Sensory Processing Disorder: Causes, Symptoms

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Sensory Processing Disorder is a complex condition influenced by genetic, neurobiological, developmental, and environmental factors. Symptoms can range from hypersensitivity to hyposensitivity, affecting various aspects of daily life. Understanding the causes and symptoms of SPD is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. The exact causes of SPD are not fully understood, but several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development.

Genetic and Neurobiological Factors

Research suggests that genetic and neurobiological factors play a significant role in the development of SPD. For instance, alterations in GABAergic function have been shown to affect sensory processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)4. This indicates that neurotransmitter imbalances could be a contributing factor.

Developmental Factors

Children born preterm are at a higher risk for developmental challenges, including atypical sensory processing patterns. A study on toddlers born preterm with ASD symptoms found that these children exhibited significant sensory processing difficulties, which were measured using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP)2. This suggests that early developmental issues can contribute to SPD.

Environmental Influences

Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain stimuli or lack thereof, can also influence sensory processing. For example, children with nonoptimal sensory processing sometimes use tools like tangles, wobble cushions, and earmuffs to help them concentrate better in school. However, the effectiveness of these tools varies, indicating that environmental modifications can impact sensory processing6.

Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder

The symptoms of SPD can vary widely among individuals, but they generally fall into two categories: hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory stimuli.

Hypersensitivity

Individuals with hypersensitivity may find certain sensory inputs overwhelming or distressing. For example, children with ASD often experience sensory processing difficulties that make them feel overwhelmed by loud noises or constant low-level noise, affecting their behavior and social interactions3. Similarly, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have impaired sensory integration may experience balance disorders due to hypersensitivity to sensory inputs5.

Hyposensitivity

On the other hand, individuals with hyposensitivity may show little or no response to sensory stimuli. This can manifest as a lack of reaction to pain, temperature, or other sensory inputs. For instance, the study on toddlers born preterm with ASD symptoms found that a significant number of children exhibited low registration of sensory inputs, meaning they were less responsive to sensory stimuli2.

Mixed Sensory Responses

Some individuals may exhibit a combination of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. For example, children with ADHD and sensory processing difficulties may have mixed responses, showing both underresponsive and sensory-seeking behaviors. A feasibility study on a sensorimotor intervention for these children found that families reported improvements in ADHD symptoms and sensory processing after participating in the intervention8.

Disclaimer

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