Adult Diagnosis - Sensory Processing Disorder

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The understanding of the sensory system and how individuals process sensory information has changed dramatically over the past few decades.  At Come Play, we frequently see children with sensory processing differences, and we’ve witnessed a growing realization among adults – sometimes, they too may be grappling with sensory challenges.


Many of these adults realize their sensory differences after having kids, while others are referred to us by other providers. At Come Play, our Occupational Therapists are skilled in working with both adults and children who see, hear, and experience the world differently.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Individuals with SPD may be oversensitive or undersensitive to sensory stimuli, or they may have difficulty organizing and interpreting sensory information.


Sensory integration was first described by an Occupational Therapist in 1972. It was later termed “Sensory Processing Disorder” by Dr. Lucy Miller, a prominent figure in the field of sensory research. Dr. Miller is the founder of the STAR Institute, an organization dedicated to research, education, and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and related sensory challenges.


It’s important to note that despite our widespread knowledge of the condition, Sensory Processing Disorder is not included as a distinct diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The DSM-V is a comprehensive diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association. It provides a standardized set of criteria used by clinicians to make accurate diagnoses of various psychological conditions. 


Because of this, when we make a diagnosis at Come Play, it will be phrased as “displaying signs and symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder”. And while we do hope that SPD will be included in a future DSM as a standalone diagnosis, we can still move forward with treating it.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Differences in Adults

The symptoms of SPD in adults are similar to those in children, though adults may mask or respond differently than children. The key difference is that adults typically possess more language and self-awareness to articulate their sensory experiences. For example, an adult may describe feeling very uncomfortable in a crowd, or that they don’t like being touched, whereas a child may have a meltdown in these situations.


Here are some common symptoms that adults with sensory processing challenges may experience: 

  • Feeling overwhelmed in a crowd

  • Lights seem too bright or hurt your eyes

  • Can smell things others can’t smell

  • Can hear things others can’t hear (for example, an ambulance that is miles away)

  • Loud music may feel intolerable

  • Restlessness, or inability to stop fidgeting

  • Frequent loss of balance or bumping into things - clumsy

  • Frequent irritability

  • Strict preferences or avoidance of certain types of clothing (for example, strong dislike of socks with seams, buttons, itchy tags, tight-fitting clothes, loose-fitting clothes, or certain fabrics like denim)

  • Strong smells (like perfume) can make you feel nauseous

  • Spitting out or gagging on food

Co-occurring Diagnoses

Many adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) have co-occurring, or comorbid, diagnoses. These can include anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. 

Understanding and addressing sensory processing differences in the context of other diagnoses can be essential for developing effective interventions and improving overall quality of life. If sensory issues have led to depression, for example, then it’s very difficult to treat depression without first treating the underlying sensory issues.

Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults

Sensory processing issues are not limited to childhood. Many of the adults we work with have long struggled with the various ways that sensory issues can manifest - in their relationships, jobs, and social lives. They may have other diagnoses or have been in counseling for years. 

At our facility, we understand that sensory processing issues are not confined to childhood, and adults who wish to address their own sensory concerns are welcomed. Parents attending meetings often express a realization that they, too, might have benefited from Occupational Therapy (OT) interventions during their formative years. This revelation prompts many adults to take the initiative and move forward with their own sensory evaluations.

The first step is a thorough evaluation. Our team of experts is equipped to assess sensory profiles in adults. The evaluation process allows for a tailored approach to address individual sensory needs and challenges.

Safe & Sound Protocol

One of the treatment methods we utilize at Come Play is called the Safe & Sound Protocol. 

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based protocol designed to assist individuals in regulating their nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system. The primary goal of the SSP is to calm down the sympathetic nervous system, promoting a more regulated and balanced state.

For individuals who are already hypersensitive to sensory input, the introduction of external stimuli, such as someone speaking or the natural environment, can be perceived as unsafe by the autonomic nervous system. This misinterpretation of sensory input can lead to heightened stress responses. The Safe & Sound Protocol intervenes in this process by providing a structured and controlled auditory experience.


If you believe that you experience the signs and symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder, please contact our office today and schedule an evaluation. We’re happy to answer your questions and walk you through the process.