Everyone has sensory sensitivities and preferences. Maybe you don't like the feel of carpet on your bare feet or the sound of keyboard typing makes you feel calm. But if those sensory sensitivities are extreme and disrupt daily life, it could signal a sensory processing disorder.
Sensory processing issues are especially concerning in children and adolescents, says UCLA Health pediatric neurologist Lauren Waldron, MD. They can be a sign of an underlying neurological condition. If left unmanaged, a sensory processing issue can also impact your child's development.
"It's natural to have positive and negative sensitivities," Dr. Waldron says. "But a sensory processing disorder can cause your child to react to sensory stimuli in unusual ways. And those behaviors can affect self-care, mealtime, daily routine, socialization and play skills."
So how can you tell whether your child's preferences and quirks are a sign of poor sensory processing? The first step is understanding more about sensory processing issues.
Here's what you need to know:
What is a sensory processing disorder?
A sensory processing disorder is an abnormal response to sensory inputs — such as noise or texture — that interferes with daily living. Medical professionals recognize sensory processing disorders and understand how they affect development and quality of life. But a sensory processing disorder is not recognized as a distinct diagnosis. Instead, it's often regarded as a sign of a different underlying issue.
"Most medical associations are hesitant to use sensory processing disorder as an official diagnosis because there is no framework for the diagnosis," Dr. Waldron says. "But we do know that sensory processing issues are a core part of other neurological and neurodivergent conditions."
Types of sensory processing disorders
There are three types of sensory processing disorders:
- Sensory modulation disorder, which is an overreaction or under-response to sensory stimuli
- Sensory discrimination disorder, marked by difficulty interpreting what you see, hear and feel
- Sensory motor-based disorder, which involves challenges with balance, posture or coordination because of a skewed sense of space or movement
The most common type — and the one parents are most likely to notice — is sensory modulation disorder, also called sensory sensitivity disorder. For example, a child covering their ears during a fireworks show is common. If your child covers their ears for dinner conversation at a normal volume, it may be a problem with sensory processing.
Conditions associated with sensory processing difficulties
Part of the reason why there's no official diagnosis for sensory processing disorders is that they are commonly associated with other neurological or neurodivergent conditions.
"Studies estimate the prevalence of isolated sensory processing disorder to be between 5% and 16% of children," Dr. Waldron says. "However, 60% to 90% of children with neurodevelopmental conditions have sensory challenges."
Common conditions that involve a sensory processing disorder include:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Eating disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Generalized anxiety
- Migraines
- Specific phobias
Sensory issues can also be associated with some medications and more rare conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), pica and fibromyalgia.
"Sensory sensitivities are typically evaluated when assessing for other neurological and psychological conditions," Dr. Waldron says. "The big question is often not whether your child has a sensory processing disorder but rather, what could their sensory sensitivity be a symptom of."
Signs of a sensory processing issue
The most significant distinguishing factor for a sensory processing disorder is its negative impact on daily living. Signs of a sensory processing disorder can include:
- Extreme behavioral reactions: Having severe tantrums or panic attacks when faced with specific sensory exposures, such as public places, certain fabrics, activities such as hair washing or walking barefoot on certain surfaces
- Sensory seeking behavior: Can include behaviors such as seeking out harmful activities (such as crashing into walls or people), eating non-food items, staring at bright lights or turning up the volume on the TV uncomfortably high
- Difficulty distinguishing sensory signals: Examples include insisting on wearing a winter jacket in hot weather (even when sweating), or smelling and tasting food that is spoiled and choosing to eat it.
"We are really looking at those things that affect your child's ability to develop and function in daily life, and it needs to be a persistent pattern of behavior," Dr. Waldron says. "The extreme reactions and ongoing behavior don't involve just one area of life or happen with one specific item. It spans across multiple areas of your child's life."
Next steps if you suspect your child may have a sensory processing disorder
It's always best to raise your concerns with your child's pediatrician. They understand your child's health history and developmental progress. You may also want to talk to your child's teacher. See if they observe some of the same reactions and sensitivities at school.
If your pediatrician's assessments suggest a sensory processing disorder, they can recommend treatment and resources based on your child's individual challenges. They may suggest programs such as the SCAN (sensory, cognitive and affective neurodevelopment) Lab at UCLA. The SCAN Lab uses brain imaging, physical responses to sensory stimuli and behavioral assessments to understand what may be causing atypical sensory processing in children and adolescents.
Treatment for sensory processing disorders may include:
- Sensory integration therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Feeding therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy
- Medication
"The diagnostic label itself is not what matters," Dr. Waldron says. "The most important thing is recognizing how sensory processing challenges impact the child and addressing them accordingly."
