Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) & Autism
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurological conditions often experience difficulties in processing sensory input. This means their nervous system overreacts or underreacts to sensory stimuli like touch, sound, movement, or light. These challenges can affect behavior, learning, communication, and daily life activities.
How Sensory Processing Affects Children:
🔹 Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsive) – Easily overwhelmed by touch, noise, bright lights, textures, or movement
🔹 Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsive) – Craves deep pressure, movement, rough textures, or intense sensory experiences
🔹 Vestibular Dysfunction – Struggles with balance, coordination, and body awareness
🔹 Proprioceptive Challenges – Needs constant movement, tight hugs, or pressure to feel grounded
Children with SPD and autism often experience sensory overload, leading to meltdowns, anxiety, poor focus, and difficulty with social interactions. Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) has been proven to help regulate sensory input and calm the nervous system.
Essential Therapies for Children with SPD & Autism
Children with sensory challenges often receive specialized therapies to help them process sensory input and improve their daily functioning. These include:
1️⃣ Occupational Therapy (OT) with Sensory Integration
🔹 Helps children tolerate sensory input and develop coping mechanisms
🔹 Includes deep pressure therapy, swinging, brushing therapy, and sensory play
2️⃣ Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) – Compression Garments & Weighted Items
🔹 Compression garments apply gentle, consistent pressure to help regulate the nervous system
🔹 Reduces anxiety, meltdowns, and sensory-seeking behaviors
📌 SensoryRuns Therapy Garments are specifically designed for this purpose!
3️⃣ Speech Therapy for Oral & Auditory Sensitivities
🔹 Helps children process sounds, develop speech, and reduce noise sensitivity
4️⃣ Physical Therapy (PT) for Balance & Coordination
🔹 Improves body awareness, muscle control, and movement skills
5️⃣ Behavioral Therapy (ABA & CBT)
🔹 Teaches self-regulation skills to manage sensory triggers & improve emotional control
6️⃣ Sound Therapy & Music Therapy