Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults: Symptoms & Treatment
- Designs Knack
- May 29
- 8 min read
Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a room full of people?
Maybe you have trouble focusing because of background noise. Or certain fabrics feel so uncomfortable that you avoid wearing them. These aren’t just minor annoyances. They could be signs of a condition called sensory processing disorder in adults.
Many people think sensory challenges only affect children. But adults experience them too. Often, they go unnoticed or are misunderstood. This can make everyday life harder than it needs to be.
Researchers estimate that approximately 1 to 3 out of every 20 people in the general U.S. population may have sensory processing disorder. The numbers are even higher among individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. That means you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll explore what sensory processing disorder is, how it shows up in adults, and what treatment options are available. If you’ve ever felt like the world is just too loud, too bright, or too fast, this is for you.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, happens when the brain has trouble handling information from the senses. These senses include touch, sound, smell, taste, sight, movement, and even body awareness.
In adults with SPD, the brain may overreact or underreact to sensory input. This means things like bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures can feel intense and uncomfortable. On the other hand, some people might not respond to sensations that others notice right away.
SPD affects how someone moves through daily life. They may avoid certain places or situations that are too stimulating. Or they may seek out intense sensory experiences to feel balanced.
While SPD is not officially classified the same way as other behavioral disorders in adults, it can significantly impact behavior, mood, and relationships in everyday life. It is not just a preference or personality trait. It is a neurological condition that affects how a person processes the world around them.
Sensory Processing in Adulthood
Most people hear about SPD in children. But what happens when those children grow up? Many adults who have SPD were never diagnosed as kids. They learned to cope with their symptoms without knowing what they were really dealing with.
Over time, this can lead to stress, burnout, and emotional challenges. Adults with SPD might avoid social events, struggle at work, or feel overwhelmed by parenting. They may think something is wrong with them or that they’re just “too sensitive.”
In reality, their brains are simply wired to process sensory input differently. Understanding this difference is the first step to feeling better.
Common Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults
Symptoms of SPD vary from person to person. Some are more sensitive to sensory input, while others are less responsive. Many people experience both extremes in different situations.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of sensory processing disorder in adults:
Noise Sensitivity
You may find everyday sounds too loud, even painful. You might avoid noisy places like shopping centers or restaurants. Background noise can make it hard to concentrate or hold a conversation.
Sensitivity to Light
Bright lights may cause headaches or eye strain. Fluorescent lighting in offices or stores can feel especially uncomfortable. You might prefer dim lighting at home.
Clothing Discomfort
Certain fabrics, seams, or tags may feel itchy or irritating. You might avoid tight clothes or prefer to wear the same soft items often.
Sensory Avoidance
You might avoid crowded areas, certain smells, or specific textures. You may skip activities because they feel overwhelming.
Sensory Seeking
Some adults crave strong sensory input. You may enjoy loud music, strong scents, or intense physical activity. This can help your brain feel more balanced.
Trouble with Focus and Organization
SPD can affect how well you manage tasks. You might struggle with time management, forget things easily, or feel distracted by your environment.
Physical Symptoms
You might feel dizzy or off-balance. Some people are clumsy or have trouble with coordination. You may get motion sickness easily.
Emotional Reactions
Strong sensory input can lead to emotional outbursts or shutdowns. You might feel anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed without knowing why.
These signs of sensory processing disorder in adults are often mistaken for other issues like anxiety or mood problems. That’s why many adults live with SPD for years without a proper understanding of their condition.
What Causes SPD?
The exact cause of sensory processing disorder is still unknown. However, research suggests that it may be related to how the brain and nervous system communicate.
SPD may run in families. It can also be linked to early birth complications, birth trauma, or early childhood stress. Some studies suggest that people with SPD may have differences in brain structure or activity.
It’s important to note the connection between sensory processing disorder vs autism. Many autistic people experience sensory challenges as part of their condition. However, not everyone with SPD is autistic. SPD can occur on its own or alongside other conditions like ADHD or anxiety.
Other related conditions include behavioral disorders in adults, PTSD, and learning disabilities. This overlap can make it hard to get a clear diagnosis.
Diagnosing Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults
There is no single test for SPD, and it is not officially listed in the DSM-5, which is the guide used by mental health professionals for diagnoses. Still, many doctors and therapists recognize it and know how to treat it.
An occupational therapist or psychologist can evaluate your sensory profile. This may include interviews, questionnaires, and direct observation. The goal is to understand how your senses affect your daily life and well-being.
A diagnosis can bring clarity and open the door to helpful treatment. Even if you’ve spent years feeling misunderstood, it’s never too late to learn more about yourself.
How SPD Affects Daily Life
Living with SPD can feel exhausting. The brain works overtime trying to filter sensory input. This can leave you feeling tired, anxious, or out of control.
You might have trouble at work because of distractions or uncomfortable clothes. Social events can feel stressful instead of fun. Parenting can become overwhelming if your children are loud or active.
