Neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities

Sensory Processing Disorder

Difficulty processing sensory information, impacting daily activities and how one responds to the world.
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About

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.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

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.

Practitioner 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.

Common Accommodations

  • Providing noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
  • Flexible work hours to avoid peak sensory overload times
  • Allowing for a more relaxed dress code, if clothing is a sensory issue
  • Creating quiet spaces for breaks
  • Allowing breaks to rest or recalibrate balance
  • Offering tasks that minimize excessive sensory input
  • Clear instructions and step-by-step guidance
View more on enableDex

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.

Resources

  • What is SPD? — SPD Australia
  • Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators
Neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities

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