By: HowStuffWorks.com Contributors
1 min
Image: Joe McNally/Getty Images
About This Quiz
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a poorly understood condition that affects thousands of children each year. SPD can greatly impact your child's everyday functioning, everything from eating and getting dressed to socializing with peers and succeeding at school. Take this quiz and learn more about this common, yet misunderstood disorder.
Sensory processing refers to:
how well your sensory organs work
how your brain receives sensory messages
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Sensory processing refers to how your brain receives and transmits messages to and from the senses. Sensory processing is also known as sensory integration (SI).
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Which of the following activities requires sensory processing?
riding a bike
eating a slice of pizza
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Sensory processing is a vital brain function and is typically involved in almost everything you do, from riding a bike to eating pizza.
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Someone with sensory processing disorder has difficulty:
receiving incoming sensory information
interpreting or processing sensory information
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
People with sensory processing disorder, also known as sensory integration dysfunction, have difficulty with receiving sensory information in the brain. These individuals also have difficulty processing sensory information once it is received in the brain.
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What are some difficulties typically experienced by a child with sensory processing disorder?
clumsiness and academic difficulties
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
A child with sensory processing disorder is at risk for a whole host of mental health concerns, including academic difficulties, behavioral problems, anxiety and depression. These kids also experience motor clumsiness.
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What percentage of children experience symptoms related to sensory processing disorder?
1 percent
5 percent
8 percent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
According to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, approximately 5 percent of children experience sensory processing disorder symptoms to the extent that it interferes with daily life functioning.
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Someone with sensory processing disorder might:
over-respond to sensory stimulation
under-respond to sensory stimulation
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Some people with SPD over-respond to stimulation and find certain senses unbearable, like the sensation of clothing or bright lights. Other people with SPD under-respond to stimulation and may not react to extreme hot or cold sensations.
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Children with the under-responsive type of SPD may go misdiagnosed as:
depressed
hyperactive
anxious
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Children who under-respond to stimulation may be in constant hyper drive, seeking stimulation at every turn. These kids may go misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
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What causes sensory processing disorder?
birth complications
genetics
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Preliminary findings from the SPD Foundation suggest that the disorder is genetic. Birth complications and other environmental factors may also contribute to the disorder.
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Children with SPD may also experience:
social isolation
low self-esteem
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Unfortunately, children with SPD may experience frequent teasing by peers and underachievement at school. This can result in social isolation and low self-esteem.
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A child with SPD may be labeled as _________ by teachers:
uncooperative
disruptive
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Children with SPD are frequently labeled as: disruptive, out-of-control, uncooperative and/or clumsy by teachers.
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Children with SPD typically have:
average intelligence
above average intelligence
either of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Children with SPD typically don't have intellectual difficulties. Rather, these children require different educational modalities for learning.
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Children with SPD benefit from:
physical therapy
occupational therapy
tutoring
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Children with SPD benefit greatly from occupational therapy that takes a sensory integration approach.
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What is the goal of occupational therapy for a child with SPD?
to let a child burn off some energy
to teach a child appropriate sensory responses
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The primary goal of occupation therapy for SPD involves teaching appropriate ways to respond to various sensory information. Occupational therapy sessions take place in a highly stimulating environment, such as an “OT” gym.
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A “sensory diet” involves:
limiting your child's sensory activities at home
encouraging your child's sensory activities at home
focusing on one of the senses at home
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Occupation therapy for SPD takes a family approach. Parents are encouraged to learn more about their child's unique needs and to implement a “sensory diet” of sensory activities at home.
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What is the outcome of occupational therapy for SPD?
A child is able to engage in normal age-appropriate activities.
A child succeeds academically at school.
both of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Following successful occupational therapy, a child with SPD should be able to engage in everyday, age-appropriate activities, such as, playing with friends, enjoying school, eating properly, and so on.
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Joe McNally/Getty Images
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