Health Tip: Does Your Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder?

(HealthDay News) -- Sensory processing disorder is a condition that disrupts the way that the brain receives and processes information from the senses.

People with SPD may be oversensitive, and feel, hear, smell, see and taste more intensely than most people. Or, they may be under-responsive and not sense things like heat, cold, or pain as strongly as the average person.

According to the Foundation for Knowledge and Development, children with the condition may avoid being touched or be particularly sensitive to sensory stimulation, or they may seek it by being overly active or listening to loud music.

Behavioral problems are common in children with SPD as a result of frequent frustration. They may show signs of depression, anxiety or aggression, and may also have difficulty performing motor skills.

While there is no cure for SPD, occupational therapy can help children learn to cope with symptoms. Therapy can teach children with SPD how to manage their responses to sensory stimulation and modify their behavior.