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If your child melts down over sounds, textures, or everyday sensations, you’re not imagining it. Sensory overload is real—and exhausting. Today, I break down what Sensory Processing Disorder is, why it shows up, and the proactive tools that help calm your child’s nervous system.
Why does my child seem “extra sensitive” to sounds, textures, or touch?
Sensitivity isn’t a personality flaw—it’s a nervous system stuck in dysregulation. When the brain is calm, kids can tolerate loud noises or unexpected touch. But when the nervous system is reactive, even small sensations feel overwhelming.
For many kids, this shows up as:
- Pulling away from touch
- Covering ears for everyday noises
- Meltdowns with clothing textures or food textures
- Avoiding busy places or chaotic classrooms
Parent Story
A mom recently shared that her son would scream every time the toilet flushed—not to be difficult, but because his brain registered the sound like nails on a chalkboard. That’s sensory overload in action.
Key idea: Behavior is communication. Your child isn’t “overreacting”—their brain is asking for help.
How do I know if sensory issues have become Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Many kids go through sensory phases, especially in early development. It becomes SPD when the sensory struggles interfere with daily life, such as:
- Sleep disruptions
- Trouble eating a variety of foods
- School refusal or overwhelm
- Difficulty focusing or transitioning
- Breakdowns during routine tasks
SPD shows up when sensory input consistently derails functioning—not just occasionally frustrates.
A quick check:
If sensory challenges regularly create chaos at home or school, it’s time to explore SPD and get your child the support they deserve.
If you’re tired of walking on eggshells or feeling like nothing works…
Get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit and finally learn what to say and do in the heat of the moment. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and take the first step to a calmer home.
Is SPD the same as autism—or can my child have SPD without autism?
This is one of the biggest questions parents Google, and the answer is reassuring:
Not every child with SPD has autism, but most autistic individuals do have sensory processing challenges.
Key takeaways:
- Kids with autism often swing between under-sensitivity (seeking movement, spinning, crashing) and over-sensitivity (reacting to sounds or touch).
- SPD also appears with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, mood issues, cell function issues, and even joint laxity.
- Sometimes sensory overload stems from anxiety or depression—when the nervous system is revved up, sensations feel magnified.
Bottom line: SPD is about how the nervous system processes information, not about labels or “misbehavior.”
What actually helps kids with SPD calm their nervous system?
Regulation comes from being proactive, not reactive. When sensory needs are met ahead of time, a child’s entire day becomes more manageable.
Here are tools I highly recommend:
- A sensory diet (daily regulating activities)
- Occupational therapy for structured sensory support
- Trampolining or movement breaks
- Dry brushing or scalp massage
- Weighted blankets for deep pressure
- Magnesium (when appropriate, and guided by a provider)
Real-life Example
I worked with an adolescent whose sleep was spiraling. Adding magnesium helped slowly, but the breakthrough came with a weighted blanket—suddenly, falling asleep wasn’t such a battle. With consistency, his nervous system began to regulate.
Helping kids explore what they feel helps—“bouncy movement,” “quiet dark spaces,” “heavy pressure”—also builds confidence and emotional safety.
🗣️ “You have to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to sensory issues. When we calm the brain first, everything gets easier for kids—and for parents.” — Dr. Roseann
Takeaway
Sensory challenges don’t mean your child is broken—they mean their brain needs support and regulation. With the right tools, kids can learn to manage sensory input, feel calmer, and thrive.
It’s gonna be OK. You’re doing the right thing by seeking answers.
FAQs
What triggers sensory meltdowns?
Overwhelming input—sounds, textures, lights, or movement—can overstimulate an already dysregulated nervous system.
Can SPD improve over time?
Yes. With sensory diets, OT support, and proactive regulation strategies, many children experience significant improvement.
Is SPD caused by bad parenting?
Absolutely not. SPD is a neurological processing issue, not a behavior problem.
Can anxiety make sensory issues worse?
Yes—an anxious brain is an overactive brain, which amplifies sensory input.
Every child’s journey is different. That’s why cookie-cutter solutions don’t work.
Take the free Solution Matcher Quiz and get a customized path to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs—no guessing, no fluff.
Start today at www.drroseann.com/help
