About this profile
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information from the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and balance). This can cause individuals to overreact or underreact to sensory input.
This condition affects daily activities and can make it challenging to focus or function effectively in certain environments.
Watch and listen
Common challenges
- Difficulty focusing in noisy or busy work environments.
- Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds.
- Trouble with personal space and physical contact.
- Difficulty with multi-tasking.
- Overwhelm from sensory stimuli leading to stress or anxiety.
- Struggles with completing tasks on time due to sensory overload.
- Difficulty with communication in stressful situations.
How to help
- Assess the participant’s sensory needs and identify triggers.
- Provide sensory-friendly strategies for the workplace.
- Help in finding jobs with environments that suit the participant’s sensory needs.
- Teach coping strategies for managing sensory overload.
- Work on building communication and social skills.
- Collaborate with employers to create a supportive work environment.
- Assist with structuring tasks and breaks to manage sensory needs.
Notes
SPD is not always diagnosed early, and it can affect adults in
various ways, making it important for employers and coworkers to be
aware of the condition. Accommodations and understanding can greatly
improve job success and satisfaction for individuals with SPD.
October is Sensory Processing disorder awareness month.