Can Sensory Processing Disorder Get Worse With Age? What Experts Say

If you or your loved one has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), the first thing that comes to mind is, "Can sensory processing disorder get worse with age?" SPD is a condition wherein the brain incorrectly interprets sensory input. This results in oversensitivity or a lack of response to stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch. While it usually gets diagnosed during childhood, it does not just disappear as one grows older.

Throughout this article, we'll examine how can sensory issues get worse with age, how SPD might change over the years, how to deal with new challenges, and tips for managing them.

We will also cover helpful products and strategies for dealing with stress. You will feel more confident about understanding and managing SPD at any age after reading this post.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

As the name implies, Sensory Processing Disorder affects the brain's ability to process sensory information, such as touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell. Individuals with SPD may overreact to certain sensory stimuli, like bright lights or loud sounds while underreacting to other stimuli by requiring intense input to respond. This may cause difficulties in daily activities, social interactions, and emotional well-being. For example, a person with SPD may have difficulty with crowded environments or have trouble focusing because they can become over-sensitive.

Although it is diagnosed more often in children, the signs can be there through adulthood, often without realizing the symptoms of the disorder. SPD is not listed as a separate medical condition, though a lot of healthcare providers recognize it as a symptom of other disorders like autism or ADHD.

Can Sensory Processing Disorder Get Worse with Age?

"Yes, SPD can feel more intense as people get older, but it isn't always that way. Even though SPD symptoms may seem to worsen over time, many people find ways to cope with their sensory sensitivities."

When they are young, persons with SPD may have a harder time with sensory overload, such as bright lights or loud noises, and the challenges can feel more overwhelming as life goes on. The strategies they develop to manage such sensitivities change as they grow older. Adult life brings more pressure, with new demands in work and social environments that may amplify symptoms.

Although SPD is often thought of as a chronic condition, it does not always get worse. With the right support, such as therapy, a calm environment, and adaptive techniques, many adults can cope. Their ability to handle sensory triggers has improved since they were children. In addition to SPD, anxiety and ADHD can further exacerbate symptoms, but with help, it's entirely possible to manage.

How Do Sensory Processing Issues Change Over Time?

Sensory problems may change during the growth and development process, influenced by age, environment, therapy, and coping strategies. While some people experience improvement, others continue to face difficulties.

Childhood

Often sensory issues are most noticeable in early childhood, when children are beginning to interact with their environment. While exploring the world, sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidance behaviors may peak.

Adolescence

It is common for sensory challenges to intensify during puberty due to hormonal changes and social pressures. Teenagers may experience emotional regulation challenges and peer acceptance issues, which make the sensory issues obvious in a social setup.

Adulthood

To cope with sensory issues, many adults develop coping strategies or use tools. Although symptoms may become less bothersome for some, sensory sensitivities may persist, especially in stressful situations.

Impact of Therapy and Tools

The use of effective therapies and tools can help individuals cope better with sensory challenges over time, increasing their quality of life and adaptability.

Read more: Mert Therapy

The Most Common Types of Sensory Disorders

Generally, sensory disorders are caused by the brain's inability to process sensory information efficiently. The following are the most common types of sensory disorders:

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)

Sensory processing difficulties are associated with SMD.

Example:

• Over-responsive: When a vacuum cleaner sounds, a child cries.
• Under-responsive: The child does not notice their name being called.
• Sensory Seeking: Touching or spinning objects is a common behavior.

Who It Affects:

• A child who avoids loud and busy environments.
• When there is noise around, adults have difficulty staying focused.

What Helps:

Weighted Blankets: Provide calming deep pressure.
Example: YnM Weighted Blanket.

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Reduce overwhelming sounds.
Example: Bose QuietComfort 45.

2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)

SBMD affects motor skills due to sensory processing difficulties.

Example:

• Postural Disorder: A child struggles to sit upright at a desk.
• Dyspraxia: Difficulty tying shoelaces or catching a ball.

Who It Affects:

• Kids with clumsiness or delayed motor milestones.
• Adults with poor coordination affect daily tasks.

What Helps:

Balance Boards: Improve posture and stability.
Example: URBNFit Balance Board Trainer.

