Additional symptoms may include:
Difficulty with transitions: Children with SPD may struggle with transitioning from one activity to another, often becoming upset or anxious during these periods of change.
Poor motor coordination: SPD can affect a child’s fine and gross motor skills, leading to difficulties in handwriting, balance, and overall physical coordination.
Social and emotional challenges: SPD can hinder the ability to navigate social situations, leading to difficulty making friends and understanding social cues.
Functional Medicine Approach to Sensory Processing Disorders
The functional medicine approach to SPD focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of the disorder rather than merely masking the symptoms. Our team of integrative medicine providers in Atlanta, Georgia, evaluates the unique genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors that contribute to sensory processing issues.
Doctors have yet to pinpoint a root cause of sensory processing disorder, but there is evidence to suggest SPD may be inherited, stem from prenatal complications, or come from certain environmental factors (4).
Additionally, some studies show differences in the way the brain is wired in those with sensory processing disorders (5).
A functional medicine practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment, including a detailed medical history. The goal of this evaluation is to uncover potential triggers and underlying imbalances contributing to SPD.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on the evaluation, the functional medicine team will design personalized treatment plans that address the individual’s specific needs. These plans may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and other whole-body treatments to support optimal sensory processing.
Focus on Nutrition
Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, including sensory processing. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities or nutritional imbalances that could be exacerbating SPD symptoms.
Lifestyle factors, such as sleep patterns, stress management, and physical activity, are considered when developing a treatment plan. Adequate sleep, stress reduction techniques, and appropriate exercise can all positively impact sensory processing.
Integrative Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder in Adults and Children
While there is no cure for SPD, an integrative team of specialists, including those in functional medicine, can work together to optimize cognitive and behavioral health with an individualized treatment plan.
An integrative team approach brings together various healthcare professionals, each contributing their expertise to provide comprehensive care for individuals with SPD. This team typically includes a functional medicine practitioner, occupational or speech therapies, dietitian, and/or counselor (6).
An integrative team can not only assess the patient’s unique biochemistry, but provide therapeutic interventions designed to address the broad range of challenges, and provide social and emotional support.
What to Remember
Sensory Processing Disorder affects both children and adults and can have a significant impact on daily life and social interactions. A functional medicine approach to SPD allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s unique needs. Our integrative team of healthcare professionals in our Atlanta office can work together to identify and treat the underlying causes of SPD, offering personalized therapeutic interventions that help children and adults with sensory issues thrive in their daily lives.
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By addressing the root causes and providing holistic support, the integrative approach fosters a path towards improved sensory processing and enhanced overall well-being.