What is Sensory Processing Disorder in Wheat Ridge CO?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex neurological condition that distorts your brain's ability to receive the correct messages from the body and convert those messages into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. It is most common in children and is characterized by seemingly normal stimuli, like a tag on a shirt, socks, or foods, causing emotional outbursts or feelings of anxiety. Sensory Processing Disorder is often diagnosed along with other neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Dyslexia, or Autism. Learn more about Sensory Processing Disorder in Wheat Ridge.

What are the Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder can show up differently depending on the child. Some common characteristics are that anxiety typically makes it worse, and usually, more than one sense is affected, for example, both touch and hearing may cause dysregulation in the nervous system.

SPD can be highly individualized with some children or adults having problems filtering out the input from clothing which is why they will opt for softer more comfortable fabrics. Others will have preferences as to either always or never wear socks or shoes. Others will have problems with food either only being willing to eat certain types of food textures or not wanting foods to mix together on a plate. Still, others will have problems out in a busy environment like a school or cafe. It's important to understand that while to the outside observer the environment or stimuli may seem totally normal but to a person with SPD it can feel overwhelming because of how their brai is processing information.

What causes Sensory Processing Disorder?

At its core, Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological issue. The body sends information up to the brain via the spinal cord. When the brain has not matured to its correct chronological age the brain will have retained primitive reflexes or frontal release signs. These are like the training wheels of the brain and if present after the 1st year of life it is a sign of brain immaturity.

Sensory Integration (S.I.) is the process of how our brain integrates information from our six senses, taste, smell, sight, hearing, touch, and balance. Think of Sensory Integration as filters, only letting a certain amount of information in. If a person has good S.I.then they will be able to tolerate a noisy environment, smells, or feeling well. If a person has poor S.I. due to retained primitive reflexes or imbalance sensory centers in the brain this will cause way too much information to bombard the brain. Imagine planning to listen to classical music but when you pressed play instead of hearing calm pianos you hear screeching guitars like heavy metal. This is an example of what a brain with SPD is like.

Why choose Denver Brain Health Experts at Wild & Precious Optimal Living for treating your Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms?

Working with a child or adult with Sensory Processing Disorder symptoms is a delicate process. Our goal is to guide you clearly every step of the way. We are confident and skilled in what we do, and we have the tools to address the challenges associated with SPD. For a child struggling with SPD, the sooner we are able to assess for brain imbalances, the better as this will help to optimize brain development. For an adult with SPD, oftentimes a cofactor is anxiety and/or depression; it's never too late to address imbalances to change the trajectory of health. The first step is a discovery consultation to learn more about you and your child's goals, followed by an in-depth brain-based evaluation. Contact us today & let's determine together to see how we can help.