What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information from the senses. Children with SPD may be oversensitive, undersensitive, or both to sensory input like touch, sound, light, or movement.
Signs of Sensory Over-Responsivity
- Extreme reactions to loud sounds or bright lights
- Refusing to wear certain textures of clothing
- Avoiding messy play or certain food textures
- Getting overwhelmed in busy environments
- Difficulty with grooming activities like haircuts or nail trimming
Signs of Sensory Under-Responsivity
- Seeking out intense sensory experiences
- High pain tolerance
- Constantly touching people or objects
- Loving spinning, jumping, or crashing activities
- Appearing unaware of surroundings
How Does SPD Affect Daily Life?
SPD can impact every aspect of a child's life, from getting dressed in the morning to participating in school activities. Children may have meltdowns that seem unexplainable to others, struggle to make friends, or avoid activities their peers enjoy.
How Can Sensory Integration Therapy Help?
Sensory integration therapy, provided by trained occupational therapists, helps children gradually learn to process sensory information more effectively. Through carefully designed activities in a sensory gym environment, children:
- Learn to regulate their responses to sensory input
- Develop coping strategies for overwhelming situations
- Build confidence in trying new experiences
- Improve focus and attention
At Cuddles, our sensory gym is equipped with swings, trampolines, textured materials, and other specialized equipment to provide the "just right" sensory experiences your child needs.