What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Southlake, Texas, is a city of just over 40,000 residents. It is a well-off suburb of Dallas that is family-oriented and has no shortage of things to do. There are excellent medical facilities for people with certain disorders, such as sensory processing disorders. Residents with sensory processing disorder in Southlake can turn to occupational therapy in Southlake to help them live life more easily.

Definition of Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is when people have difficulty processing sensory input, which means how they see, hear, touch, smell, and taste things. It is said that SPD occurs in about 5% of children and is often misdiagnosed.

What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?

Many people with sensory processing disorder have a genetic mutation passed down from parent to child. This gene controls the brain’s ability to process information received from the five senses, and when it is defective, the child will likely have problems with sensory processing.

Many children have poor motor skills or coordination, making it hard to perform specific physical tasks such as riding a bike, playing ball, or throwing a Frisbee to catch. These activities can be challenging because the child may not accurately perceive where his body is in space, and he may overreact to the stimulus or underreact.

How Is Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosed?

Since SPD is not well-known by the medical community, many cases are misdiagnosed as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A doctor may do some tests to rule out these disorders before diagnosing a sensory processing disorder. The doctor will ask about the child’s behavior and developmental milestones, such as speaking, walking, and interacting with others.

If a parent suspects a sensory processing disorder in a child, he should talk to the doctor about it. The doctor will assess the child for possible problems caused by an SPD before developing a treatment plan.

Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder

Occupational therapy in Southlake is often used to help children with sensory processing disorders. Depending on his diagnosis, the child may receive occupational therapy in Southlake for a certain period. This type of therapy helps the child control his environment and learn how to interact with others to make school or work easier for him in the future. In occupational therapy in Southlake, a therapist can help children with SPD develop their fine and gross motor skills and social skills. They may also learn how to organize themselves to complete tasks more easily.

How Can I Help My Child With Sensory Processing Disorder?

There are ways parents can help a child with a sensory processing disorder. For instance, they should teach their children how to play with other children and not be too bossy or aggressive. Parents also need to ensure the child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy diet to remain calm and focused.

If you know someone who has SPD in Southlake, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. Children with sensory processing disorders must obtain the proper treatment to grow up to be successful.