navigate their world and thrive — and so can you, as their parent.

So, hang in there! If your child is a sensory seeker or a sensory avoider, there are tools and strategies to help them feel more comfortable in their own skin. It’s all about getting the right help, being patient, and knowing that they’re not alone in this sensory world.

Comment below your fave ways to calm your little ones :)

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