Kacie Plowman

ENG1201
Dr. Cassel
15 March 2020
.Literature Review- Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder is a sensitivity based condition that causes hypo/hyper

processing of stimulation of the nervous system. This disorder can affect one or more of the

seven human senses. The causes of Sensory Processing Disorder has not been strongly

researched, therefore leading to a lack of diagnosis and treatment. The long term effects can be

detrimental to the mental health of the individual due absence of resources and inadequate

coping mechanisms. Sensory Processing has not always received recognition as a stand alone

disorder, this has often been shadowed as symptoms to other disorders.

Sensory Processing Disorder is categorized by three distinct groups, as noted by Karen

Hyche “Type 1 Sensory Modulation Disorder, Type II Sensory Based Motor Disorder, Type III

Sensory Discrimination” (qtd. In Interdisciplinary Council 73-99). Each category is unique and has

specific characteristics. Sensory Modulation Disorder can be presumed with complications

captivating sensory stimulations. Sensory Based Motor Disorder produces a strain in

development of motor skills. Sensory Discrimination implies the necessity of frequent, high

volume stimulation. As mentioned earlier, this disorder affects all 7 senses. The five basic

senses (sight, smell,auditory, taste, touch) but Beth Arky explains there are actually two more,

“internal” senses of body awareness (proprioception) and movement (vestibular) (Sensory

Processing Issues Explained). As neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres explains, “likened SPD to a

neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information

needed to interpret sensory information correctly. (spdstar.org)

 This disorder was previously known as sensory integrative dysfunction. For a

prolonged period of time, Sensory Processing has not been recognized as an established

diagnosis, more so as a symptom of another disorder. Dr. Pratik Mukherjee stated “One of the

reasons SPD has been overlooked until now is that it often occurs in children who also have

ADHD or autism, and the disorders have not been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

used by psychiatrists and psychologists. Until now, SPD hasn’t had a known biological

underpinning,” (Sensory Processing Issues Explained). Sensory Processing has been linked to

serve as a symptom diagnosis, lacking research to stand alone as an independent condition.

The difficulty from lack of recognition can leave patients without proper treatment. Children that

go untreated will eventually become forced to adapt to their environment.

Long term effects of undiagnosed cases have shown a higher probability of developing a

mental health disorder, for example Generalized Anxiety Disorder. As stated by Frontiersin,

“Symptoms of disordered sensory processing have been linked to emotional functioning in

children”. (A Path From Childhood Sensory Processing Disorder to Anxiety Disorders) Therapy

treatments can provide the tools for children to learn how to regulate their feelings and

emotions. A negative emotional reaction is a pivotal feature of hypersensitivity. This same

emotional reaction will stay with them as they mature if an intervention is not present. Further

research is needed but Frontiers goes into depth to explain the link of emotional regulation as

established:

The way individuals with SPD regulate their emotional experiences to aversive stimuli

may confer higher vulnerability to anxiety disorders over time. Emotion dysregulation, or

difficulties regulating intense, negative emotional experiences, is central to several forms

of psychopathology, including anxiety disorders. (A Path From Childhood Sensory

Processing Disorder to Anxiety Disorders)

Intervention is a very important step for managing this disorder. Research by UC San

Francisco has shown that Sensory Processing Disorder is presented as significant differences
in the brain structure. Sensory Processing disorder appears as a manageable, immaturity to

those unfamiliar. This new research presents the biology backing up this neurodevelopmental

disorder. UCSF has developed new imaging to find traces of white matter in the brain to

diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder.

MRI called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which measures the microscopic movement of

water molecules within the brain in order to give information about the brain’s white

matter tracts. DTI shows the direction of the white matter fibers and the integrity of the

white matter. The brain’s white matter is essential for perceiving, thinking and learning.

(Bunim, Julia)

Common misconceptions are captured within probably all medical disorders, that is why

it is so important to do research on topics that are important to you. One of the biggest

misconceptions within Sensory Processing Disorder is that these symptoms are not bold

enough to stand alone. These symptoms may play a part in other diagnoses, but the children

that are coping with Sensory Processing Disorder deserve acknowledgement. Research has

shown that Sensory Processing Disorder does not have to be linked to another condition.

Another misconception could surround the personality of a child. Children that are diagnosed

with SPD are usually diagnosed very early in their childhood due to behavioral abnormalities.

Diagnosing based on behavior can be tricky. In some cases the guardians may be a part of the

problem, it is usual to make the assumption that there is an unrelated, underlying issue playing

a part in the overall bigger picture. Sometimes neither of those scenarios are accurate, this is a

neurodevelopmental condition that consists of the brain working much harder for something that

most of us take for granted, processing our everyday lives.

All together, Sensory Processing Disorder has been proven as a neurodevelopmental

disorder. More research is required but there is a link that has been found to prove emotional

dysregulation in SPD children. This can cause damaging life long effects if treatment is not

acquired. As stated by Dr. Lucy Miller, “ Our mission to advocate for true recognition of this
disorder is urgent so that families who live with SPD can have a higher quality of life.” (About

SPD).
 Working Bibliography

Literature Review

Arky, Beth. “Sensory Processing Issues Explained.” Child Mind Institute,

childmind.org/article/sensory-processing-issues-explained/.

Bunim, Juliana. “Breakthrough Study Reveals Biological Basis for Sensory Processing

Disorders in Kids.” Breakthrough Study Reveals Biological Basis for Sensory Processing

Disorders in Kids | UC San Francisco, 9 July 2013,

www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/07/107316/breakthrough-study-reveals-biological-basis-

sensory-processing-disorders-kids.

Hyche, Karen, and Vickie Maertz. Classroom Strategies for Children with ADHD,

Autism & Sensory Processing Disorders : Solutions for Behavior, Attention and

Emotional Regulation. PESI Publishing & Media, 2014. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=772128&site=ehost-live.

McMahon, Kibby. “A Path From Childhood Sensory Processing Disorder to

Anxiety Disorders: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation and Adult

Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms.” Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience,

2019. EBSCOhost, doi:10.3389/fnint.2019.00022.

Miller, Lucy Jane. “About SPD.” Sensory Processing Disorder - STAR Institute, 2014,

www.spdstar.org/basic/about-spd.