What is a Sensory Processing Disorder?

First off, we are ALL sensory beings.

Our bodies are hard-wired with receptors to detect sensory input from our environment, as well as from within our bodies. This sensory input travels through our nervous system to our brain where it is processed and interpreted.

How you respond to this input really depends upon how your brain has processed and interpreted it. Your brain automatically decides whether the sensation should be responded to, ignored or if it poses a threat. Your response is governed by how your brain processes the sensation. This process occurs without thinking as the brain filters out what is important and what’s not important to pay attention to.

All of us at one time or another has had problems processing sensory information. However, the nervous system of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may have problems with detecting, registering, processing and/or interpreting sensory input. Sometimes, it’s as if a “short circuit” occurs when the brain interprets the sensory information, resulting in an abnormal response or behavior.

What are the Sensory Systems?

Most people can easily identify the 5 sensory systems (vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch), but you actually have 8 sensory systems. The types of sensory input we receive from our environment are visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, proprioception (deep pressure touch and body awareness), vestibular (balance, movement and position in space) and interoception (internal sensations coming from the body).

What Does a child With Sensory Processing Disorder Experience?

Mobile Therapy Centers’ Occupational Therapists are familiar with the issues depicted in the picture above and have worked a great deal with children of all ages who have struggled with these challenges. We work hard to not only provide therapy directly with the child, but provide suggestions and plans for parents to use at home.

To learn more about Occupational Therapy Services, please don’t hesitate to contact Mobile Therapy Centers to speak with one of our therapists. We provide FREE screenings/consultations, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to have your child seen by a professional and then answer any questions you may have?

Mobile Therapy Centers is a Multidisciplinary Clinic specializing in ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Feeding Therapy and Counseling. Starting this month, MTC will also be offering Pediatric Physical Therapy. We see children at our clinics, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family.

MTC provides free screenings/consultations. We also provide Telehealth services. MTC accepts most commercial insurance. Contact us below to learn more.