5-16% percent of school age children have a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). It’s more common than autism and about as common as ADHD, but less understood. New research shows a distinct, biological basis for SPD – differences in the sensory processing areas of the brain. This will lead to more research, understanding, awareness, and better treatments for these children.
A child with sensory processing issues may be highly sensitive to some forms of touch, tastes, smells, sounds, textures, or movement. They may also exhibit hyposensitivity to some of these and seem to crave certain sensory experiences, such as deep pressure or some types of movement. Other children may appear unable to organize their daily sensory experiences in order to make sense of their world and get through the day without excessive frustration.
A child with SPD will not exhibit all of these traits, but some combination of them, and may also struggle with other issues, such as chronic infections, allergies, or digestive issues. Many may already have a diagnoses such as autism or ADHD.
Natural medicine can help these kids. Improving gut, immune, and brain health makes a difference. Dr. LaRosa has many years of experience working with children with sensory issues, as well as the more physical symptoms that can present in these children. We can also help guide you in the direction of additional therapies such as Occupation Therapy, Developmental Vision Therapy, and Audiology, as needed. Medications may be helpful in some cases to lessen some of the more difficult symptoms, but there are natural options that can be tried first, in place of, or in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments to improve your child’s quality of life and health by treating the root causes.