In psychology, the term “disorder” is typically reserved for describing cases where the manifestations of a particular condition have reached a point where they directly impair a person’s everyday functioning.

Virtually everyone has some familiarity with the term attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That said, so much remains misunderstood about ADHD.

ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a widely — and often inaccurately — discussed topic. But how much do many folks know about sensory processing disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) refers to a condition in which sensory inputs are processed incorrectly by the brain, which can lead to inappropriate behavioral responses to certain stimuli.

Many of us think that perception and behavior are two separate things and that processing stimuli and their parameters, such as intensity, speed, etc. has to do with cognition alone. But whether we are aware of it or not, what we perceive can have a considerable impact on our emotions, leading to an array of responses which in turn affect our behavior.

Sensory processing (or integration) is our brain’s ability to organize incoming sensory information. This encompasses data from our five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), kinesthetic system (awareness of location, movements, and actions), and vestibular system (supporting balance, posture, and spatial orientation).

Individuals with sensory sensitivities process external stimulation differently than neurotypical individuals. They can both overreact and underreact to sensorial input. Sounds that are normal to most people might be so upsetting that they prompt great emotional upset