Understanding the difference between Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD) and behavioural issues in children can contribute to effective parenting, caregiving, and education. SPD refers to difficulties in how the brain receives, organises, and responds to sensory input, which can affect a child's experience of their environment as well as their reactions to it. On the other hand, behavioural issues encompass a range of mental and emotional disorders manifesting in behaviours that can be perceived as disruptive, uncooperative, or out-of-the-ordinary. Behavioural issues can be affected by cognitive maturity, exposure to emotional regulation training, or characteristics that could be formally diagnosed later in a child's life.
Understanding the differences between SPD and challenging behaviours is critical to provide the correct interventions, which can be quite different. For example, a child with SPD may benefit from occupational therapy, sensory integration activities, or modifications to their environment. A child with behavioural issues may respond well to behavioural therapy, changes in parenting strategies, or (in some cases) medication. Often, there will also be overlapping / co-existing of both SPD and behavioural issues, particularly when SPD is unidentified or unaddressed. In these cases, a combination of strategies and interventions will benefit the child greatly.
SPD refers to the brain's inability to accurately interpret sensory information from the surrounding environment. This can include sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, balance, and body position. Issues can arise when the brain struggles to organise and respond effectively to sensory input. A child with SPD might be overly sensitive to stimuli (hypersensitive), under-reactive (hyposensitive), or seek out sensory stimulation.
Sensory Processing Disorder Characteristics
Sensory avoidance
Sensory seeking
Sensory regulation issues
Speech/language delays
Poor attention span
Task avoidance
Impaired coordination
Illegible handwriting
Extremely high/low pain threshold
Excessive blinking/squinting & rubbing of eyes
Meltdowns/aggressive outbursts
Avoiding self grooming tasks
Tantrums
Anxiety
Low sense of self worth
Inability of feeling independent
On the other hand, behavioural issues are rooted more in the realm of psychology than neurobiology. They often emerge from a mix of factors including genetic, biochemical, and environmental influences. Conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or Conduct Disorder (CD) are examples of behavioural issues. These children may exhibit patterns of defiant, disobedient, or hostile behaviour towards adults or authority figures, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or difficulty maintaining attention.
Behavioural Issues Characteristics
Poor attention span/easily distracted
Rebellious/hostile behaviour
Attention seeking behaviour
Tantrums/outbursts
Damaging/destroying property
Lying or stealing
Early smoking, drinking, drug use or sexual activity
Blaming others
Task avoidance
Running away from home/skipping school
Repetitive acts/compulsions
Anxiety
Feelings of sadness
Socially withdrawn/isolating themselves
Neglecting personal hygiene/appearance
Self-harm/threatening to hurt themselves
Low sense of self worth
Changes in appetite
Fluctuations in weight
Whilst you may notice an overlap of many characteristics, understanding the differences enables parents and caregivers to seek appropriate help and employ effective strategies at home; paving the way for improved communication, reduced frustration and, most importantly, the child's overall growth and development.
If you would like to learn more and equip yourself with the tools to address SPD and behavioural issues, we have a terrific 2-hour event taking place on the 1st of December, called: "Sensory Difficulties or Challenging Behaviours?". Continue reading below to discover why you should consider joining us!
Equipping Yourself with Knowledge and Strategies
It's essential for parents to be equipped with practical strategies they can apply in day-to-day interactions with their children. Shared by expert speakers, our upcoming event provides invaluable insights, tools, and techniques that can help transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth.
Arisse Gozon and Daniella Collicelli will draw on their wealth of experience to impart practical strategies and techniques that you can seamlessly incorporate into your daily routines. They will delve into topics such as effective communication, behaviour management, building resilience, and deliver tactics that are both evidence-based and easy to implement.
By attending our event, you'll gain insights into how you can effectively manage and navigate daily challenges, thus improving your child's quality of life. Whether it's understanding and preventing a meltdown at the supermarket or navigating the complexities of an individual support plan, these strategies will empower you to respond effectively and confidently. This is not just about managing behaviours but about enhancing interactions, fostering understanding, and stimulating your child's positive development. This knowledge is not just theoretical - it's hands-on, actionable, and aimed at making a real difference in your daily life.
The Power of Connection: Networking and Support
This event also serves as a platform for parents to connect, share experiences, and support each other. It's a chance to realise that you are not alone in your journey and there's a community ready to help.
Shared experiences and mutual understanding are powerful tools. By attending our event, you'll find yourself in a supportive environment filled with individuals who truly understand the challenges and triumphs you face. This is more than just an opportunity to learn - it's a chance to forge new connections, build a support network, and foster a sense of belonging.
