Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
A calm brain changes everything. Here’s how to understand and support your child if you’re wondering what is SPD.
If your child’s behavior feels intense or “out of nowhere,” you’re not alone. Many families ask: What is SPD, and how do we help at home and school?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is about how the brain receives and organizes input from the senses. And what happens when that process misfires?
I see this every day in my clinic. What looks like “bad behavior” is really a brain that feels unsafe. The good news? When we calm the brain, kids connect and learn again.
In my Regulation First Parenting™ approach, we calm the brain first so kids can connect and learn. Behavior is communication. When we regulate the nervous system, everything else gets easier.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What SPD looks like
- How it differs from ADHD and autism
- What helps at home and school, and simple steps to start today
Signs Your Child Might Have SPD
Some kids feel the world too much (lights, sounds, tags). Others don’t feel enough and seek big movement or pressure. Many have a mix.
Common Real-Life Clues
- Covers ears at assemblies; melts down after parties
- Avoids certain clothing or food textures
- Crashes into things or others; “doesn’t know their strength”
- Tires easily or seems clumsy; struggles with balance and posture
- Overwhelmed by transitions (home → school, class → recess)
Parent story:
Divina, mom of a 10-year-old, noticed her son “lost it” after noisy gym days. When she added a 5-minute quiet reset before homework, meltdowns dropped.
Takeaway: change the state before the task.
How Is SPD Different From “Picky” or “Difficult” Behavior?
This isn’t bad parenting. It’s a dysregulated brain reacting to input. When kids feel unsafe in their bodies, behavior spikes.
Key takeaways
- Behavior is communication.
- Regulate → Connect → Correct.™ Calm first, then guide.
- Predictable routines reduce sensory overload.
Parent story:
Arman, 6, refused socks. His dad swapped seams-out socks and added morning deep-pressure squeezes. Getting dressed took 3 minutes, not 30.
Takeaway:
Tiny sensory tweaks = big wins.
Is SPD the Same as Autism or ADHD?
No. SPD can co-occur with autism or ADHD, but it’s not the same diagnosis or profile.
- Autism: differences in social communication and restricted interests. Sensory issues are common but not the only feature.
- ADHD: challenges with attention and impulse control; sensory seeking/avoidance may add fuel.
- SPD: primary challenge is processing sensory input across one or more systems. These include touch, sound, movement, body awareness, taste, smell, and vision.
Brain imaging studies show that both SPD and autism can have reduced connectivity in sensory pathways. But autism alone shows extra differences in social–emotional tracts (Chang et al., 2014).
Read more: SPD vs Autism: How Are They Related?
What Causes SPD—And What Science Says
We’re learning more every year. Studies show white matter differences (the brain’s wiring) in children with SPD that relate to sensory and attention challenges (Chang et al., 2014).
That’s why we start with regulation. When the brain is calm, behavior follows.
Large school-based surveys estimate ~5% of kindergarteners meet screening criteria based on parent report, and up to 13.7% in some samples (Ahn et al., 2004).
“We propose that a diagnosis of SPD be made if, and only if, the sensory processing difficulties impair daily routines or roles.” (Dr. Lucy Jane Miller)
The Three Classic SPD Patterns (Per Miller’s Nosology)
- Sensory Modulation Disorder: over/under-responsivity or sensory craving
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorder: postural disorder or dyspraxia
- Sensory Discrimination Disorder: trouble telling differences among inputs (e.g., where a body part is)
How Do SPD Challenges Show Up at School and at Home?
School Day Friction
- Noise, lights, and transitions flood the system
- “Inattentive” or “wiggly” behavior can be the brain seeking regulation
- Tip: Offer movement breaks, visual schedules, and quieter work zones
Home Routines
- Mornings and bedtimes are high risk for dysregulation
- Food textures, toothbrushing, and clothing tags are common triggers
- Tip: Front-load co-regulation (slow breathing together) before demands
Parent story:
Mai’s 8-year-old melted down after pickup. She added a snack + 10-minute trampoline break before homework. Evenings got calmer.
Takeaway:
Meet sensory needs first.
Sensory Clues and Helps
|
Sensory System |
What You Might See |
Try This at Home |
|
Sound (Auditory) |
Covers ears, startles |
Noise-cancelling headphones; soft background music |
|
Touch (Tactile) |
Clothing battles; avoids mess |
Seamless socks; lotion or warm washcloth before dressing |
|
Movement (Vestibular) |
Fear of swings or craves spinning |
Gentle rocking; wall push-ups; mini-balance games |
|
Body Awareness (Proprioception) |
“Too rough”; drops things |
Heavy work: carry laundry, animal walks, bear hugs |
|
Vision |
Overwhelmed by clutter |
Clear bins; reduce visual noise on desk |
|
Taste/Smell |
Picky eating; gagging |
One “safe” food + one “try” bite; strong flavors on the side |
What helps right now? Simple regulation tools that work
Let’s calm the brain first. Start small. Keep it consistent.
