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What is SPD?
The simplest definition of SPD is, “The inability for the brain to process information received through the senses.” (Kranowitz, 2005). The hardest part about SPD is giving it a solid definition. The main reason for this is that no two children experience the exact same symptoms or the same severity of symptoms. Children are categorized as either over responsive or under responsive to sensory stimulation. Their brains aren't giving their bodies the appropriate messages to understand how to interact properly with objects, people and situations in their environment. This can cause them to either seek out or avoid sensory stimulation in ways that seem excessive or odd order to "feel" it in a way that's comfortable to them.
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, author of “Sensational  Kids” and founder of the SPD Foundation, offers a fantastic layout of the various categories and subtypes of SPD. I can’t possible describe the details of the disorder the way she can but will give the basics this way (Please visit the SPD Foundation or read pages 10 – 14 in her phenomenal book.):
Sensory Processing Disorder is broken down in to three different categories: (1) Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD); (2) Sensory-Based Motor Disorder; and (3) Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD).
Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) is basically a problem having to do with the child’s level of reaction to sensory stimulation. It means the way the child behaves or reacts to the sensory input around him don’t make sense. For example, they may completely meltdown with a light touch or feel of fabric on their skin (Sensory Over-Responsivity, SOR). Or she may slam her hand in a drawer and not react (Sensory Under-responsivity, SUR). Or he may run around smelling objects or people, rub against certain textures, spin constantly without getting dizzy or walk around on his tiptoes (Sensory Seeking/Craving, SS).
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD) is when a child struggles with getting his body to move or helping it do a series of movements in response to sensory stimuli. These children may appear clumsy or resist doing certain types of sports or activities that require doing different steps (Dyspraxia). Or she may have trouble positioning her body properly, poor muscle tone, leans up against the wall or furniture and/or have poor fine/gross motor skills (Postural Disorder).
Sensory Discrimination Disorder is a difficulty with being able to process sensory information as efficiently as other children do. These children may have trouble tying his shoes without watching his hands or unable to tell what touches him at a given time and it causes him alarm; they aren’t able to tell how much force they need to write, color with crayons, play with toys or even play with other children; they may have difficulty distinguishing among other sounds or may get agitated or frightened with too much noise; may seem to get lost easily; or may have eating difficulties or olfactory (smell) sensitivities. The “sensitivities” stem from the inability to differentiate among different smells, touches, smells, etc. Because the brain isn’t able to tell the body whether something is safe or not, they may over- or under-react to such sensory stimulation.
Discussion:
An over responsive child is one who may freak out with even the slightest sensory stimulation. For example, an odor that’s barely detectable can cause him to gag; or a neon light will actually hurt her eyes; or he’s easily startled by noises, no matter how loud or soft it may seem to others.
An under responsive child is the opposite. These children don’t seem to respond to stimulation at all. For example, there could be a lot of activity in a room but they don’t acknowledge it or the child will hit himself with something but not react.
Sensory seekers, on the other hand, are children who need way more stimulation than the average child to “feel” something or seek out or “crave” specific stimulation. For example, when my Jaimie was very stressed, she needed to have the television, stereo, her toys, my computer on at the same time and still sought more noise in order to cope. Odd as it may seem, this calmed her.
The first OT who worked with Jaimie told me to keep in mind that SPD children may not stay within one category. They may have symptoms spreading out within the three areas. With Jaimie, for example, were are times where she needed the over-stimulation as described above but there were times where even the noise of me pulling the tabs apart to change her diaper had her covering her ears and screaming, “It hurts!” (over-responsive). Finally, there were also times where we’d called her name repeatedly and she wouldn’t respond until we stood right in front of her so she saw us (under-responsive). This uncertainty may not be reassuring but getting the diagnosis is the first step in giving parents a sense of direction in how they can help their child cope.
As a final note, parents should remember that just because a child may display some of the above symptoms, it doesn’t mean he has SPD. It could be an entirely different condition. The best thing to do if concerned is to seek the assistance of a certified, experienced OT—with specific training in SPD—to help figure out what’s really going on.
 Be sure to check out Dr. Miller's book, "Sensational Kids." It, as well as Carol Stock Kranowitz's book, "The Out Of Sync Child," are essential editions to your SPD library.
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