What is the difference between Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Differences?

Sensory processing challenges, that may lead the person to view themselves as having Sensory Processing Disorder, occur when the sensory signals the brain receives are not organised into appropriate responses. The person may over or under respond to sensory information, and this pattern can vary across the sensory systems. For example, the person may be easily overwhelmed by loud sounds but may not notice if somebody brushes past them.  Sensory responses can vary depending on the persons overall state of regulation and arousal, as most people are more able to tolerate sensory experiences when they are calm and focussed, compared to when they are upset, frustrated, or tired. This can make everyday situations challenging, and without understanding the persons unique sensory processing patterns, their responses can feel unpredictable.

We are all unique beings with our own sensory preferences. Sensory differences are neither good nor bad, just natural differences between us. Some people find that their sensory differences are having a negative impact on their life and want to find ways to understand and manage their sensory needs. This is where an Occupational Therapist trained in sensory integration can help. This is not about viewing a person as disordered and in need of ‘fixing’ but rather supporting the person to thrive, making the most of their strengths and finding ways to manage things that feel difficult.

Sensory-Based Motor Differences: Shows up as problems with balance, motor coordination, and completing movement tasks. This category includes postural issues (difficulty stabilising during movement or rest) and dyspraxia (problems planning and executing coordinated movements). These difficulties can lead to people finding new and unfamiliar movement tasks harder than other people, taking a long time to master movement tasks, and avoiding movement tasks, e.g. opting out of playing sports.

Sensory Discrimination Differences: Difficulty identifying the qualities of sensory stimuli and the ability to distinguish between similar stimuli. This might affect any of the senses, such as hearing, touch, or taste. For example, struggling to identify an object by the way it looks or feels, struggling to judge the volume or direction of sounds, and struggling to identify how a food tastes.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Processing Challenges

Individuals who identify as having Sensory Processing Disorder/difficulties might display an array of symptoms. This can vary widely from one person to another. Common signs include:

• An aversion to touch or textures such as clothing, messy play, sand, or grass.
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or using cutlery and other tools.
• Feeling clumsy or poorly coordinated.
• Becoming easily overwhelmed in certain environments, e.g. noisy, bright, busy places, that most other people aren’t bothered by.
• Struggling to tune into what their body needs, e.g. not recognising when they are thirsty, or not realising they need the toilet until the last minute.
• Either very high or very low activity levels.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is not currently a recognised diagnosis. However, our Occupational Therapist’s trained in sensory integration are able to comprehensively assess an individual’s sensory processing to help them identify strengths and areas of challenge.

Assessment includes use of standard assessments to measure different areas of sensory processing, clinical observations, and information gathering, to gain a detailed understanding of the person’s unique sensory profile and how this impacts on their daily life and skills.

If further support/treatment is required, this is individualised and may include:

• Education around sensory processing and the persons unique sensory needs. This may be delivered to the individual, their family, school, workplace, etc.
• Support to adapt the environments the person uses to make them ‘sensory friendly’.
• Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), a specific type of sensory based therapy using a defined protocol to tailor sensory experiences to create opportunities for the person to adapt and respond in a new way.
• Sensory strategies, such as writing sensory support plans with daily activities to support sensory needs, sensory circuits, weighed blanket/objects, etc.
• Support to understand triggers, different arousal states, and to develop strategies to self-manage sensory needs (self-regulation). This includes the use of tools such as Zones of Regulation and Sensory Ladders.

Living with Sensory Challenges

What helps?

• Helping the person understand their needs and to feel empowered to manage these in ways they are comfortable with.
• Understanding and support from family, teachers, and peers.
• Adapting the sensory environments where the person spends their time, e.g. home, school, work, such as reducing sensory overload and providing breaks.
• Supporting participation in activities that the individual finds calming and organising, ensuring this is led by the person and supports their interests.

For those looking for support, it is helpful to reach out to specialists who understand sensory processing. With the right support, sensory processing does not need to cause barriers to living a full life.

By increasing awareness and promoting understanding, we can create a supportive environment that acknowledges the needs of those with sensory differences and helps them thrive.

How can we help?

Our sensory trained OT’s hold post-graduate qualifications in sensory integration and can assess sensory processing, deliver Ayres Sensory Integration, advise on sensory strategies, provide training and comprehensive reports, and support in creating sensory-friendly environments. Here is a free online SPD test for children.

Contact us to find out more about our sensory based services and learn how to tailor environments to create sensory-friendly spaces.