Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain receives and responds to sensory information. This can affect touch, sound, taste, smell, sight, balance, and body awareness—making everyday tasks feel overwhelming or confusing. At If I Need Help, we recognize that sensory challenges are a daily reality for many on the autism spectrum. Our goal is to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to turn sensory overload into a manageable, safe environment. What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can’t be diagnosed using a singular criterion. Instead it is a broad diagnosis that can occur as a separate condition from autism. SPD is described as the brain’s inability to “map” sensory input which can lead to a myriad of functional problems involving social skills, learning, and self control. Using the “traffic Jam” analogy: Think of a busy intersection, and picture that for some reason, there isn’t a single functional traffic light. For a brain that is suffering with SPD, that is the experience every time they are faced with an overwhelming deluge of sensory information. Eating, sleeping, and dressing can be simple tasks for many, but can be monumental challenges for a child with sensory issues as they relax, switch, and rotate in their beds, and struggle to battle the friction of conflicting fabrics. . . #SensoryProcessingDisorder #SPD #Neurodiversity #SensoryAwareness #SensoryOverload #SensorySupport #IfINeedHelp #Hypersensitivity #Hyposensitivity #SPDCommunity #InclusiveSupport