Sensory Issues in Adults: Everything You Need To Know

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensory issues are common among children who fail to develop their senses until they grow older. However, sensory issues in adults are also observed in adults and can be characterized as being over-responsive to external stimuli (hypersensitive) or under-responsive to the environment. Hypersensitivity can mean fearing large crowds, an inability to listen to familiar sounds (yawning, burping, chewing), and screaming when a horn is blown. Several risk factors can contribute to such a condition and might need appropriate treatment.

So, today, we will talk about the causes of sensory issues in adults, symptoms, and treatment options. Let’s explore!

What are Sensory Issues in Adults?

• Sensory processing disorder (SPD), also called sensory issues, is a condition where the brain does not receive appropriate signals from the 5 sense organs.

• Around 5-16.5% of people in the United States deal with SPD.

• It is characterized by a heightened sense of the activity of the senses called hypersensitivity or a lowered sense of activity known as hyposensitivity.

• The condition is not a serious one and most often goes unnoticed. 

• If you are hypersensitive to the extent that it interferes with your daily routine, then you have SPD.

• SPD is also considered a part of autism spectrum disorders since most patients with autism also have SPD.

• For those who have trouble leading an everyday life due to sensory issues, treatment is available for anyone who seeks it.

What Does SPD Feel Like in Adults?

One of the significant characteristics of sensory issues in adults is that they have a tough time processing information. They are either being on their toes at all times or not being aware of their surroundings. It's typically the two extreme opposite ends of the spectrum. Persons with SPD find it challenging to cope with daily activities and often find themselves in an uncomfortable position trying to keep calm in an anxiety-inducing situation. SPD often reveals itself as: 

• Sensory discrimination disorder- Patients find identifying sounds, textures, smells, and tastes difficult.

• Sensory modulation disorder- This disorder affects the way people process information or react to stimuli.

• Sensory-based motor disorder- Patients have difficulty balancing themselves and performing motor activities.

These aspects of SPD affect the individual in the following ways:

• Motor Functioning- The person might feel tired or clumsy while driving or taking long walks.

• Tactile functioning- Crowded spaces, tight clothes, and shaking hands with strangers make the person feel uncomfortable.  

• Auditory functioning- Sounds that do not otherwise affect others are unbearable to SPD patients.

• Vestibular functioning- Difficulty walking on inclined surfaces and riding elevators that impacts the balance of the individual. 

• Mental functioning- The person appears moody and restless, often found distracted. 

What Are the Causes of Sensory Issues in Adults?

While the symptoms are several, the definite cause of SPD is unknown. Several factors may be responsible for this condition, including several mental health illnesses such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or Tourette syndrome. Other causes are:

1. Poor Sensory Stimulation

The study says SPD is a condition in which there is a processing insufficiency in how the brain processes sensory signals. A disruption in the pathway sends the sensory information to the part of the brain that processes it. Thus, overloading it and causing sensory issues.

2. Trauma 

Emotional trauma is often associated with mental illness. It is the cause of many mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, mania, and clinical depression. Early childhood trauma often leads to emotional distress during adulthood.

3. Injury

An accident or a hit in the head can cause brain damage and the area where sensory signals are processed. This may cause the loss of sensory sensitivity or a heightened sense of stimulus. 

4. Sleep Disorders

Insomnia and not getting enough sleep every day for a long duration can result in disorders of the brain. Getting significantly fewer hours of sleep can be detrimental to your mental health.

5. Developmental Delay

Abnormal brain development during childhood can significantly cause sensory processing disorders while growing into adulthood. Individuals with developmental issues may also show early signs of hypersensitivity or hypersensitivity towards external stimuli. 

6. Schizophrenia

Patients with Schizophrenia often have associated SPD as a part of their diagnosis. Schizophrenic patients also have issues processing external inputs such as touching people, meeting their eyes, or even holding a proper conversation.  

What are the Symptoms of SPD?

