Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder and Learning: How Sensory Challenges Affect Education

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

What Is SPD and How Does It Affect Learning?
Common Ways SPD Impacts Academic Performance

14 min read

Sensory Challenges in the Classroom Environment
Early Signs of SPD in School-Aged Children
Strategies for Supporting Students with SPD at School
The Role of IEPs and 504 Plans in Sensory Support
Does Sensory Processing Disorder cause learning disabilities?
Can a child with SPD succeed in a mainstream classroom?
Can SPD be mistaken for ADHD or a behavioral issue?

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and How Does It Affect Learning?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects how the brain receives and responds to sensory information like sound, touch, movement, and visual input. In an educational setting, these sensory challenges can make it difficult for students to focus, follow directions, stay seated, or complete academic tasks.

SPD does not reflect a lack of intelligence or motivation. However, because the brain struggles to organize sensory input effectively, the child may appear distracted, overwhelmed, or oppositional. When unrecognized, SPD can lead to misdiagnoses, such as ADHD, or behavioral labels that don’t address the root cause.

Common Ways SPD Impacts Academic Performance

Students with SPD may struggle in several key areas:

Attention and focus: Over-responsiveness to background noise, lights, or movement may cause frequent distractions.
Fine motor skills: Difficulty holding pencils, cutting, or writing legibly can affect handwriting and participation.
Following instructions: Multisensory input can be overwhelming, leading to difficulty processing verbal directions.
Transitions: Moving from one task or classroom to another may trigger anxiety or behavioral responses.
Social participation: Sensory issues can make peer interactions confusing or stressful.

Without accommodations, these students may fall behind academically or experience school-related anxiety and self-esteem issues.

Sensory Challenges in the Classroom Environment

Many classrooms are not designed with sensory-sensitive students in mind. Common triggers include:

Fluorescent lighting and loud bells
Crowded hallways and unpredictable transitions
Scratchy uniforms or uncomfortable seating
Noise from peers or classroom technology

These environmental factors can lead to sensory overload, causing meltdowns, withdrawal, or shutdowns. Creating sensory-friendly classrooms is key to reducing overwhelm and promoting learning.

Early Signs of SPD in School-Aged Children

Teachers and parents might notice:

Frequent covering of ears or avoidance of loud spaces
Difficulty sitting still or need for constant movement
Avoidance of touch (e.g., line-ups, group activities)
Repeated loss of focus, especially in busy environments
Complaints about clothing, lights, or noise

Recognizing these early signs helps initiate support services and referrals for occupational therapy or sensory evaluations.

Strategies for Supporting Students with SPD at School

Supporting a student with SPD involves proactive strategies:

Sensory breaks: Allow movement-based or quiet breaks throughout the day
Alternative seating: Wiggle cushions, standing desks, or quiet corners
Visual schedules: Reduce anxiety and help with transitions
Noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines
Fidget tools and adaptive writing tools

Collaboration between teachers, occupational therapists, and parents ensures that strategies are tailored to the child’s unique sensory profile.

The Role of IEPs and 504 Plans in Sensory Support

Children with SPD may qualify for support under:

IEP (Individualized Education Program): For students who qualify for special education under categories like “Other Health Impairment” or “Developmental Delay.”
504 Plan: For students who don’t qualify for special ed but need accommodations to access learning.

Common accommodations include:

Modified classroom environments
Extended test time
Occupational therapy services
Access to sensory tools and quiet spaces

Documentation and collaboration ensure the child’s needs are legally supported and consistently met.

Does Sensory Processing Disorder cause learning disabilities?

SPD does not cause learning disabilities directly, but it can interfere with learning by disrupting attention, memory, motor skills, and classroom behavior. If left unaddressed, it may contribute to academic delays.

Can a child with SPD succeed in a mainstream classroom?

Yes. With the right supports—such as sensory accommodations, breaks, and teacher training—students with SPD can thrive in mainstream educational settings.

Can SPD be mistaken for ADHD or a behavioral issue?

Absolutely. Many symptoms overlap, including restlessness, distractibility, and impulsive behavior. A sensory-focused evaluation is essential to distinguish SPD from ADHD or other conditions.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Save

Therapist Ratings & Reviews

Find a Therapist near you

Are you looking for a physical, occupational, or speech therapist in your area?
Look no further than the DrSensory Therapist Database and Clinic Directory!

Find a Therapist