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)
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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 normal 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
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
Unlike autism, SPD specifically can be "grown out of" with therapy!
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 becomes manageable. Unlike some conditions, SPD is very treatable. Most children do well with proper support.
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 a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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