The 3 Primary Patterns and Subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder

November 2, 2024

The 3 Primary Patterns and Subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder

Key Takeaways

Occupational therapy experts have identified three primary patterns of Sensory Processing Disorder: Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD), Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD), and Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD).
Sensory Modulation Disorder involves difficulty regulating responses to sensory input and includes three subtypes: Sensory Over-Responsivity, Sensory Under-Responsivity, and Sensory Seeking/Craving.
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder occurs when a child has trouble processing sensory information to produce an appropriate motor response, and its two subtypes are Dyspraxia and Postural Disorder.
Sensory Discrimination Disorder involves difficulty distinguishing between similar sensations and can affect the visual, auditory, and tactile systems, influencing tasks like reading, language processing, and fine motor skills.
Because each child with SPD experiences unique challenges, support requires a tailored approach involving occupational therapy and sensory integration techniques.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition that manifests in various ways, depending on how individuals process sensory information. Experts in occupational therapy have identified three primary patterns of SPD, each with specific subtypes. Understanding these patterns and their subtypes is crucial to effectively supporting those who live with SPD.

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)

Sensory Modulation Disorder is one of the most commonly recognized patterns of SPD. It involves difficulties in regulating responses to sensory inputs, which can be divided into three specific subtypes:

Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR): Individuals with SOR often have heightened responses to sensory stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch. Everyday experiences may be overwhelming, leading to reactions such as covering ears to block sounds or avoiding certain textures.
Sensory Under-Responsivity (SUR): Those with SUR might not respond to sensory stimuli that would typically capture attention. This can manifest as apparent indifference to surroundings, lack of alertness, or not reacting to pain in expected ways.
Sensory Seeking/Craving (SS): Sensory seekers display a strong desire for sensory experiences, often engaging in behaviors like excessive movement, touching everything, or creating loud sounds. They actively seek intense sensory input to fulfill their sensory needs.

2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)

In Sensory-Based Motor Disorder, the difficulty lies in processing sensory information to produce an appropriate motor response. Two key subtypes define SBMD:

Dyspraxia: This subtype is characterized by challenges with motor planning and execution, affecting coordination and daily tasks. Children with dyspraxia may appear clumsy, struggle with sports, or find it hard to learn new movements.
Postural Disorder: Individuals with postural disorder have difficulties maintaining normal posture and controlling body position. This can result in challenges with balance, muscle tone, and stability, affecting both static and dynamic movements.

3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)

Sensory Discrimination Disorder involves difficulties in distinguishing differences between similar sensations. This pattern can affect various sensory systems, leading to distinct challenges:

Visual Discrimination Issues: Individuals may struggle to see differences in shapes, sizes, or colors, affecting tasks such as reading or recognizing letters.
Auditory Discrimination Issues: Challenges arise in differentiating sounds, which can impact language processing and following verbal instructions.
Tactile Discrimination Issues: Difficulty in distinguishing textures, shapes, or vibrations by touch can challenge fine motor skills and manual dexterity.

Understanding the primary patterns and subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder is essential for providing appropriate support and intervention. Each individual with SPD experiences unique challenges that require a tailored approach, involving occupational therapy and sensory integration techniques. By identifying the specific patterns and subtypes, caregivers and professionals can better address the sensory needs of those with SPD, aiding in their ability to function and thrive in everyday environments. Education and awareness of SPD can lead to greater empathy and understanding, ultimately contributing to more comprehensive support systems for affected individuals and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main types of sensory processing disorder?

The three primary patterns of Sensory Processing Disorder are Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD), Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD), and Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD). Each pattern has its own specific subtypes.

Why does my child seem overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or certain textures?

This can reflect Sensory Over-Responsivity, a subtype of Sensory Modulation Disorder in which a child has heightened responses to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, or touch. Everyday experiences may feel overwhelming, leading to reactions like covering the ears to block sounds or avoiding certain textures.

What does it mean if my child constantly seeks movement and touches everything?

A strong desire for intense sensory experiences is known as Sensory Seeking/Craving, a subtype of Sensory Modulation Disorder. These children often engage in behaviors like excessive movement, touching everything, or creating loud sounds to fulfill their sensory needs.

Why does my child appear clumsy or struggle with coordination?

This may point to Dyspraxia, a subtype of Sensory-Based Motor Disorder involving challenges with motor planning and execution. Children with dyspraxia may appear clumsy, struggle with sports, or find it hard to learn new movements.

Could trouble telling similar sounds or shapes apart be a sensory issue?

Yes. Sensory Discrimination Disorder involves difficulty distinguishing differences between similar sensations, and it can affect vision, hearing, and touch. For example, auditory discrimination issues can impact language processing and following verbal instructions, while visual issues can affect reading and recognizing letters.