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Sensory Processing Disorder

PediaPlex -  - Autism Spectrum Disorder

PediaPlex

Autism Spectrum Disorder & ABA Therapy located in Southlake, TX, Alliance, Fort Worth, TX & Frisco, TX

If your child is overly sensitive to sounds, smells, or touch, it could be because of sensory processing disorder. At PediaPlex, with locations in Southlake, Alliance, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas, autism spectrum disorder specialist Sonia Kirkpatrick, MBA, and her highly skilled team offer therapies that reduce symptoms of the disorder and help your child thrive in their environment. Call the office to schedule an evaluation for your child.

Sensory Processing Disorder Q & A

What is sensory processing disorder?

Sensory processing disorder, also known as a sensory regulation disorder, occurs when your child’s brain has difficulty processing information from their senses. It can make them overly sensitive to smells, noises, touch, or certain food textures. 

The disorder can affect one or multiple senses and your child’s coordination, communication, behavior, and mental health. The cause isn’t entirely clear, but sensory processing disorder likely results because of genetic and environmental factors. It could affect as many as one in six children.

PediaPlex offers sensory processing disorder testing and treatment for children to help them overcome sensory challenges that negatively affect their quality of life.

What are the symptoms of sensory processing disorder?

Signs and symptoms often associated with sensory processing disorder include:

  • Slow response time to pain
  • Sensitivity to certain types of clothing
  • Sensitivity to textured foods
  • Difficulty transitioning from one activity to another
  • Dislike for personal affection
  • Getting startled easily
  • Difficulty eating
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Sensitivity to smell, touch, or sounds
  • Problems with fine motor skills
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Invading other people’s space
  • Always touching things
  • Coordination problems
  • Being in constant motion or not moving much
  • Aggressive or passive behavior
  • Difficulty making friends

Early detection and treatment offer your child the most effective outcome. When left untreated, sensory issues can cause social, emotional, or academic problems in children.

Is sensory processing disorder therapy right for my child?

Highly skilled occupational therapists at PediaPlex evaluate your child for sensory processing disorder by completing a comprehensive assessment. It involves standardized and non-standardized sensory processing disorder testing, clinical observation, and interviews with caregivers and parents. 

The evaluation identifies sensory regulation issues. Your child’s therapist assesses their response to touch, body movement awareness, ability to perceive movement, and ability to implement action plans. This allows therapists to develop personalized treatment plans that best address your child’s needs.

PediaPlex providers use a variety of therapies and sensory integration techniques to improve sensory symptoms. They help children respond appropriately to different sensations, become more functional in their environment, and experience a better overall quality of life.

To have your child evaluated or treated for sensory processing disorder, call the PediaPlex office.