Treating Children For Sensory Processing Disorder

Quick Answer

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can be challenging, but with the right therapy and support, children CAN improve significantly! If your child seems overly sensitive to sounds, textures, or movement - or seeks intense sensory input - they may have sensory processing differences. Early intervention with occupational therapy helps children learn to manage their responses and participate fully in daily activities. You’re not alone, and help is available.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? (SPD Kya Hai)

Understanding SPD

Simply explained:

• Brain has difficulty processing sensory information

• Child may over-react OR under-react to sensory input

• Affects how they experience the world

• Can impact behavior, sleep (neend), eating, learning Senses involved:

• Sight (vision)

• Sound (hearing)

• Touch

• Taste

• Smell

• Movement (vestibular)

• Body awareness (proprioception)

Types of Sensory Processing Differences

Type	Meaning	Signs
Hypersensitivity (over-responsive)	Too much input feels overwhelming	Covers ears, avoids textures, dislikes crowds
Hyposensitivity (under-responsive)	Needs more input to register	Seeks intense stimulation, high pain tolerance
Sensory seeking	Craves specific sensory input	Constantly moving, touching everything, loud
Sensory avoiding	Avoids specific sensory input	Picky eater, dislikes certain clothes, retreats

Many children have a mix of both!

Signs and Symptoms

In Babies

May indicate sensory issues:

• Very fussy, difficult to soothe (bahut zyada rota hai)
• Difficulty feeding (gagging, refusing textures)
• Startles easily at sounds
• Resists being held or cuddled
• Sleep problems (neend mein problem)
• Doesn’t like baths or diaper changes
• Very sensitive to tags, seams in clothes

In Toddlers and Preschoolers

Common signs:

Area	Hypersensitive	Hyposensitive/Seeking
Sound	Covers ears, cries at loud sounds	Doesn’t respond to name, loves loud music
Touch	Hates certain textures, messy play	Touches everything, doesn’t feel pain
Movement	Fears swings, climbing	Can’t stop moving, crashes into things
Taste/Food	Very picky eater, gags easily	Mouths everything, craves strong flavors
Visual	Overwhelmed by busy places	Stares at lights, fans

In School-Age Children

Additional concerns:

• Difficulty with handwriting
• Clumsy, poor coordination
• Trouble with transitions
• Meltdowns in overwhelming environments
• Difficulty making friends
• Poor attention in noisy settings
• Unusual fear of everyday activities

SPD and Sleep

Sleep problems are common:

• Difficulty settling to sleep
• Needs specific conditions (complete dark, quiet)
• Wakes easily
• May seek movement to fall asleep
• Sensitive to bedding textures
• Night waking (raat ko jagta hai)

What Causes SPD?

Risk Factors

Factor	Connection
Premature birth	More common in preemies
Birth complications	Brain development affected
Genetics	May run in families
Environmental factors	Limited sensory exposure early in life
Developmental differences	Often occurs with autism, ADHD

SPD can occur alone or with other conditions!

When to Seek Help

Consult Professional If:

• Sensory issues affecting daily life
• Problems with eating, sleeping, playing
• Difficulty in school or social settings
• Frequent meltdowns in sensory environments
• Child very distressed by sensory experiences
• Not responding to sounds or touch normally
• Coordination and motor skill problems

See your pediatrician promptly if your child loses skills they previously had (for example, stops responding to their name, loses words, or stops making eye contact), or if you have any concern about hearing or vision — these need a proper evaluation rather than being assumed to be sensory issues.

Who Can Help

Professional	Role
Pediatrician	Initial evaluation, referrals
Occupational Therapist (OT)	Primary treatment, sensory evaluation
Developmental Pediatrician	Diagnosis, comprehensive assessment
Child Psychologist	Behavioral strategies, anxiety
Physical Therapist	Motor skill issues

Diagnosis

How SPD Is Identified

Evaluation includes:

• Detailed developmental history
• Observation of child
• Standardized sensory assessments
• Parent and teacher questionnaires
• Motor and coordination testing
• Rule out other conditions Note: SPD is not in DSM-5 as separate diagnosis, but occupational therapists recognize and treat it

Treatment Options

Occupational Therapy (Most Common)

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT):

• Controlled, fun sensory activities

• Gradually builds tolerance

• Teaches coping strategies

• Usually 1-2 sessions per week

• Child-led, play-based Activities may include:

• Swinging, spinning, jumping

• Texture play (sand, playdough, water)

• Weighted blankets or vests

• Deep pressure activities

• Coordination exercises

Sensory Diet

What it is: Customized plan of sensory activities throughout day

Examples:

Time	Activity	Purpose
Morning	Jump on trampoline	Alert and organize
Before school	Heavy backpack walk	Calming input
At school	Fidget toy, seat cushion	Stay focused
After school	Outdoor play	Release energy
Before bed	Deep pressure massage	Calm for sleep

Designed by OT specifically for your child!

