Sensory processing disorder is experienced in both adults and children and can be a lifelong condition. I would like to explore how it is managed by those different age groups, what resources are available and what can be done by others to make the day-to-day a little easier for people who suffer from sensory processing disorder.

People with sensory processing disorder can struggle with engaging with and working in different environments along side other people. Every environment will be different so you can assume that each one will have different sensory challenges. The aim for those with SPD, living in these environments comfortably is managing their sensory input or using different coping mechanisms that will allow them to complete their tasks and avoid sensory overload.

The first step to managing SPD and overload is by recognising the triggers and understand what the sensory overload experiences have in common. You can try to avoid triggers of sensory overload once you know what causes it for you and make adaptions to the environments around you to better suit your needs.

But you may also want to do the same activities and attend the same events that you would if you didn’t have this condition. And in the case you need to be proactive about sensory overload by thinking creatively about how to reduce sensory input when you’re in triggering situations.

Self Management

Experiment with what works for you! Every person has different triggers and responses. There are some good places to start with some self-research:

• Educate yourself
• Write down your triggers and what helps them
• Share with friends and family
• Don't feel guilty about making adaptions
• Don’t stop when something is working! If it’s working, keep going.

When planning for entering a space where you are concerned that there may be triggers, there are some actions you can take to prepare:

• Keep a plan with you when you enter a highly stimulating environment. Write your triggers down and identify safe spaces ahead of time and share the plan with someone you trust. This can help reduce anxiety over sensory overload.
• Take a list of things you need to do, to focus in on the task at hand.