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What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) — sometimes called sensory integration difficulties — means the brain has trouble receiving, organising and responding to information from the senses.

What it is

Every second, the brain takes in messages from all eight senses — sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, movement (vestibular), body position (proprioception) and the inner body (interoception). Sensory processing is how the brain sorts, prioritises and responds to all of that.

When this process works differently, ordinary things like a noisy classroom, clothing tags or a haircut can feel unbearable — or a child may seek extra input by crashing, spinning or chewing. It is not naughtiness, anxiety "on its own", or a result of parenting. The child's nervous system is responding to a world that feels louder, sharper or duller to them.[1]

Four sensory response patterns[2]

Over-responsive

Small sensations feel big. Noise, touch, movement or crowds can feel overwhelming or upsetting.

Under-responsive

Input registers slowly. The child may not notice a scraped knee, their name being called, or messy hands.

Sensory seeking

The nervous system craves more — constant movement, deep pressure, chewing or crashing.

Sensory avoidance

After a difficult experience with sound, touch or another sensation, a child may avoid the place or situation where it happened. Anticipating that experience again can cause distress and anxiety; sometimes going out can feel too difficult.

These patterns can overlap. Over-responsiveness describes how intense input feels; avoidance describes what a child does to reduce or control that input. If distress or avoidance limits everyday life, seek support from an occupational therapist or another appropriate health professional.

SPD itself vs. sensory differences in other diagnoses

SPD itself

A term used by occupational therapists for sensory difficulties that are the main issue and affect daily life.[1][2] It is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, and paediatricians advise it generally should not be diagnosed on its own.[3] It is identified through an OT assessment.

Sensory differences within another diagnosis

Many diagnosed conditions include sensory differences as one feature — for example, sensory reactivity is part of the autism criteria.[4][5] Here the sensory differences are part of a wider picture, and other conditions should always be considered.[3]

Diagnoses commonly associated with sensory processing differences

Having one of these diagnoses does not mean a child has SPD, and having sensory differences does not mean a child has any of these diagnoses.

Autism spectrum disorder

Sensory differences are very common — most autistic children process sights, sounds and touch differently.[4][5]

ADHD

Seeking movement and struggling to filter background noise or visual clutter often go with attention differences.[3]

Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia)

Planning and coordinating movement is closely tied to how the body processes sensory input.[3]

Dysgraphia

A specific difficulty with handwriting. Body awareness, touch feedback through the fingers and motor planning can all affect pencil grip, pressure and letter formation.

Dyslexia

A language-based difficulty with reading and spelling — it is not caused by sensory processing. Some children also find busy, noisy or visually cluttered rooms harder, which can add to the effort of reading.

Anxiety

Feeling constantly overwhelmed by sensory input can drive worry, avoidance and meltdowns.[3]

Learning difficulties

Trouble sitting still, holding a pencil or following instructions can link back to sensory processing.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Sensory processing differences are frequently seen alongside FASD.

Down syndrome

Differences in muscle tone and sensory feedback can affect movement and daily tasks.

Cerebral palsy

Changed body awareness and movement feedback shape how a child experiences the world.

Prematurity

Babies born early often have nervous systems that take longer to organise sensory input.

Trauma and attachment difficulties

Children who have experienced trauma may be hypervigilant to sound, touch or sudden change.[6]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children

A nervous system stuck on high alert can make noise, touch, smells or crowds feel threatening. Reactions can look like sensory over-responsiveness, but the cause and support differ — trauma-informed care comes first.[6][7]

On its own

Some children have significant sensory processing differences without any other diagnosis. An occupational therapy assessment can still identify their pattern and what will help.

How it may show up day to day

At home

Meltdowns at bath time, refusing certain clothes, limited food choices, trouble settling to sleep.

At school

Fidgeting, covering ears in assemblies, avoiding handwriting, difficulty lining up or sitting on the mat.

Out and about

Distress in supermarkets or playgrounds, fear of swings and slides, or climbing and crashing constantly.

Diagnosis & sensory explainer

Enter a diagnosis and describe the sensory concerns. AI will explain how sensory processing differences may relate to it.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Always talk with your doctor or OT.

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Questions to ask your OT

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Sources

  1. About SPD — STAR Institute for Sensory Processing. Published: Undated web page.
  2. Concept Evolution in Sensory Integration: A Proposed Nosology for Diagnosis — Miller, Anzalone, Lane, Cermak & Osten — American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61(2). Published: March 2007.
  3. Sensory Integration Therapies for Children With Developmental and Behavioral Disorders (policy statement) — American Academy of Pediatrics — Pediatrics 129(6). Published: June 2012.
  4. A Meta-Analysis of Sensory Modulation Symptoms in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders — Ben-Sasson et al. — Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 39. Published: 30 May 2008 (online).
  5. Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: He Waka Huia Takiwātanga Rau, Third Edition — Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People & Ministry of Education. Published: 2022.
  6. Sensory Modulation in Children Exposed to Continuous Traumatic Stress — Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma 13(1). Published: 4 April 2019.
  7. Sensory modulation difficulties and complex PTSD among child abuse survivors — Kidra, Gafter, Bar-Shalita & Lahav — European Journal of Psychotraumatology 16(1). Published: 11 June 2025.

Cards without a number are general OT practice knowledge rather than a specific study.

Medical disclaimer

This information is general education only. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose, confirm or rule out any condition. Always talk with your GP, paediatrician or occupational therapist about your child. If you are worried about your child's safety, call 111.

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