What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing refers to the way the nervous system takes in information from our bodies and the environment, then turns it into appropriate motor & behavioral responses. Whether you are making a sandwich, riding a bike, reading a book or brushing your teeth, your successful completion of the activity requires processing in sensation or "sensory integration."
For many children this happens automatically, but for some with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) those processes are inefficient, leading to challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. SPD is a condition that exists when sensory signals are not organized into appropriate responses. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses. This may result in difficulties participating in the "occupations" of childhood: learning, play, social relationships and self-care activities.
Research by the SPD Foundation indicates that 1 in every 20 children experiences symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder that are significant, to affect their ability to participate fully in everyday life. Symptoms of SPD, like those of most disorders, occur within a broad spectrum of severity. While most of us have occasional difficulties processing sensory information, for children the SPD, these difficulties are chronic and they disrupt performance of everyday tasks.
Pediatric Therapy Partners specializes in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other conditions that include sensory challenges. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists use a child centered, relationship-based approach to treatment. Working in conjunction with parents, caregivers and others involved in a child's life, our goal is to educate and empower children and their families to promote optimal progress and development