What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Children with SPD may be overly sensitive to sensory input, not sensitive enough, or they may actively seek out intense sensory experiences.
SPD is not a recognised diagnosis in the major diagnostic manuals used internationally, but it is a well-documented and clinically meaningful pattern of difficulty. Many children with autism, ADHD, or developmental coordination disorder also experience significant sensory processing challenges.
The Senses Involved in SPD
Most people think of five senses. But the brain actually processes several more that are crucial for children’s development.
- Touch (tactile) — sensitivity to textures, clothing, and physical contact
- Movement (vestibular) — the sense of balance and spatial orientation
- Body awareness (proprioception) — knowing where your body is in space
- Sound (auditory) — how the brain processes noise and speech
- Sight (visual) — sensitivity to light, movement, and visual clutter
- Smell (olfactory) — sensitivity to scents
- Taste (gustatory) — reactions to flavour, texture, and temperature of food
- Interoception — awareness of internal body signals like hunger, thirst, and the need for the toilet
A child with SPD may have difficulties in one or several of these systems.
Types of Sensory Processing Disorder
Over-Responsive (Sensory Avoiding)
These children react strongly — and often defensively — to sensory input that others barely notice. Clothing seams may feel painful. Background noise may be unbearable. Being touched unexpectedly can trigger a strong reaction.
Over-responsive children often appear anxious, rigid about routines, or emotionally reactive. This is their nervous system trying to protect itself from overwhelming input.
Under-Responsive (Sensory Seeking)
These children seem to need more sensory input than usual to register what is happening around them. They may appear to have a high pain threshold, seem unaware of mess on their face or hands, or not notice when their name is called.
They can appear distracted, unmotivated, or slow to respond. In reality, their nervous system is simply not picking up enough signal.
Sensory Seeking
Sensory seekers actively crave intense input. They may spin, crash into furniture, hang upside down, or mouth objects beyond the typical age. This behaviour is the child’s attempt to meet a sensory need. It is not naughtiness — it is a physiological drive.
How SPD Affects Daily Life
SPD can affect almost every part of a child’s day. Mealtimes may be a battleground over food textures. Getting dressed may take an hour because of clothing discomfort. Busy classrooms may be so overwhelming that the child cannot learn effectively. Birthday parties and school assemblies may be sources of dread rather than joy.
For parents, this can be exhausting and isolating. Understanding that these difficulties are neurological — not behavioural — is an important first step.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
The exact causes of SPD are not fully understood. Research suggests it involves differences in how the nervous system is wired to process sensory input. It tends to run in families, and it is more common in children born prematurely or who experienced early medical complications.
SPD is not caused by parenting. It is not something children grow out of automatically. But with the right support, children can make significant and lasting improvements.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with SPD
Sensory integration therapy — delivered by a trained occupational therapist — is the primary evidence-informed approach for SPD. Sessions use carefully graded sensory experiences to help the brain learn to process and respond to sensory input more effectively.
Alongside clinic-based therapy, the OT will work with families to create a sensory diet — a personalised plan of sensory activities to be used at home throughout the day. This helps maintain the nervous system in a balanced, regulated state.
Practical Strategies for Home
- Use a consistent, predictable daily routine to reduce sensory load from unexpected changes
- Offer “heavy work” activities before demanding tasks — carrying, pushing, or pulling
- Allow extra time for transitions, especially in the morning
- Prepare your child for sensory experiences in advance — warn them before entering a noisy place
- Provide fidget tools, chewy toys, or movement breaks as needed throughout the day
Getting Support in Malta
If you suspect your child has sensory processing difficulties, an assessment with a paediatric occupational therapist is the best starting point. At Wonderkids in Malta, I offer specialist sensory assessments and tailored therapy programmes for children of all ages.
Early intervention makes a real difference. The sooner we understand your child’s sensory profile, the sooner we can put strategies in place that help them thrive.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, contact us at +356 99872936 or visit wonderkids.mt to book an assessment.