What is Sensory Processing Disorder, I have been asked this a good bit lately

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As a result I thought I would take the time to explain it here, I know I updated this on my blog as well but what the heck. The more people that are aware of the condition the better chance we have at finding a solution. All three of my children have SPD, SPD is a disorder of the brain in which the person with it can not process all the information that their brain and senses are receiving. It is for them sensory overload, their bodies do not react to stimuli as we do. Noises freak them out, something that seems at a normal decibel to us will be too loud for them, making being in crowded places or loud events unbearable. It is not just sounds that are too much for them, bright lights hurt their eyes, different textures of food can make them chock, they can seek out these things or do everything within their power to avoid them. SPD results in children developing slower than their piers, as they either try to avoid sensations that are troublesome to them or they seek them out. Their gross motor and fine motor skills do not develop at the same rate as their piers. IN addition children with SPD often have speech delays. There are many aspects of SPD, children with it can be sensory seekers, sensory avoiders or they can be a mix of both. If they are Sensory seekers they seek out high impact activities, they have a difficult time sitting still, can not focus on things for long periods of time, need high impact, need to run, crash etc. They do not notice when foods are too hot or cold, they are dare devils, take risk. Sensory seekers are also very oral, they tend to put things in their mouth a good deal of time, have a desire to chew things, lick things etc. Sensory avoiders are just the opposite of seekers, they avoid sensations, are often very picky eaters, gag on certain food textures, vomit easy, do not like tags in clothing, seams on socks, are picky about the texture and feel of their clothes. Freak out when they walk barefoot on grass, sand and or rocks. Have a difficult time adjusting to change and have problems transiting from one activity to another. They focus on things and can not move to new things, they need deep pressure, tight hugs and have a difficult time calming down. Then there is the child that has aspects of both, in some situations they need the high impact, need the sensations, and at other times they will avoid things, these are at times the hardest to know what to do to help, as you do not know what event or what thing will set them off or be acceptable today. It is a very diverse condition/disorder that affects many children. Doctors are finding that many that once were diagnosed with Autism are actually SPD kids, and a lot of kids with SPD are later diagnosed with Aspergers or Autism. Hope this helps to explain some of it.