Sensory processing disorder (SPD)

Have you ever felt upset and clasped your ears after hearing a loud or disruptive noise, like hearing tires screech to a halt close to you? Or have you felt happy smelling a familiar perfume?  

Those are examples of sensory processing – the way your brain receives sensory input from the environment and how you respond to it.  

What is SPD? 

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that exists when your brain has trouble processing certain sensory signals. As a result, you may become hypersensitive or even hyposensitive to them. Most people can name a sight, sound, smell, texture/feel or taste that grates on their nerves but that they can manage. Those with SPD have chronic difficulties with certain sensory input that can disrupt their everyday life. For instance, those who heard the tire screech may not just clasp their ears but also begin humming and swaying or may even need to wear headphones in a car or near traffic.  

While SPD is not a formal medical or psychiatric diagnosis, awareness of sensory processing issues can be helpful to understand why a person reacts or behaves in certain ways and in turn, why they need support and/or accommodations.  

Are sensory processing disorders related to autism? 

person walking on a busy street

“At a young age I was unable to touch paper or fleece because it was painful,” explained college student Chade’ Kronby. “My mom adapted, and I never wore clothing with fleece or soft textures. Also, card stock with rougher texture was easy for me to touch.” 

SPD is a common co-occurring condition with autism spectrum disorder; sensory issues are included in the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Though not all with SPD have ASD.  

While sensory processing disorders require additional data and research, scientists have discovered that autistic people have altered neural connectivity which may be at the root of the brains challenge to intake, process and organize environmental stimuli. When senses are stimulated, the information is processed atypically and may be consistent or change from day to day depending on the environment and context. This different way of processing information may make it challenging for autistic people to respond to sensory stimuli in socially typical ways. 

What does SPD look like in people with autism? 

Sensory processing disorders may be at the root of some repetitive behaviors and strengths like attention to detail which can be observed by an autistic person’s responses to external input in various ways including: 

  • Over-responsive reactions when a person has an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli; 
  • Under-responsive reactions when a person is unable to respond to sensory cues or is seemingly uninterested in stimuli; or 
  • Sensory-craving reactions when a person has a constant need for sensory stimulation such as touching or moving and may lack an awareness of boundaries. 

People who seek out sensory stimulation may stand closely to others and seem unable to understand personal space. They may engage in physical activity that seems out of place, seek out loud noises or make loud noises.  

Those that avoid sensory stimulation may be easily distracted or startled by background noises. They may not tolerate being touched, avoid bright lights and/or restrict themselves to specific foods.  

When an autistic person feels overwhelmed by external stimuli, they may engage in hyperfocus, sensory-seeking or self-stimulating (stimming) behaviors. For example, they may repeatedly fidget with their clothing, tap fingers, flap arms or make noises that sooth them. When an autistic person reaches sensory overload, them may become noticeably distraught and exhibit symptoms like a panic attack. They may feel anxious or fearful, become nauseous or very tense. 

Important to note is that many people with autism show certain behaviors when they are experiencing a sensory issue though not all will qualify as SPD.  

Common sensory processing disorder symptoms 

  • Increased movement, such as jumping, spinning or crashing into things 
  • Increased stimming, such as hand flapping, making repetitive noises or rocking back and forth 
  • Talking faster and louder, or not talking at all 
  • Covering ears or eyes 
  • Difficulty recognizing internal sensations like hunger, pain or the need to use the bathroom 
  • Refusing or insisting on certain foods or clothing items 
  • Frequent chewing on non-food items 
  • Frequent touching of others or playing rough 
  • Difficulty communicating or responding as the brain shifts resources to deal with sensory input (shutdown) 
  • Escalating, overwhelming emotions or need to escape a situation (meltdown) 

How do sensory processing disorders impact an autistic person? 

SPD can affect how a person interacts socially. For instance, an autistic person experiencing SPD may not be able to focus on a conversation or activity if lights appear too bright, voices are too loud, there are external noises such high pitched traffic nearby or there is an absence of any other noise. Situations like these may feel overwhelming and the autistic person may not feel rewarded by the social interaction. As a result, some autistic people prefer activities or environments that are less stimulating to their senses and require less social interaction.  

Sensory processing disorders can also disrupt an autistic person’s ability to focus on a task or conversation for a continuous stretch of time. Their mind simply cannot ignore the sensory issue – not without learned supports or accommodations. For instance, an autistic person may use a fidget device to redirect their thinking away from an unpleasant external sound or ask for an adjustment to bright lighting to help them focus on a task. 

SPD diagnosis, interventions and coping skills 

As mentioned, while SPD is not a medical diagnosis, there are well-known supports and accommodations to help. Occupational therapists and physical therapists can help with coping skills. Among them:  

  • Assistive technology: A weighted vest, fidget spinner, speech-generating device and other software and tools can provide multi-sensory reinforcement. 
  • Environmental changes: Dimming lights, scheduling sensory breaks, removing visual distractions and/or seating in a preferred area can encourage focus with minimal distraction. 
  • Sensory integration therapy, also known as sensory-focused interventions: Swinging or spinning, deep pressure activities, visual stimulation and therapeutic listening can reduce distress and help adapt responses.  
For educators 

If you are an educator looking to create an inclusive environment for autistic students that have sensory processing disorders, here are a few tips: 

  • Students with autism often need and thrive when there is consistency in their environment. Consider their needs when you rearrange the classroom, change seating or decorate for seasons. 
  • Events that lack structure, are unpredictable and have excessive noise (for example: recess, field trips or school assemblies) may become overwhelming. Review these with your autistic student and provide as much detail about them as possible. Make sure you provide them a support in the form of a person, place or thing. 
  • Consider environmental sensory issues such as flickering or bright lights, central air or heating noises, class bells, etc. and modify them as necessary. 
  • Multi-step directions and verbal instructions may be difficult to follow. It can be helpful to provide directions and instructions in a variety of ways, for example, written, with pictures and verbally. 
  • Educate others at the school about the challenges students may face with sensory processing. This can help ensure an inclusive environment and bully prevention.  
For caregivers 

If you are a caregiver seeking ways to support an autistic individual that has sensory processing disorders, here are a few tips: 

  • Practice empathy and patience. Sensory processing issues may not seem intuitive for you. Consider yourself lucky. 
  • Trust that their experiences are real. While you may not understand why the sensory issue is happening or how to remedy the situation, the over or under stimulation is real for the person experiencing it. 
  • Sensory integration-trained occupational or physical therapists can use sensory stimulation with physical movement to improve how the brain processes and organizes sensory information. 
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