Fine Motor Skill Toys: Strengthen hand coordination.
Example: Skillmatics Fine Motor Toolkit.

3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)

SDD impairs the ability to differentiate sensory input, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation of stimuli. This can affect one or more senses:

Example:

• Difficulty distinguishing shapes or sizes, e.g., confusing a circle with a square.
• Struggles to differentiate between similar sounds like “bat” and “cat.”

Who It Affects:

• Children learn to read, write, or identify objects.
• Adults with tactile confusion, e.g., not recognizing objects by touch.

What Helps:

Visual Learning Aids: Improve pattern and colour recognition.
Example: Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks.

Tactile Sensory Kits: Enhance touch differentiation.
Example: Fidget Sensory Box.

4. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

APD specifically affects how the brain interprets sounds, even when hearing ability is normal.

Example:

• A student struggles to follow verbal instructions in class.
• An adult finds it hard to focus in noisy environments.

Who It Affects:

• Children with difficulties understanding conversations.
• Adults with normal hearing but poor auditory comprehension.

What Helps:

Speech Therapy Apps: Enhance auditory processing skills.
Example: HearBuilder Auditory Memory.

White Noise Machines: Reduce background distractions.
Example: Hatch Restore Sound Machine.

5. Visual Processing Disorder

This condition involves difficulty interpreting visual information, such as recognizing patterns, spatial awareness, or visual-motor coordination, impacting reading or writing abilities.

Example:

• Difficulty recognizing patterns or letters, making reading tough.
• Misjudging distances while navigating.

Who It Affects:

• Students who struggle with reading and writing.
• Adults with poor spatial awareness or visual memory.

What Helps:

Visual Tracking Tools: Assist in reading and focus.
Example: Eye Level Reading Ruler.

Visual Puzzle Games: Strengthen pattern recognition.
Example: ThinkFun Visual Brain Game.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder?

People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory inputs like touch, light, sound, and taste.

Hypersensitivity Signs Include:

• Overreaction to loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures.
• Low pain tolerance.
• Avoiding food textures or gagging on certain foods.
• Difficulty being touched, with an aversion to physical contact.
• Emotional outbursts due to overwhelming stimuli.

Hyposensitivity Signs Include:

• Seeking more sensory input, such as constant touching or engaging in high-energy activities.
• High pain tolerance, not reacting to minor injuries.
• Ignoring personal space or crashing into objects.
• Rocking, swaying, or engaging in repetitive motions.

The symptoms of SPD vary by individual, and people may show different responses to sensory input based on their unique sensitivities. Understanding these signs can help in managing the condition with tailored strategies.

What Causes Sensory Issues in Children?

The exact cause of problems with processing sensations in children is unknown, but researchers believe it has something to do with the brain's processing of sensory information. Among children with autism, sensory problems are very common, but they can also be seen in children with other conditions, including ADHD. According to a 2017 study, several prenatal or birth factors may increase the risk of sensory processing problems.

Common Causes Include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Maternal stress
• Alcohol or drug use during pregnancy
• Environmental toxins
• Insufficient sensory input during early childhood

What’s the Treatment for Sensory Issues?

There is no standard treatment for sensory issues and sensory processing disorders (SPDs). However, there are several therapy options and some effective tools which can help an individual manage and improve the sensory experience appropriately.

Occupational Therapy

Assists with sensory-friendly activities at home and at school, so individuals with sensory challenges can adapt to daily tasks more easily.

Physical Therapy

Improves motor skills by controlling sensory input through certain physical activities, like jumping and stretching.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Occupational and physical therapy allows people to develop a correct response towards sensory input, further enhancing their processing ability.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

It deals with emotional challenges brought about by sensory issues through building coping mechanisms in individuals to reduce anxiety or stress associated with overwhelming sensory inputs.

Speech Therapy

Increased communication assists individuals who cannot communicate their sensory needs and ensures that sensory modifications are communicated.

Related:How to Give Speech Therapy at Home

Effective Tools for Managing Sensory Issues

Besides therapy, some specific tools and gadgets can help with sensory regulation. Here is a list of the 5 best tools designed to help people with sensory issues:

1. Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are deep-pressure stimulation and, hence, can be very effective in helping calm anxiety and sensory overload. Such blankets are ideal for calming down before sleep or at stressful moments.

