Sensory Processing Disorder Test And ABA: What You Need To Know

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects many children and adults worldwide. It is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and interpreting sensory information, leading to difficulties in day-to-day functioning. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a method that can play a role in assessing and addressing these challenges. This article gives parents, educators and caregivers insight into SPD and highlights how ABA can influence the diagnosis process. 

How Do They Test For Sensory Processing Disorder?

There isn’t a single, straightforward test for SPD. Instead, diagnosing sensory processing disorder involves a combination of clinical observations, parent or caregiver reports, and standardized assessments. Some of the steps include:

1. Clinical Observations: 

This involves a trained therapist watching and noting the child’s behavior in various environments and situations.

2. Parent Or Caregiver Interviews: 

Parents or caregivers provide valuable insight into the child’s day-to-day behaviors, which can be essential in understanding the extent of sensory challenges.

3. Standardized Assessments: 

These are structured tests designed to evaluate sensory processing, such as the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) or the Sensory Profile.    When incorporated into the process, ABA can provide data-driven insights, monitoring changes in behavior and response to sensory stimuli, thus complementing the sensory processing disorder test. 

Are Sensory Issues Self-Diagnosable?

While individuals or parents might recognize symptoms or signs of sensory processing issues, a self-diagnosis is not recommended. It’s crucial to consult with professionals, such as occupational therapists or behavioral analysts, who are trained in understanding and diagnosing sensory challenges. Proper diagnosis often requires specialized tools, expert observations, and experience with the condition. 

Does My Child Have A Sensory Processing Disorder?

If you suspect that your child has SPD, look out for the following signs:   

• Overreacting or underreacting to sensory stimuli (e.g., being extremely bothered by the texture of clothing or not noticing pain)
• Difficulty in performing everyday tasks or routines 
• Being excessively clumsy or uncoordinated
• Showing extreme resistance to or fear of loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures 

 It is important to remember that every child is unique, and the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not automatically indicate SPD. A thorough sensory processing disorder test, often involving ABA methods, is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. 

What Are The 3 Patterns Of Sensory Processing Disorders?

1. Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD): 

This is the most commonly known subtype, where individuals struggle with regulating responses to sensory stimuli. It is manifested as over-responsivity, under-responsivity, or sensory seeking behavior. 

• Over-Responsivity (Sensory Sensitivity Or Sensory Avoiding):

 Individuals with over-responsivity experience heightened reactions to sensory stimuli that many would find non-threatening or hardly noticeable. They can become easily overwhelmed in sensory-rich environments, leading to anxiety, meltdowns, or avoidance behaviors. 

• Under-Responsivity (Sensory Under-Reacting):

Those with under-responsivity might not react or may be slow to respond to sensory stimuli that typically evoke a response in most. Their muted reactions can cause them to miss vital environmental cues, which can be a safety concern or result in social difficulties. 

• Sensory Seeking:

Sensory seekers continuously crave more sensory input, often engaging in behaviors to get this input. Their behavior can sometimes be mistaken for hyperactivity or impulsivity, especially in structured environments.   Understanding the specific patterns of response in Sensory Modulation Disorder is essential for tailoring effective interventions and support.     

2. Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD): 

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder is a subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder that revolves around motor challenges. These challenges often stem from sensory integration issues affecting movement and coordination. Here are the main aspects of SBMD: 

• Postural Control Issues:

Postural control is the ability to maintain and control body position during both still and moving activities. Proper postural control provides the necessary foundation for a wide range of motor tasks. Individuals with problems in postural control may struggle with activities requiring balance and stability. This can manifest in difficulties with maintaining a seated position, standing on one foot, or navigating uneven surfaces. 

• Dyspraxia:

Sometimes referred to as developmental coordination disorder, dyspraxia is a neurological condition characterized by challenges in planning and executing unfamiliar motor tasks. Individuals with dyspraxia might find it challenging to learn new activities that require coordination, such as tying shoelaces, riding a bike, or participating in sports. They may also struggle with sequencing tasks, causing difficulties in routines or tasks that have multiple steps.   

Recognizing the specific issues, whether related to postural control or dyspraxia, is crucial for designing targeted therapeutic interventions. 

3. Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD): 

Sensory Discrimination Disorder is one of the subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder. It pertains to the brain’s difficulty in differentiating and interpreting nuances of sensory information.  Individuals with SDD have difficulty discerning specific qualities of sensory stimuli, even if they detect them. This isn’t about the strength or weakness of sensory input; it’s about discerning detailed differences within the input.

Problems with auditory discrimination can make it hard to distinguish between similar sounds. This can pose challenges in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. If the tactile system is affected, an individual may struggle to identify objects by touch alone or differentiate between similar textures.

SDD can affect any of the sensory systems, including visual, gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), and vestibular (balance and spatial orientation). For instance, visual challenges might make it difficult to distinguish between similar colors or patterns.

With SDD, everyday tasks can become puzzling. Recognizing the subtle differences in sensory stimuli is vital for numerous activities, from discerning ingredients in food to recognizing subtle changes in a conversation’s tone.

Without this ability, individuals may become hesitant or make errors in tasks that others find straightforward. By understanding the specific challenges someone with SDD faces, tailored support and therapeutic interventions can be more effectively provided.   

In conclusion, a sensory processing disorder test, enhanced by ABA techniques, provides a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the sensory challenges an individual might face. If you suspect your child or someone you know has SPD, it’s essential to seek professional guidance to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention.