When you’re a parent, the world suddenly becomes a much smaller and more overwhelming place. Everything is new; from lack of sleep to playing peek-a-boo. The responsibilities are also magnified; from keeping your kid safe to making sure they eat their vegetables. Parenting can be daunting, but it also comes with privileges like watching your child grow up into a confident adult.

There is no manual on how to raise your child—at least not that we have access to. But we know there are tons of articles out there about parenting. However, most of them don’t focus on specific challenges or difficulties unique to raising kids. 

One common challenge is sensory processing disorder in babies or toddlers that manifests as an overactive nervous system, as well as difficulty processing information coming in through one or more senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch). Here are some things you need to know if you suspect that your child has SPD or some other kind of sensory processing disorder in infants and toddlers...

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory processing disorder in infants and toddlers is a condition where a child has trouble processing and making sense of sensory information. They may respond to certain textures, sounds, smells, tastes, or sights in a very extreme way. 

Sensory processing disorders can affect any combination of the senses, and the severity can vary greatly from person to person. When an infant’s nervous system is developing, it is normal for them to explore their senses. 

However, if your child has a disorder, they may have a much more extreme reaction than expected to certain things. It is important to note that sensory processing disorder is not a disorder in and of itself. 

Instead, it is a symptom that can be associated with many other disorders. A child can have a sensory processing disorder without having any other issues, but it can also be associated with other disorders.

Symptoms of SPD in Infants and Toddlers

Some common symptoms of SPD in infants and toddlers include:

Hypersensitivity to Touch or Movement

Your child may seem to be constantly in motion and may have trouble sitting still for even short periods of time. They may also struggle with fine motor skills and coordination, such as picking up small objects or doing puzzles and find it difficult to get dressed or do other everyday activities on their own.

Avoiding Certain Textures in Clothing

Your child may also be hypersensitive to certain textures, such as clothing tags or scratchy materials. They might also avoid playing in the sand or touching other gritty surfaces.

Buying bamboo baby clothes or fabrics that are designed to be soft and comfortable can help minimise the discomfort your child feels with certain textures. 

Hypersensitivity to Sounds Such as Loud Noises or High-Pitched Sounds

They may find it difficult or painful to listen to loud noises, such as vacuum cleaners or horns honking. And may also have trouble hearing softer sounds and be hypersensitive to high-pitched sounds like babies crying or dogs barking.

Difficulty Sleeping Due to Light Sensitivity or Overstimulation

Due to the amount of light in the room or noise from the household that wakes them up, your child may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also have trouble coping with crowds, loud noises, and other sensory overstimulation. 

Impulsivity When Interacting With Others

If your child exhibits a strong need to be in control or has difficulty understanding social cues, they may have a sensory processing disorder. They may also struggle with starting conversations with others, or blurting out things that are not appropriate for their age or the situation.

Trouble Transitioning From One Activity to Another

Your child may have trouble transitioning from one activity to another. They may also have difficulty playing social games or doing group activities and find it hard to follow rules or make transitions smoothly.

Clumsiness and Lack of Coordination When Moving Around

If your child seems clumsy or has trouble with fine motor skills and coordination, this is another symptom of SPD. They may also seem hyperactive or act impulsively while moving around, such as running into things or bumping into people.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, talk to their pediatrician as soon as possible so they can recommend the best treatment options for them. In addition to behavioural therapy and occupational therapy, there are also some practical things you can do at home to minimize the negative impact of SPD on your child’s life...

Possible Causes of SPD in Infants and Toddlers

There are many possible causes of a sensory processing disorder in infants and toddlers. They may have been born prematurely, or they may have suffered from a lack of oxygen during birth, which can have an impact on their development. Some infants have a family history of sensory processing disorder, which suggests that it could be genetic. 

In some cases, sensory processing disorder can be caused by a reaction to certain vaccinations, an infection, or even a change in formula. Some infants could have a sensory processing disorder as a result of a developmental disorder. If a child has an autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or another disorder, they could have a sensory processing disorder.

Steps You Can Take Right Now to Help Your Infant or Toddler With SPD

If you have reason to believe that your child might be struggling with sensory processing disorder (SPD), then it’s important to take action as early as possible. The earlier you can identify SPD and provide appropriate help and treatment, the better off your little one will be. There are several steps you can take right now to provide additional assistance for your infant or toddler, including:



1. Work closely with your child’s doctor or healthcare provider. The first thing you should do is make an appointment with a physician or other healthcare professional who has experience working with children diagnosed with this condition. They will be able to assess your child for signs of any underlying conditions that could be contributing to their SPD and provide additional guidance on managing the symptoms.
2. Think about using sensory integration therapy. Sensory integration therapy has been shown to be highly effective in helping children with SPD overcome many of their challenges, particularly when it comes to movement-based activities like physical play or exercise. There are several different types of therapies that can be beneficial for children with this particular diagnosis, so talk to your doctor about which one might be best for your child.
3. Explore other treatment options as needed. Depending on how severe your child’s SPD is and what else may be going on in their life, there may also be other treatments available or recommended as well, including occupational therapy or behavioural interventions if necessary. Keep an open mind and a proactive outlook as you work with your child’s doctor to find the best treatment options for their unique needs.

By taking advantage of these strategies right away, you can help give your little one the support they need to thrive despite having SPD. Remember that it’s never too late to get started on helping them – every moment counts in this process. With the right support and guidance, your child will be well on their way to overcoming SPD and thriving!​

Conclusion

If you notice that your baby is experiencing sensory overload, or has a hard time processing different aspects of the environment, it could be because he has a sensory processing disorder. This disorder is common among babies, but there are ways to prevent and treat it. By speaking with your pediatrician, they can recommend methods to help your baby cope with the disorder.