Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder, also referred to as SPD, is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

As children we are taught the five senses - touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision - but there also other types of senses, such as:

  • Vestibular processing, which helps with balance and movement
  • Proprioception, which is the awareness of our body in the space around it
  • Interoception, which is our awareness of our internal body feelings

Some individuals with sensory processing disorder have hypersensitivity to these sensory inputs, meaning that they may have an aversion to things that overstimulate their senses.

Others may experience hyposensitivity, meaning that they have a reduced sensitivity to sensory information. They may seek out additional sensory stimulation in settings that don't provide enough sensory-based information.

Sensory processing disorder is not an official diagnosis, it is recognised as a collection of sensory challenges. While the exact causes are not understood, SPD is often associated with other neurodivergent conditions such as autism, but an individual may have SPD without any other condition.

How Can Sensory Processing Disorder Affect You?

Sensory processing disorder symptoms may affect one sense, or it may affect multiple senses. The condition exists on a spectrum, due to the different types, so the severity of symptoms differs from one individual to the next.

Sensory hyperactivity may cause an individual to appear clumsy, have difficulties with attention, behaviour, and emotions, and they may also resist certain textures and touches.

However, sensory hyposensitivity may cause an individual to have a high pain threshold, require an increased need for proprioceptive input (which is also referred to as sensory seeking), and struggle with things such as personal space.

What Services Can We Provide?

Sensory assessment

Sensory integration practitioners

Equipment and environment adaptations

Education and support

Neuro Occupational Therapy For SPD

For children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, parents or schools may not know how to provide the best support. At Krysalis, our neurological occupational therapists can provide tailored intervention and education to ensure a child living with SPD can overcome their challenges with everyday interactions via specific sensory information.

Krysalis sensory intergration practitioners can also support a child and their family learn coping skills that allow them to regulate their sensory response. They can also work with a child to meet developmental milestones such as fine and gross motor skills.

For adults who have sensory processing disorder, we can also recommend tools that may support individuals with their home and work life, such as aids to block out certain sensory inputs, or equipment that can improve self-regulation skills and behaviour.

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What others says

  • I am always so impressed by the therapist’s commitment to and ongoing understanding of Claire and her situation. I am sure the rest of the family will share my thoughts so please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the therapy team when you next see them. Sister of brain injury survivor
  • I just wanted to drop you a line to say, whenever I call the office, Claire, in particular, is always very charming and efficient. She is a good representative of your company and has a nice phone manner and a good approach to customer service. So, thank you Claire. Mother of brain injury survivor
  • The following will never be enough to illustrate Paul’s journey but we are eternally grateful to the NHS, IM, ILS, Krysalis and the whole infrastructure that has been created for Paul. Yes, Paul is focused, determined and driven but the whole team have created a rehabilitation environment that has changed our life and Pauls future, they have made the thought of life and rehabilitation, turn from the impossible to the possible. Brother of brain injured survivor
  • The thought of having the family undertake this journey alone seems impossible and we will be always grateful. We all recognise that James is still on the rehabilitation journey, but there is no stopping him. He has just walked to Mum’s & Dad’s on his own (phone first to say he’s on his way)... what a way to celebrate the 2-year journey.Brother of brain injured survivor
  • I highly recommend Krysalis Consultancy OT services. Anna has been our life line since she came on board to help my husband following his brain injury. He has improved greatly thanks to Anna’s input in assisting him to become independent, teaching him step by step the simple things which we all take for granted. Anna is there for us 100%, teaching us both strategies to enable us to achieve better results.Wife of brain injured survivor
  • Just a short note to thank you very much for your hard work and persistence over the last few months, your guidance has undoubtedly helped and taken the pressure off me (I have benefited from the sessions greatly). I am really encouraged by the last few weeks and optimistic that if Peter keeps working at it he will continue to make good progress.Brother of brain injured survivor

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