Top Pick: Shop Now on Amazon

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones

With noise-cancelling headphones, sensitive people can create a quiet environment.

Top Pick: Shop Noise-Canceling Headphones

3. Chewable Sensory Jewelry

Wearing chewable necklaces or bracelets are perfect for children who require oral sensory input. You can rely on them to be safe, durable, and stylish.

Top Pick: Chewable Sensory Jewelry on Amazon

4. Sensory Swings

The sensory swings assist in improving balance and calming sensory-seeking children by providing a soothing, vestibular input. You can use these swings at home or in therapy rooms.

Top Pick: Shop Sensory Swings

5. Fidget Tools and Spinners

The Fidget Toy and Spinner are ideal for those who need tactile stimulation. In addition to improving focus, they also reduce stress.

Top Pick: Best Fidget Toys

Incorporating these tools and therapies can bring comfort and an improved quality of life to those with sensory processing challenges. Using these products will make their daily activities much easier and support their sensory needs.

Recent News and Research on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Understanding Sensory Processing in Children with Autism
A recent study at USC showed that sensory processing issues typically emerge early in children with autism, at age three, and 3 per cent exhibit severe symptoms.

Brain Imaging Studies Highlight SPD's Biological Basis
UCSF researchers have identified structural abnormalities in SPD children's white matter. The brain differences offer evidence of neurological underpinnings​ to suggest that SPD may operate on a spectrum CHADD.

Controversy Over SPD Diagnosis
Despite progress, SPD does not feature in major medical texts, such as the DSM-5. Specialists recommended considering SPD within the framework of other related disorders; for example, ADHD or autism. Ongoing research will help to define its diagnostic criteria​ for CHADD.

Also, read more: Autism Test Accuracy: Is Your Diagnostic Result Reliable?

Emerging Therapies for Sensory Integration
Children with SPD are benefiting from interventions aimed at improving their attention and cognitive control. By combining brain imaging and behavioural techniques, these therapies improve sensory regulation and attentional capabilities in CHADD.

Influence of Genetics in SPD
Thus, studies indicate that SPD has some genetic basis, though the exact cause is not known. Ongoing research also seeks to explain how family-related factors influence CHADD's sensory processing difficulties.

The complexity of SPD is becoming more apparent with these advances so that improved diagnostics and treatments are possible.

Final Thoughts

Our complete guide speaks to "Can Sensory Processing Disorder get worse with age?" Perhaps now you can have an answer. The symptoms of SPD evolve, and new difficulties might come up because of lowered efficiency of sensory or hormonal changes. A proactive approach, such as occupational therapy, sensory diets, and assistive tools, can mitigate these effects. It is essential to understand and address these shifts to support individuals with SPD.

At autislife.com, access professional tips, tools, and success stories helping you to understand the management of sensory needs through life's stages.

Stay updated and continue searching for what works best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosed?

The diagnosis usually involves a referral from a doctor to an occupational therapist, who observes the child's behaviour, interaction, and response. Assessments and questioning will determine if SPD is present.

Is Sensory Processing Disorder Genetic?

There is often a genetic component to SPD, which indicates that it runs in families. However, environmental factors and unknown elements may also influence the development of SPD. Genetics alone doesn’t determine its onset.

Do Sensory Processing Issues get better over time?

With effective therapies, tools, and coping strategies, SPD symptoms can improve. However, some sensitivities may persist, requiring ongoing support and accommodations for better management.

Does age matter in Sensory Processing Disorder?

Whereas symptoms often come out in childhood, age is a factor. During adolescence, hormonal changes can add to struggles, whereas in the adult years, coping mechanisms become more established.

How does stress affect Sensory Processing Disorder?

Stress can cause an increase in sensory sensitivity, making it difficult or impossible to process the input. The stress-related intensifications can be dampened by using relaxation techniques, creating sensory-friendly environmental conditions, and therapy.

Can lifestyle changes improve SPD symptoms?

Yes, sensory-friendly routines, environmental trigger reduction, and aids like weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones improve the regulation of sensory input