Even simple tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, or commuting can feel like too much. It’s not that you’re weak or lazy. Your nervous system is reacting in ways that make normal situations feel like a battle.
Understanding the symptoms of sensory processing disorder in adults can help you take steps to feel more in control. Life can get easier with the right support and strategies.
Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults
There is no cure for SPD, but many adults find relief through therapy and lifestyle changes. The treatment of sensory processing disorder in adults focuses on helping you manage your triggers and build sensory-friendly routines.
Therapy
Occupational therapists (OTs) are trained to help people with sensory challenges. They can create a sensory diet, personalized plan with daily activities that help regulate your nervous system.
These activities may include deep pressure, balance work, movement, or touch-based exercises. Many of these methods also appear in autism therapy, especially those designed for adults.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, can help you understand how your thoughts and behaviors interact. It’s especially useful if SPD causes stress or anxiety.
CBT teaches coping skills and emotional regulation. It can help you feel more in control, even during sensory overload.
Sensory Tools and Environment Changes
Making small changes in your environment can have a big impact. Try using noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, soft textures, or weighted blankets.
Use sunglasses indoors if bright light hurts your eyes. Carry fidget items or calming scents for when you need to stay grounded.
These tools don’t fix SPD, but they can reduce discomfort and prevent sensory overload.
Mindfulness and Movement
Practices like yoga, stretching, and meditation can calm the nervous system. These routines also improve body awareness and emotional balance.
These techniques are helpful for many people with SPD. They are also common in autism techniques for adults, which aim to create a sense of safety in the body.
Support Networks
Talking with others who understand what you’re going through can be healing. Support groups, online forums, or group therapy sessions are great places to share experiences and find new strategies.
You may also benefit from family education, so loved ones can better understand your needs and reactions.
SPD and Related Conditions
SPD often appears alongside other conditions, which can make it confusing to identify on its own. Here are a few related challenges:
Sensory Processing Disorder vs Autism
Autism includes social, behavioral, and sensory traits. SPD focuses only on sensory differences. However, the two conditions can overlap, and some treatments may help with both.
Social Communication Disorder (SCD)
Social communication disorder (SCD) affects how a person uses language in social situations. SPD affects how a person processes sensory input. A person can have both conditions, but they are separate diagnoses.
If you are experiencing both sensory challenges and communication difficulties, a professional can help you understand the full picture.
Tips for Managing SPD in Everyday Life
Living with SPD means learning how to work with your senses, not against them. Here are a few tips to help you feel more balanced and in control:
Keep a sensory journal to track what triggers you and what soothes you
Design a quiet, calming space at home for rest and recovery
Plan your errands or outings during quiet hours
Wear clothes and fabrics that feel comfortable to you
Let your workplace know if you need accommodations
Try breathing exercises when you start to feel overwhelmed
Avoid too much caffeine, which can heighten your senses
Stick to a routine to give your day structure and predictability
These small steps can add up and help you feel more comfortable in your body and environment.
Final Thoughts
Sensory processing disorder in adults is real. It can make life harder, but it doesn’t have to control your future. Once you understand the signs and symptoms, you can take steps to improve your well-being.
The world may always feel a little louder or brighter to you. But with the right tools and support, it can also feel safer and more manageable.
There is hope, healing, and help.
If you’re struggling with sensory overload or suspect you have SPD, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Pillar5, we provide personalized care and expert guidance for adults facing sensory challenges. From diagnosis to therapy, our team is here to support your journey toward a better quality of life.
Visit Pillar5 today to learn more or book a consultation. Let’s build a sensory-friendly life that works for you.
FAQs
1. What is sensory processing disorder in adults?
Sensory processing disorder in adults is a condition where the brain struggles to properly process and respond to sensory input like sound, touch, light, or movement. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, irritated, or disconnected in everyday situations.
2. What are the common symptoms of sensory processing disorder in adults?
Common symptoms include sensitivity to noise, light, touch, or smell, feeling easily overwhelmed in busy places, trouble focusing, emotional outbursts, and discomfort with certain textures or clothing.
3. How is sensory processing disorder different from autism?
While both can involve sensory issues, sensory processing disorder vs autism is different because autism includes social and communication challenges. SPD focuses only on sensory input problems and can occur with or without autism.
4. How is sensory processing disorder diagnosed in adults?
A trained professional, such as an occupational therapist or psychologist, can assess symptoms through interviews, questionnaires, and sensory evaluations. There is no single test, but a diagnosis is based on patterns of behavior and daily challenges.
5. What treatments are available for adults with SPD?
Treatment of sensory processing disorder in adults includes occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, sensory tools, mindfulness, and environmental adjustments. These methods help regulate sensory input and improve daily function.
6. Can adults with SPD lead a normal life?
Yes, with the right support and strategies, adults with SPD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Understanding your triggers, using helpful tools, and seeking therapy can greatly improve comfort and well-being.