Highly sensitive children often struggle with sensory stimulation in their environment. It is common for them to have difficulties with things such as loud noises, bright lights, crowds and the feeling of certain clothes. These same challenges can be seen in children who are diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). So is high sensitivity or Sensory Processing Disorder behind your child’s challenges? How do you know if they need professional help? In this article, I will break down the differences between SPD and high sensitivity, the main similarity between the them, and how you can help your child.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or health professional and know others may have different opinions than my own.
What is the difference between being highly sensitive and having Sensory Processing Disorder?
This is a tricky question that a lot of parents face when raising a highly sensitive child (HSC). First let’s begin by defining each of these terms to show the differences between them.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
SPD is a neurological disorder. According to the Star Institute for SPD, “Sensory Processing Disorder exists when sensory signals are either not detected or don’t get organized into appropriate responses.” There is a disconnect between a person’s brain and the information needed to interpret the sensory information correctly. Symptoms of SPD vary depending on the sense affected and how it is affected.
A child with SPD may be under-responsive to sensory stimuli. This means that they show little to no reaction when it comes to stimulation. For example, they may not notice if they sat in something wet or if something is too loud. They may also be someone who can spin and spin without feeling dizzy or may be constantly seeking sensory input. In this case, a child could be a sensory seeker, whereby they crave input like vigorous play, loud music and places with a lot of action and/or movement.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a child with SPD may be over-responsive to sensory stimuli in his/her environment. These children are often described as sensory defensive or a sensory avoider, because they find things in their environment like loud sounds, bright lights, textures, smells, touch and movement to be overwhelming. Sensory Processing Disorder can also involve problems with movement, balance, coordination, body awareness in relation to other objects, and fine motor control.
High Sensitivity
In contrast, high sensitivity is a biological trait. It is not a condition, disorder or diagnosis. According to Dr. Elaine Aron, one of the pioneers in studying sensitivity, “The highly sensitive person/child (HSP)/(HSC) has a sensitive nervous system. They are more aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings and are more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.”
A highly sensitive person of any age feels things deeply, tends to notice more in their environment, is easily overstimulated and reflects on things intently before acting. They are often incredibly observant, cautious and overstimulated more easily by sensory input in their environment, such as bright lights, smells and loud noises.
Highly sensitive people are very in tune with the emotions and feelings of others around them, as well. They take in the feelings of people and often have very strong emotional reactions. Due to the fact that they feel and process things more deeply, downtime is very important. They need to be able to remove themselves from others and environments that overstimulate them. This allows them to recharge and is essential to their well-being.
The Main Similarity
After reading about Sensory Processing Disorder and High Sensitivity, you may be realizing that there is some overlap in the area of overstimulation. I believe this is why it is common for people to confuse the two terms.
Over-responsiveness to sensory stimuli is the key similarity between the two.
How to distinguish between Sensory Processing Disorder and high sensitivity
Trying to distinguish between SPD and high sensitivity can be tricky, but there are some important differences to look out for.
Highly sensitive people can be overwhelmed easily, as they tend to process information more deeply, but it is situational. Their sensory signals are not disorganized, but rather heightened depending on their environment. The term often used for HSPs to describe this is Sensory Processing Sensitivity. They may act out in an extreme way when a trigger is present, but when it is absent, they are able to carry on with their normal life. A more intense reaction may occur depending on their level of arousal.
Furthermore, highly sensitive people are able to lead normal lives and do regular activities without the need for treatment. The goal is to help them see their sensitivity as a strength and figure out a balance in their daily activities and environments. Providing HSCs with down time and calming environments is very effective in decreasing sensory meltdowns.
For those with SPD, that same trigger may provide the same reaction as a highly sensitive person, but the root cause is not the same and the response is consistent no matter the environment. These triggers make it very difficult for them to navigate daily life. The goal is to help those with SPD organize their sensory input in a more effective way to help them be able to function in their daily lives. This is done through the help of an occupational therapist. Without effective treatment, a child with SPD will likely have trouble performing everyday tasks.
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Still unsure?
Lastly, if you are still unsure and struggling to decide if professional help is needed, try keeping a journal of your child’s behavior and triggers for a few weeks. Look for patterns to see if their overwhelm is situational or if they are overwhelmed by sensory stimulation in all different situations. Keep a close eye to see if it is interfering with their ability to go about their daily life.
Is your child’s reaction to a trigger different/less intense if they are well rested?
Does your child’s response to a trigger vary depending on their environment?
If so, you are probably dealing with high sensitivity. Educate yourself on the trait to get a better understanding of what your child may be dealing with. Often some simple modifications, like providing them with more down time and less overstimulating environments can help significantly. Check out my post, Beginner’s Guide to Understanding High Sensitivity in Children and also my Resources page for more information on high sensitivity.
If it seems that your child is having sensory difficulties throughout each day regardless of the environment and it is affecting their’s and your family’s quality of life, then I feel that having them evaluated by an occupational therapist for SPD is probably a good idea.
What is your experience with high sensitivity and/or SPD? Have something you want to add to the discussion? Please comment and share your thoughts!
For further information on this, here are a few excellent sources:
Sensory Processing Issues Explained
Other posts that may be helpful to you:
5 Myths About the Highly Sensitive Child
How to Help your Sensitive Child Handle Big Emotions
The Power of Play Dates for Anxious and Sensitive Kids
10 Benefits of Being Highly Sensitive
A Letter to the Mom of a Highly Sensitive Child
Discipline Strategies for the Highly Sensitive Child
Why Spending Time Outdoors in Nature is Essential for Highly Sensitive Children
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