Symptoms of sensory issues in adults blend well with daily routine tasks. Therefore, they are not noticeable, nor do people pay much attention to being overly sensitive to sound or light. The common sensory issues in adults examples include:

1. SPD symptoms at home

• Unable to bear the sounds of people chewing their food.

• Increasing the volume of the television too loud.

• Trying to wear minimal and loose clothes at home, preferably long cotton nighties.

• Perfume and other odors feel too strong and suffocating.

• The texture of your food may be repulsive to the point you spit it out. 

2. SPD symptoms at work

• Constantly asking colleagues to turn down the volume of their speech or their music.

• Unable to share a meal with coworkers. You avoid eating mushy foods such as bananas and cannot stand others eating bananas.

• Typing instead of writing seems easier. You may need help understanding your handwriting.

• Being claustrophobic in a crowded elevator.

• Not touching the stairways while taking the stairs.

• Need help to give presentations.

3. SPD symptoms while at rest

• You are restless and unable to rest.

• Feels uncomfortable in shoes after a long day's work.

• You may also shiver in regular cool temperatures.

• Clothes and tags on clothes feel too itchy.

How Is SPD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough assessment. Neuropsychologists or occupational therapists conduct clinical evaluations, standardized assessments, and conversations with a person and their caregivers. They will monitor sensory-related behaviors and how they affect everyday life and also responses to many sensory stimuli. By understanding the type of sensory issues, they recommend the therapy.

On the other hand, sensory issues in adult tests can also help identify the potential symptoms. Take part in the test yourself and then show the results to the healthcare providers. Remember that, do not consider self-test a standard diagnostic tool. The appropriate symptom monitoring by the professional can only effectively detect the issues. 

Also Read: How to Get Tested For Autism as an Adult

What are the Treatment Options Available for SPD?

Treatment for SPD does not involve any medication or surgery. It involves therapy sessions with an expert who can train your mind and redirect how it thinks and reacts to external stimuli. Some of the treatment options available include:

• Occupational therapy- It is often helpful to patients with mental disorders and can help them understand stimuli to cope with their immediate environment. 

• Speech therapy- Speech therapy is also provided to patients who have difficulty eating certain foods or trouble saying certain words. 

• Feeding therapy- This is a specific therapy for patients who oppose certain textures or refuse to swallow food down their throats. Counseling and certain activities help them overcome these challenges.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy- Cognitive behavioral therapy saves patients from feeling overwhelmed by large crowds, attending a meeting, or meeting with a stranger.

• Sensory integration therapy- This therapy involves various hands-on activities that target and train various parts of the brain to recognize stimuli and respond to the stimulus. 

How to Deal with Sensory Overload?

Several ways can help you deal with SPD such as:

• Practice calming exercises such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and mindful breathing exercises.

• Get enough sleep of at least 8 hours, Use white noise machines or noise-canceling earbuds to block outside noises.

• Eat nutritious food and drink a lot of water or other fluids.

• Avoid sensory-triggering things such as tight fabrics. tags from clothes, etc.

• Set boundaries by leaving the place where you feel overstimulated.

• Also, always seek professional help immediately to manage triggering situations. 

How to Help People with SPD?

Support can be a lot for people struggling with sensory issues. You can consider the following approaches to help others:

• Educate yourself to understand what an SPD patient might be experiencing.

• Respect their limits by giving them space or breaks to manage their sensory inputs.

• Create a sensory-friendly environment by offering noise-canceling headphones or using soft lighting.

• Allow them to utilize “quiet hours” in museums or places with low or no sound or less lighting.

• Engage them in sensory activities like practicing yoga and even meditation.

Final Thoughts

Sensory issues in adults are merely a condition that needs to be managed well. In some cases, it is a superpower! (like hearing across walls). In general, it can impact everyday tasks or routines. Either way, several physiotherapists and occupational therapists at your service can help you learn new ways to cope with light, sound, and even ice cream. Remember that sensory issues in adults are not severe unless they interfere with your living habits. In that case, contact your nearest hospital to get you in touch with a therapist. 

Also Read: What is Neurodivergent? Know Everything About It