What is SPD?
SPD stands for Sensory Processing Disorder.
Sensory Processing Disorder is the name given to the disorder that causes some people to react to Stimuli differently. SPD can be found in children and adults and can not be treated with medication. The treatment most Occupational Therapists recommend is a Sensory diet and tolerance. According to SPD Star, “Sensory processing (originally called “Sensory integration dysfunction” or SID) refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioural responses. Whether you are biting into a sandwich, riding a bicycle, or reading a book, your successful completion of the activity requires accurate processing of sensation.” This basically means, people with SPD experience the world in different ways than Neurotypicals (people with “normal” functioning senses). When a Stimulus activity occurs someone with SPD may experience it differently than everyone else without SPD. For example, the sun to most people is a fairly bright object in the sky but to someone with SPD, the sun is a bright fire burning at their skin and causing their eyes to sting and water. SPD can make everyday things difficult to deal with but there are many resources online.
Online sites for more information: - spdstar.org - spdlife.org - special-ism.com
For help locally and in person, ask your family physician to send a referral to an Occupational Therapist who specializes in Sensory Integration.
