Unlocking the Mystery of Sensory Processing Disorder and Its Impact on Learning

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Its Impact on Learning

As a parent or educator, have you ever wondered why some children experience difficulties with focus, attention, and learning? Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes information from the senses. It can cause children to overreact or under-react to sensory input such as touch, sound, taste, smell, and sight.

Children with SPD may seem like they are simply being difficult or disobedient when they avoid certain textures of food or refuse to wear certain clothing. However, these behaviors are often due to an overwhelming sensory experience that their brains struggle to process.

Types of SPD

There are three types of SPD:

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder – This type of SPD occurs when a child has difficulty regulating their response to sensory input. They may be hypersensitive (over-responsive), hyposensitive (under-responsive), or seeking/craving sensations.

2. Sensory Discrimination Disorder – This type of SPD occurs when a child struggles to distinguish between different types of sensory stimuli such as recognizing the difference between hot and cold temperatures.

3. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder – This type of SPD involves challenges with coordinating movements based on accurate perception through touch and movement sensation.

SPD Symptoms

The symptoms associated with SPD will vary depending on which type is present in each individual case:

For example:
– Children who are hypersensitive may become overwhelmed by loud noises.
– Hyposensitive children may not notice if someone touches them lightly.
– Seeking/craving behaviors include constantly moving around or touching objects for stimulation.

How Does It Affect Learning?

Students who struggle with SPD can face enormous challenges when it comes to learning at school. Difficulty in managing sensory input can lead students into feeling anxious about attending school because everything feels so overwhelming that it creates anxiety that impairs one’s ability to learn effectively.

Hypersensitive students may struggle with processing the sensory input around them, making it difficult to concentrate on lessons. They may become easily distracted or agitated in a noisy classroom environment, such as an open-plan teaching space with many other students and teachers.

Hyposensitive students may have difficulties maintaining attention due to under-stimulation; they need more stimuli to maintain concentration. These children may seek increased stimulation by fidgeting, tapping their feet, or constantly moving around – distracting both themselves and others from learning.

Seeking/craving behaviors can also impact a child’s ability to focus on schoolwork effectively. These behaviors can be disruptive in class settings and interfere with peer interactions or cause safety concerns for the student.

Ways of Supporting Children With SPD

There are several ways that educators can support children who experience SPD:

1. Creating A Sensory-Friendly Classroom Environment:
Educators should consider creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment where there is minimal noise pollution and bright lights are reduced. Soft lighting and visuals that provide structure (such as visual schedules) can help soothe hypersensitive students while providing appropriate stimulation for hyposensitive ones.

2. Accommodating Each Child’s Unique Needs:
Each child with SPD will require different accommodations based on their specific needs. Educators should work closely with parents/carers to determine what accommodations would best suit individual students.

3. Providing Opportunities for Sensory Input:
Children experiencing seeking/craving behavior benefit from activities that provide safe opportunities for movement or physical activity throughout the day—this could include using therapy balls instead of chairs or allowing them to do some stretches during breaks between classes.

4. Social Support Groups:
Social support groups can be helpful in fostering relationships between like-minded individuals who share similar experiences—these groups may offer opportunities for peers to feel supported by one another while also receiving guidance about how best manage their conditions from experienced adults.

Conclusion

SPD is a complex condition that affects many children and can cause significant challenges in the classroom. However, with the right support from educators, parents/carers, and other professionals, children experiencing SPD can thrive at school.

By creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment that accommodates individual needs while providing opportunities for social interaction and movement-based activities throughout the day, teachers can help their students manage their symptoms more effectively. Additionally, this will promote better learning outcomes for all students regardless of whether they have SPD or not.