My RESET to Regulate Mini-Plan
- R—Rhythm: slow breaths in sync (4-in, 6-out)
- E—Environment: dim lights; reduce clutter; add a quiet corner
- S—Sensation: deep pressure (bear hug, weighted lap pad)
- E—Energy: movement snack every 60–90 minutes
- T—Timing: front-load regulation before transitions
School Collaboration Essentials
- sensory breaks written into the plan
- flexible seating (wobble cushion, standing desk)
- visual schedules and noise supports
“Children with SPD show quantifiable differences in brain connectivity related to sensory processing”— (Elysa Marco, MD, UCSF co-author)
SPD behaviors are neurological, not willful. When teachers know that, compassion grows. A reminder that this is real neurology, not willful behavior (Chang et al., 2014).
How Sensory Processing Disorder Is Identified and Assessed
If you’re wondering whether your child’s sensitivities are more than typical, the right evaluation can bring answers and hope. SPD isn’t found through one test. It’s identified by watching how your child reacts to everyday sensory input.
Who evaluates?
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) with sensory expertise
- Psychologists for co-occurring attention, learning, or mood issues
- Pediatricians to rule out medical causes
What to expect:
- Detailed developmental history and behavioral observation
- Parent and teacher questionnaires (e.g., the Short Sensory Profile)
- Functional goals tied to daily routines like dressing, mealtime, and classroom tasks
“Sensory ‘processing’ for diagnosis helps distinguish the disorder from the theory and intervention.” — Miller et al., 2007, Sensory Health
This process helps professionals pinpoint not just what’s hard for your child—but why. So that you can start targeted supports that truly help them feel safe and regulated.
What’s Your First Step When You Feel Overwhelmed?
Start with one calming routine. Practice it every day. Track what works.
Start small. One calm routine builds safety for your child—and for you.
- Morning: 2 minutes of synchronized breathing + wall push-ups
- After school: snack + movement break + quiet nook
- Evening: warm bath + deep-pressure “burrito wrap” with a blanket
Remember:
It’s not you. It’s a dysregulated nervous system. It’s gonna be OK.
A Calm Brain Changes Everything
When your child’s world feels too loud, too fast, or too much, remember this: behavior is communication, not defiance. What looks like resistance is often a nervous system asking for help.
When we calm the brain first, everything changes — connection deepens, learning sticks. And those everyday moments start to feel possible again.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start small. Stay consistent. Every breath, every sensory break, every moment of co-regulation helps your child’s brain feel safe enough to grow and thrive.
If you’ve ever wondered what is SPD and how to truly support your child, the first step is to regulate before you correct. Because when the brain is calm, the child you know and love can finally shine through.
For more step-by-step guidance, explore the BrainBehaviorReset® Program. And learn practical tools for calming the brain and creating real change.
Regulate. Connect. Correct.™ Calm the brain first. Everything follows.
FAQs
How do I know if it’s SPD or just big feelings?
Look for patterns tied to sensory input—noise, textures, movement. If daily life is impacted, get an OT evaluation.
Can SPD improve?
Yes. With consistent sensory supports, co-regulation, and school accommodations, kids build resilience and skills over time.
Is medication required?
SPD is usually addressed with occupational therapy and sensory strategies first. Medication may help co-occurring issues, but regulation comes first.
Do kids outgrow SPD?
Many improve with the right support. Some sensitivities persist, but kids learn tools that make life easier.
Terminology
- Proprioception: Your body’s sense of position and pressure.
- Vestibular: Balance and movement system in the inner ear.
- Sensory diet: A planned set of sensory activities that help the nervous system stay regulated.
- Co-regulation: Your calm helps your child’s brain settle.
- White matter: Brain “wiring” that helps regions communicate.
Citations
Ahn, R. R., Miller, L. J., Milberger, S., & McIntosh, D. N. (2004). Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(3), 287–293. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.58.3.287
Chang, Y.-S., Owen, J. P., Desai, S. S., Hill, S. S., Arnett, A. B., Harris, J., Marco, E. J., & Mukherjee, P. (2014). Autism and sensory processing disorders: Shared white matter disruption in sensory pathways but divergent connectivity in social–emotional pathways. PLOS ONE, 9(7), e103038. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103038
Miller, L. J., Anzalone, M. E., Lane, S. J., Cermak, S. A., & Osten, E. T. (2007). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135–140. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice, and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regimen. The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment varies from patient to patient and condition to condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC, does not guarantee specific results.
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