Other Therapies

Therapy	When Helpful
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	For anxiety about sensory experiences
Speech Therapy	If feeding/oral issues
Physical Therapy	For motor coordination
Listening programs	For auditory processing

What You Can Do at Home (Ghar Pe Kya Karein)

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

For hypersensitive children:

• Quiet spaces to retreat

• Soft, natural lighting

• Seamless clothing (cut tags!)

• Reduce visual clutter

• Noise-canceling headphones available

• Predictable routines For hyposensitive/seeking children:

• Safe movement options (swing, trampoline)

• Chewy toys, crunchy snacks

• Heavy work activities

• Fidget toys

• Outdoor time daily

• Deep pressure activities

Sensory Activities at Home

Activity	Sensory Input	Good For
Playdough/atta dough	Touch, hand strength	Calming, motor skills
Jumping/trampolining	Movement, body awareness	Alerting, organizing
Water play	Touch, temperature	Calming
Swing	Movement	Calming or alerting
Deep pressure massage	Touch	Calming, before sleep
Obstacle course	All senses	Organizing
Blowing bubbles	Oral, visual	Calming

Helping with Sleep

If sensory issues affect sleep (neend):

• Consistent calming routine
• Weighted blanket (if appropriate)
• White noise or silence (child’s preference)
• Complete darkness or night light
• Seamless, soft pajamas
• Deep pressure before bed
• Avoid overstimulation in evening

Mealtime Tips

For picky eaters with sensory issues:

• Don’t force new foods
• Offer familiar alongside new
• Let child touch/smell before eating
• Gradual exposure over weeks
• Crunchy, bland foods often accepted first
• Involve in food preparation

Prognosis

Can Children Overcome SPD?

YES, with proper support:

• Many children improve significantly
• Learn coping strategies
• Symptoms may lessen with age
• Early intervention helps most
• Some sensitivity may always remain Outcomes vary from child to child. Sensory differences often become more manageable over time with consistent therapy and support, though some children continue to need strategies into adulthood. Your child’s occupational therapist and pediatrician can give you a realistic picture for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Bachcha har cheez se darta hai - sounds, crowds, certain kapde. SPD hai?

A: Could be sensory hypersensitivity. Signs of SPD include: extreme reactions to sounds/textures, covering ears, meltdowns in crowded places, clothing battles daily. If affecting daily life significantly, consult pediatrician and ask for occupational therapy (OT) evaluation. Many children with these sensitivities benefit greatly from sensory integration therapy. Not every sensitive child has SPD, but evaluation helps clarify.

Q: SPD autism hai kya?

A: NO, SPD is not autism. However, many children with autism ALSO have sensory processing issues. Key difference: autism includes social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. SPD alone means only sensory processing difficulty. A child can have SPD without autism. Proper evaluation by developmental specialist can differentiate. Treatment approach differs, though sensory strategies help both.

Q: Occupational therapy kahan milegi? India mein available hai?

A: Yes! OT is available in major cities at: pediatric hospitals, child development centers, special schools, private OT clinics. In metros: Fortis, Apollo, Max have OT departments. Ask pediatrician for referral. Sessions usually 1-2 times per week. Home program provided to continue between sessions. Telehealth OT also available now for guidance.

Q: SPD ka ilaj ho sakta hai?

A: Many children improve significantly with therapy! Occupational therapy (sensory integration) is very effective. Children learn coping strategies, build tolerance, develop skills. Early intervention gives best results. Some sensitivity may remain into adulthood but often becomes more manageable. Many children make good progress with proper support, though outcomes vary. Your pediatrician and occupational therapist can guide what to expect for your child.

Q: SPD se neend (sleep) kaise affect hoti hai?

A: Very commonly! Sensory sensitive children may: need specific conditions to sleep (exact darkness, quiet), wake easily to sounds, be uncomfortable with bedding textures, need movement to fall asleep, be over-aroused at bedtime. Tips: consistent calming routine, sensory activities before bed (deep pressure massage), comfortable pajamas (no tags), weighted blanket if helpful. OT can create bedtime sensory plan.

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This article was reviewed by Babynama Pediatricians. Last updated: January 2025

Concerned about your child’s sensory responses? Babynama’s pediatricians can help guide you toward proper evaluation and support. Chat with us on WhatsApp!

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This article is for general information for parents in India and is not a substitute for in-person medical advice. Sensory differences overlap with conditions like autism, ADHD, and hearing or vision problems, so always discuss your child’s specific situation with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist. In a medical emergency, call 112 (national emergency) or 108 (ambulance), or go to your nearest hospital.