Adult Sensory Processing Disorder
You may be asking yourself, if Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is left untreated in childhood, how does that impact adulthood? Can an adult be affected by SPD? How do those sensory differences present themselves? Can they be treated?
Do you know an adult who may have SPD? Or you may have noticed that you struggle with specific sensory input and are doing your research on what the next step is. Keep reading to learn more about what SPD looks like in adulthood, strategies, and supports!
What does SPD look like in Adults?
Adults who may have had sensory processing differences as a child may also experience anxiety and depression as an adult (Fowler, 2023). They may have difficulties in typical everyday situations that others don’t seem to be bothered or impacted by. These individuals may be wondering why they don’t like going to the movies or social gatherings, or why grocery shopping can be stressful. Some adults may notice that they focus better in some situations than others, whether physically active and moving or sitting in complete silence.
*It’s important to note that self-diagnosis is not a substitute for professional evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional. Please inform your healthcare provider if you think that sensory overload is something you experience as an adult.*
Here is a list of examples of how adults may be affected by SPD (Katie, 2021):
Auditory (Hearing):
Dislikes or startles at loud or unexpected noises
Prefer quiet space as opposed to a crowded/noisy environment
Like loud music
Has to have extra noise (tv, radio, etc.) to focus
Gustatory (Taste):
Limitations in your diet due to the texture of certain foods
Seeks out strongly flavored, crunchy, or spicy food
Difficulties with soft, mushy, or bland food
Olfactory (Smell):
Struggles with unpleasant smells
Overly sensitive to smells causing headaches
Does not perceive smells that others do
Proprioception (Body awareness):
Seems more clumsy than others
Bumps into things often
Likes to be in confined or tight spaces (sleeping bag, heavy quilt)
Tactile (Touch):
Dislikes unexpected or light touch ( standing in lines or being close to others)
Prefers certain fabrics and avoids certain clothing due to texture
Doesn’t like to have their hands dirty
May not notice that clothing isn’t straight (shirts may be askew)
Doesn’t notice if they have food on their hands or face
Vestibular (Movement/balance):
Gets car sick, needs to be in the front seat or be the driver
Feel insecure or lack confidence when walking on unsteady surfaces
Loses balance often
Visual (Sight):
Struggles to find the desired item in a busy store or on shelves
Dislikes bright lights
Feel overwhelmed in certain stores with lots of visual stimuli
Can Adults be Treated for SPD?
While there is no cure for SPD, there are options for treatment or strategies that can be used to help individuals manage their symptoms to improve their daily functioning. The most common are occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Fowler, 2023).
At Home Strategies
Keep a notebook to jot down when you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed and also what helps you feel calm and regulated. Keeping track of these instances can help you spot patterns (Katie, 2021). I.e., tracking the time of day, what you were feeling, and what your day was like (lack of sleep, poor diet, etc.)
Create a sensory-friendly environment by adjusting the lighting, reducing noise levels, and choosing comfortable clothing and furniture (Fowler, 2023). At SENSE-ational Spaces, we work with clients of all ages, including the geriatric population! Below is an example of a space that we created for an older individual to accommodate his complex sensory needs.
Start and establish a daily routine to help reduce anxiety and to improve transitions!
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and/or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress or feelings of anxiety related to sensory overload (Fowler, 2023).
Incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule! Activities such as yoga and swimming can help improve balance, coordination, and overall sensory processing (Fowler, 2023).
Support for Adults with SPD
There is support for adults with sensory differences; awareness and understanding are one of the biggest steps one can take to advocate for themselves! Sometimes it can be hard to start a conversation with your doctor about a potential diagnosis. Here are some tips to help you get through it!
Write down important information before your appointment. This could include your symptoms, how they impact your mood and functioning throughout the day, any existing medical conditions, and questions you want to ask your doctor. We talked about this above!
During your appointment, state your concerns plainly, it is important to discuss all of your symptoms. Using clear statements that start with “I am feeling concerned” and “I think I may have a sensory processing disorder” will guide them into letting you know what direction to move forward in. Be as open and honest with your doctor as possible!
Refer to your notes throughout the conversation. It is common to forget half of what you were going to say once you are in the doctor's office, and it is important that you write them down beforehand. If you prepare before your appointment you won’t have to worry about forgetting important details.
Implementing the above coping strategies can be very beneficial. Searching for a diagnosis can also be helpful in the overall support plan. When sensory differences impact work occupations, requesting workplace accommodations, such as adjustments to the physical environment or flexible work schedules, can help create a more supportive and inclusive work environment. Here is a list of how to make the workplace more sensory-friendly!
Overhead lighting can be too bright for some, or the buzzing sound they make can be overwhelming. Employees should be encouraged to turn off overhead lights and use lamps or natural lighting whenever possible. Ask about adding fluorescent light covers or switching to incandescent lights in your area!
Some individuals may be overstimulated by the background noise of a workplace. Asking to wear noise-canceling or regular headphones while working could be an option.
Advocate for a fragrance-free environment, to eliminate strong scents that might be too much.
Lastly, working with the healthcare providers mentioned above can also provide additional strategies and support when managing SPD. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of SPD in adults is essential for understanding and managing the condition. By doing this, you can take the first step toward seeking help and finding strategies that work for you to manage your unique sensory challenges.
References:
Fowler, L. (2023, June 21). 10 signs of sensory processing disorder (SPD) in adults - what you need to know. SPD Foundation. https://www.spdfoundation.net/signs-of-spd-in-adults/
Katie. (2021, December 12). Sensory processing disorder (SPD) in adults. Sensory Sid - Blog. https://sensorysid.com/sensory-processing-disorder-in-adults/