Is Sensory Processing Disorder for Real?

A debate rages over whether doctors should recognize this common childhood condition as a distinct disorder

By THIS IS A PREVIEW.or to access the full article.Already a subscriber or purchased this issue?

Four-year-old Elliott experiences a different world than most of us do. He can smell a freshly peeled banana from across a room. The hum of a running blender hurts his ears. He abhors the feeling of moisturizing lotion on his skin and washes his hands only in ice-cold water. He loves the taste of lemon juice.

According to his occupational therapist, Elliott (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) has sensory processing disorder. This means that he has difficulty perceiving, responding to and integrating sensations in ways that can affect his social relationships, daily activities and quality of life. Occupational therapists say that the disorder can manifest itself in diverse ways, depending on which senses are affected and how; there are dozens of possible sensory permutations. Elliott seems to be overly sensitive to smell and touch and sound; he is underresponsive to taste. He also has trouble discriminating the qualities of certain sensations, including where his body is positioned in space, which affects his coordination and motor skills. He meets with his occupational therapist once a week for sensory integration therapy in what is called a “sensory gym”—a space where he plays with swings, jumping balls, shaving cream and climbing walls in ways designed to teach his nervous system more appropriate perceptions and responses to sensations and to build his confidence and coordination. According to a 2009 study, as many as one in every six kids suffers from sensory problems that are serious enough to disrupt their daily lives.

THIS IS A PREVIEW.or to access the full article.Already a subscriber or purchased this issue? Buy Digital Issue$5.99 Digital Issue + Subscription$19.99 You May Also Like

Scientific American Mind Archive Single Issue

The Science of Food

Scientific American Mind Single Issue

The Science Behind Your Health