What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

A sensory processing disorder occurs when a person’s brain or nervous system does not respond accurately or efficiently to sensory input. In the most simple terms, this may be due to an over- response to a sensation, or an under-response to a sensation. This can lead to a variety of problems, including behavior and emotional issues, difficulty with learning, and delayed development of age appropriate skills.

Sensory processing disorders are also sometimes referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction. This term was first coined by Dr. A Jean Ayres, and prominent occupational therapist and neurobiologist who conducted extensive research on the topic.

All individuals are unique, and have different tolerances and thresholds for sensory input. For example, some people are very ticklish while others are not; some people like to work with background music on, while others prefer silence to focus. It is when an individual’s sensory responses to sensory input are so extreme that it interferes with their day-to-day life that there is a problem.

What are the signs of a sensory processing disorder?