Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD, is a condition that affects how the brain handles information from our senses. This can make it hard for people to react to sounds, sights, and other sensory inputs in everyday life. Let's break down what we know about SPD into simpler parts.
Studies show that people with SPD have different patterns in how their brain cells connect. For example, brain scans have found that kids with SPD often have less activity in a part of the brain called the superior temporal gyrus, which helps us process sounds.
In one study, about 84% of children with SPD showed less connectivity in important sensory areas, compared to other kids. Because of this, they might find it hard to make sense of different sensory information, leading to being overly sensitive to sounds or not noticing things that most people would.
Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters also play a role in SPD. One of these, serotonin, helps control our mood and how we feel sensory things. Some studies say that kids with SPD have up to 30% less serotonin than those without SPD.
Another important chemical is dopamine, which is linked to feelings of motivation and pleasure. Kids with SPD often show changes in dopamine pathways, which can affect how they respond to their senses. About 50% of kids with SPD were found to have higher levels of norepinephrine, which can make them feel more anxious or easily startled.
Scans that look at brain structure have found some differences in kids with SPD. For instance, research shows that they may have unusual development in areas like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These parts of the brain help with emotions and decision-making.
In fact, kids with SPD might have an amygdala that is 15% larger than usual, which can change how they process emotions related to sensory experiences. These structural differences can greatly affect how they understand and react to sensory information.
Because of these brain differences, kids with SPD often struggle to combine information from different senses at once. Tests show that about 70% of children with SPD have a hard time processing multiple sensory signals together. This can lead to reactions that seem over-the-top or out of place, as their brains have trouble sorting and filtering the information they receive.
To sum it up, Sensory Processing Disorder comes from various changes in the brain, such as how brain cells connect, the levels of important brain chemicals, and differences in brain structure. These factors can cause challenges for those with SPD, making them either overly sensitive or less responsive to what they sense around them. By understanding how SPD works in the brain, we can find better ways to support those who face this condition.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD, is a condition that affects how the brain handles information from our senses. This can make it hard for people to react to sounds, sights, and other sensory inputs in everyday life. Let's break down what we know about SPD into simpler parts.
Studies show that people with SPD have different patterns in how their brain cells connect. For example, brain scans have found that kids with SPD often have less activity in a part of the brain called the superior temporal gyrus, which helps us process sounds.
In one study, about 84% of children with SPD showed less connectivity in important sensory areas, compared to other kids. Because of this, they might find it hard to make sense of different sensory information, leading to being overly sensitive to sounds or not noticing things that most people would.
Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters also play a role in SPD. One of these, serotonin, helps control our mood and how we feel sensory things. Some studies say that kids with SPD have up to 30% less serotonin than those without SPD.
Another important chemical is dopamine, which is linked to feelings of motivation and pleasure. Kids with SPD often show changes in dopamine pathways, which can affect how they respond to their senses. About 50% of kids with SPD were found to have higher levels of norepinephrine, which can make them feel more anxious or easily startled.
Scans that look at brain structure have found some differences in kids with SPD. For instance, research shows that they may have unusual development in areas like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These parts of the brain help with emotions and decision-making.
In fact, kids with SPD might have an amygdala that is 15% larger than usual, which can change how they process emotions related to sensory experiences. These structural differences can greatly affect how they understand and react to sensory information.
Because of these brain differences, kids with SPD often struggle to combine information from different senses at once. Tests show that about 70% of children with SPD have a hard time processing multiple sensory signals together. This can lead to reactions that seem over-the-top or out of place, as their brains have trouble sorting and filtering the information they receive.
To sum it up, Sensory Processing Disorder comes from various changes in the brain, such as how brain cells connect, the levels of important brain chemicals, and differences in brain structure. These factors can cause challenges for those with SPD, making them either overly sensitive or less responsive to what they sense around them. By understanding how SPD works in the brain, we can find better ways to support those who face this condition.