1. Difficulty processing and integrating sensory information:
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) causes difficulty in interpreting and responding appropriately to sensory input from the environment. This can manifest in difficulty distinguishing between different types of sensory stimuli, difficulty modulating responses to stimuli, or difficulty coordinating responses to multiple stimuli. Individuals may also be overly sensitive to certain stimuli, resulting in an exaggerated emotional or physical reaction.
2. Over or under sensitivity to noise, light, smell, touch, or taste:
Individuals with SPD may be overly sensitive to certain types of sensory stimuli such as sound, smell, taste and touch. This can result in difficulty participating in activities that involve those senses and feeling overwhelmed by certain sensory experiences. Alternatively individuals may be under sensitive to these stimuli causing them to seek out more intense stimulus such as seeking powerful smells or loud noises.
3. Discomfort in response to certain textures of clothing and other objects:
Individuals with SPD may experience discomfort when wearing clothes made from particular fabrics or touching certain surfaces due to their heightened sensitivity to texture. They may also experience difficulty completing activities such as writing, brushing their teeth or combing their hair due to the tactile discomfort associated with certain objects.
4. Difficulties with balance and coordination when participating in physical activities:
Individuals with SPD often have difficulty coordinating movements and maintaining balance while participating in physical activities such as sports or other forms of exercise. This can lead to clumsiness, which can be distressing for the individual.
5. Poor posture due to lack of awareness of body positioning:
Individuals with SPD may struggle to maintain good posture due to a lack of body awareness and poor proprioception (the ability to sense where one’s body is in space). This can result in slouching or other postural problems.
6. Higher than usual anxiety levels:
Individuals with SPD may experience higher than usual levels of anxiety due to their heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli or difficulty processing sensory information. This can lead to feelings of unease and distress in various situations, as well as an increased risk for developing other mental health issues such as depression or social anxiety disorder.
7. Challenges with social interactions:
Individuals with SPD often have difficulty engaging in social interactions due to their heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs and difficulties interpreting nonverbal cues. They may also have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, resulting in misunderstandings between them and others.
8. Difficulty handling unexpected changes in environment or schedule:
Individuals with SPD may feel overwhelmed in environments or situations that involve unexpected changes due to their difficulty processing sensory information and adapting to different stimuli. They may also have difficulty managing a changing schedule, as they may rely heavily on routine and prefer predictable events.
9. Poor body awareness leading to clumsiness while performing simple tasks:
Individuals with SPD may have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as walking, writing or brushing their teeth due to their poor body awareness and lack of coordination. This can lead to clumsiness and the feeling of being overwhelmed while trying to complete even simple tasks.
10. Easily distracted by environmental stimuli:
Due to their heightened sensitivity to sensory input, individuals with SPD may be easily distracted by environmental stimuli such as loud noises or bright lights. This can make it difficult for them to stay focused on a task and can have a negative impact on their daily life.
11. Avoidance of certain activities due to fear or discomfort:
Due to their heightened sensitivity, individuals with SPD may experience high levels of fear or discomfort in certain situations and thus avoid them. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and difficulty engaging in activities that they may otherwise enjoy.
12. Inability to focus for extended periods of time:
Individuals with SPD may have difficulty focusing for extended periods of time due to their difficulty processing sensory information and increased distractibility. This can lead to difficulty completing tasks or meeting deadlines, as well as low levels of productivity in school or the workplace.
13. Difficulty processing verbal instructions:
Individuals with SPD may have difficulty processing verbal instructions or directions due to their difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues and processing sensory information. This can lead to confusion or frustration when trying to complete tasks or understand instructions.
14. Challenges with organization and planning tasks:
Individuals with SPD may have difficulty organizing their thoughts and planning tasks due to their difficulty processing sensory information. This can lead to disorganization in daily life such as not finishing tasks on time or having difficulty keeping track of personal items.
15. Low self-esteem or confidence levels as a result of sensory related problems:
Due to the challenges they face with sensory processing, individuals with SPD may have low self-esteem or confidence levels. This can lead to difficulty engaging in social situations, completing tasks and even making decisions.