Sensory Process Disorder, or is it an Eating Disorder?
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
The grainy texture of natural peanut butter, the strong aroma of Italian food cooked with tons of garlic, the crunch of a sweet apple…these experiences may be just another part of a day for some, but for others, the flavor, texture or smell of these types of food can be a difficult challenge to overcome.
For those struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder, the sensitives around certain food can be debilitating and impact their quality of life.
In this blog we will discuss:
What Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is
How common SPD is
What causes Sensory Processing Disorder
How SPD affects eating
The difference between the eating disorder ARFID and SPD
The risks of Sensory Processing Disorder
How SPD is treated
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder that affects the way an individual processes and responds to sensory information from the environment. It can affect one or multiple senses, including vision, sound, touch, smell, taste, balance, and movement.
People with SPD may experience difficulties in processing sensory input which can lead to behavioral problems, difficulty with self-regulation, a decrease in everyday functioning, and an inability to participate in age-appropriate activities. Symptoms of SPD can vary from person to person and may include over or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, and tastes; difficulty organizing information; impulsivity; difficulty transitioning between activities; poor body awareness; high energy levels; fear of new environments; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and difficulty with social interactions.
Despite the fact that every kid with Sensory Processing Disorder is different, ranging from being sensitive to stimuli such as certain clothing fabric or the sound of the lawn mower, to finding difficulty engaging in play activities and moving around constantly; most have one common trait- they are picky eaters. In addition, many of them demonstrate oral resistance when confronted with food tastes, smells and textures.
How Common is Sensory Processing Disorder?
An estimated 16% of children and adults alike have difficulty with sensory processing. Many children with ADHD or autism are diagnosed with SPD.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
Studies suggest that those with SPD have disjointed neural tissue in their brains, hindering the exchange of information between each hemisphere. Consequently, incoming data is not accurately comprehended or grasped by the mind.
How Sensory Process Disorder Affects Eating
For those with a sensory processing disorder (SPD), eating can often be difficult due to heightened senses. They may be more sensitive to the way food looks, feels, or even sounds before it ever reaches their taste buds - and this could prevent them from wanting to try certain meals.
Oftentimes those struggling with SPD will be drawn to high-calorie, palatable foods. Other common behaviors around food may look like keeping foods separate from one another on your plate or wanting to eat in silence.
The Difference Between ARFID and SPD
ARFID is an acronym for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and is a type of eating disorder where individuals struggle to eat adequate amounts of food due to the fear of choking or vomiting. SPD, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder that affects the way an individual processes sensory information from the environment. While they can both manifest in similar ways, ARFID is an eating disorder, while SPD is a neurological disorder.
But, both conditions can lead to issues such as picky eating habits which can make them difficult to differentiate. Some commonalities include only allowing a select list of approved foods with intense rigidity around introducing any new foods. Many times there may be only 20 or so food items you allow yourself to eat and adding anything to the list does not seem like a possibility.
Whether it is ARFID or SPD, it is important to seek treatment as these symptoms impact the quality of life of those suffering from them.
The Risks of SPD
For those who struggle to eat particular types of food, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can cause symptoms similar in nature to eating disorders. Meal times that drag on for too long, combined with a diminished appetite, can have disastrous results such as poor nutrition and drastic weight loss.
Individuals with SPD frequently suffer from gastrointestinal ailments or digestion disturbances, such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, regurgitation and bloating.
Many also suffer from nutritional deficiencies because of limited food choices. Supplementation can help bridge nutritional gaps in most restricted diets, which tend to be deficient in key nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, zinc and iron.
How is SPD Treated
While this disorder cannot be cured, interventions and treatment can help manage any disruptions and difficulties caused by the disorder. Treatment plans are tailored to each person, utilizing a combination of activities that will help them manage their struggles and create familiarity with food textures.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder can consist of a variety of methods, including sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, nutritional guidance and additional therapies to help those with SPD respond more effectively to environmental stimuli. Medications may also be prescribed in certain cases to reduce symptoms related to anxiety or sleep difficulties.
If treating a child, making shifts at home can be beneficial. Inspiring the child to have fun with their food and explore it can be a helpful intervention. You may also involve your child in the kitchen by allowing them to help prepare meals, set up the table, pass around dishes family-style, and assist in cleaning afterwards. Establishing a set schedule, eating at consistent times and locations with the same utensils can promote comfort and provide structure before meals start.
Therapy is also a powerful tool in treating SPD by exploring how foods you’ve avoided make you feel, and can provide an opportunity to be exposed to them in very small increments in a safe space to help you adjust to them.
If you or your loved one is struggling with symptoms that may be ARFID or SPD, getting support to discuss your difficulties with food is a crucial step on the road to healing. If you would like to discuss you or your loved ones relationship with food, Central Coast Treatment Center is here for you. Learn more about our treatment programs, including nutrition therapy.