What are Sensory Processing Disorders?
Sensory processing disorders (SPDs) are a category that describes the brain experiencing difficulty processing signals from the various senses. Presentation varies considerably, and SPDs can be co-morbid to other conditions.
Examples:
- Auditory.
- Visual.
- Tactile.
- Vestibular.
- Postural.
SPDs are hard to track, so estimates vary wildly on how many people experience these differences. Current estimates put it at somewhere between 5% and 15%, though it’s more prevalent as a co-morbid to ADHD or Autism.
In clinical settings, SPDs are divided into the following categories:
- Sensory-Modulation Disorders.
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorders.
- Sensory Discrimination Disorders.
There are also SPDs with specific names, like synthesia.
Referring to Sensory Processing Disorders
In general, person-first language is preferred. Of course, it’s best to ask someone if you are unsure of their preference. Someone may also prefer to be referred to using the condition that “caused” the SPD, like Autistic.
Creating an Accessible Environment for People with Sensory Processing Disorders
Provide Details About Sensory Experience
Part of living with Sensory Processing Disorders is figuring out how to manage in different environments. While most people with SPDs are fairly good at guessing how a typical event will go, it’s still a good idea to provide details, especially for one-off events.
Examples include:
- Join us for a fun social followed by our regular chapter meeting.
- This event is family-friendly and likely to be rambunctious.
- We’ll work in small teams for this cleanup event spread out across the grounds.
Manage Lights, Volume, and Other Sensory Details
Indoor events offer unique opportunities to control the sensory experience of the event. In many cases, the event’s number of lights and volume are very easy to adjust. You should opt for lower lights and volume where possible.
Outdoor events offer less control of the sensory experience. However, people can still bring umbrellas, chairs, stools, pavilions, tents, and other materials to help manage their sensory experience.
Offer a Low-Sensory Space
Sometimes, it’s not feasible for you to host a low-sensory event. However, providing a low-sensory break space at many events is possible. It can be as simple as designating a separate quiet room or as complex as setting up a break tent.
The key to low-sensory spaces is control. That means blocking intense lights, buffering some of the volume, providing comfortable seating, and other small comforts. If possible, let people know they can turn things off or on to suit their needs.
Include Seating Options
SPDs can cause issues with balance and muscle function, so providing seating can be a great relief. Folding chairs work, though they can be easy to fall out of. In the absence of seating, encouraging people to bring their own camp chairs is a good option.
Normalize Quiet Stimming
Stimming is a repetitive physical task, usually done with the hands, but not necessarily so. These days, you’ve probably seen stim toys. However, there are more traditional methods, such as knitting and crochet.
Stimming can help someone with SPD regulate their body’s responses to particular stimuli. However, this is most successful in a welcoming environment. It’s easiest if you discourage bullying and allow people to bring what they want as long as it’s not disruptive.
Feel like this guide is missing something? Let us know at sfcoa@sfi.org.
Want to know more about accessible communication? Check out Accessible Communication 101.