Sensory Processing Disorder in Children: Signs, Support, and Sensory Integration Therapy

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory processing disorder occurs when the nervous system has difficulty receiving, organising, and responding to sensory information from the body and the environment.

In simple terms: Your child's brain struggles to make sense of what they see, hear, touch, taste, smell, or feel in their body.

This is not "bad behaviour" or "being sensitive." It is a neurological difference – and it is very common, especially in children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety.

Signs Your Child May Have SPD

Children with SPD fall into one of three patterns – or a mix of all three.

Pattern 1: Sensory Over-Responsivity (The "Sensitive" Child)

These children are overwhelmed by sensations that others barely notice.

Sign                                           Example
Tactile defensiveness  Screams at tags in clothing; refuses to wear socks; hates having hair brushed
Auditory sensitivity  Covers ears at the vacuum, hairdryer, or supermarket announcements
Visual sensitivity  Avoids bright lights; overwhelmed by busy patterns or crowds
Movement sensitivity  Hates swings, slides, or being upside down; gets car sick easily
Taste/texture sensitivity  Gags at certain food textures; eats only beige/crunchy foods

Pattern 2: Sensory Under-Responsivity (The "Zoned Out" Child)

These children seem to miss sensory input that others notice easily.

Sign                                          Example
Low registration  Does not notice when their name is called; seems "in their own world"
Delayed response  Takes a long time to react to touch, sound, or pain
Low energy  Seems tired, floppy, or unmotivated
Poor awareness of body  Bumps into furniture; spills drinks; unaware of messy face

Pattern 3: Sensory Seeking (The "Crashing" Child)

These children crave intense sensory input and never seem to get enough.

Sign                                           Example
Movement seeking Spins, jumps, crashes, climbs constantly
Tactile seeking Touches everything; rubs against walls; craves deep pressure
Oral seeking Chews on clothing, pencils, or toys; bites
Auditory seeking Makes loud noises; loves crashing sounds

Most children with SPD have a mix of over-responsive, under-responsive, and seeking behaviours – sometimes all in the same day.

How Sensory Integration Therapy Helps

Sensory integration therapy is a play-based, child-led approach developed by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres. It is designed to help the nervous system process sensory information more effectively – without forcing or overwhelming the child.

What happens in a sensory integration session at CogniClinic:

Activity Purpose
Swings and spinning Supports the vestibular system (balance and movement)
Tactile play (rice, beans, shaving foam) Desensitises the tactile system over time
Weighted blankets and compression Provides deep pressure input (calming for many children)
Obstacle courses Challenges coordination, planning, and body awareness
Quiet spaces Allows the child to retreat when overwhelmed

The therapist follows the child's lead. If a child is afraid of a swing, they do not force it. They might start by watching someone else swing, then touching the swing, then sitting on it while still – always at the child's pace.

Real-World Example

Before therapy: Sam, age 4, screamed during hair washing, refused to wear socks or underwear, covered his ears at any unexpected sound, and melted down in every shop. His parents stopped taking him out in public.

After 12 sensory integration sessions: Sam allowed his hair to be rinsed without screaming. He wore socks for short periods. He still covered his ears – but no longer melted down. His mother said: "We went to the supermarket for the first time in a year. He cried for 2 minutes – then stopped. That is a miracle for us."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SPD a standalone diagnosis?
SPD is not currently recognised as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5 (the manual used by psychiatrists). However, it is widely recognised by occupational therapists and is a core feature of autism and ADHD.

Can an adult have SPD?
Yes. Many adults with SPD have developed coping strategies, but they may still struggle with loud restaurants, scratchy clothing, or crowded spaces.

How long does sensory integration therapy take?
Some children show progress within 6–12 sessions. Others need ongoing support for years. The goal is functional improvement – not "cure."

Where can I get sensory integration therapy in Sligo?
CogniClinic offers Ayres Sensory Integration® informed therapy. We are based in Sligo and serve the Northwest region.

Next Steps

If your child struggles with sensory overload, avoidance, or seeking behaviours, sensory integration therapy can help them feel calmer and more regulated.

📞 Contact CogniClinic: +353 87 7919020
✉️ Email: hello@cogniclinic.ie
📍 Sligo, Ireland