Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment Options & Best Therapies for SPD in Children and Adults

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 the Goal of SPD Treatment?
Occupational Therapy with Sensory Integration
What Is a Sensory Diet?

14 min read

Other Evidence-Based SPD Therapies to Consider
Home-Based Sensory Tools and Strategies
Treatment for SPD in Adults: Adjusting for Age and Lifestyle
Can SPD Be Cured with Therapy?
How Long Does SPD Therapy Take to Work?
What Happens in a Sensory Integration Session?
Is Medication Used to Treat SPD?

What Is the Goal of Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment?

The goal of SPD treatment is to help individuals better process sensory input and respond in ways that support daily functioning, emotional regulation, learning, and social interactions. Treatment is personalized based on the type of SPD (modulation, discrimination, motor-based) and the individual’s age and lifestyle. With the right therapies, individuals with SPD can improve sensory regulation, reduce anxiety and meltdowns, and increase independence in school, work, and home life.

Types of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Symptoms, Characteristics & Treatment
Sensory Modulation Disorder: Symptoms, Subtypes, and Treatment Strategies
Sensory Discrimination Disorder
Postural Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Sensory-Based Motor Disorder Guide

Occupational Therapy with Sensory Integration: The Gold Standard

Occupational therapy (OT) is the most widely recommended treatment for SPD. Using Sensory Integration Therapy, OTs help children and adults gradually improve how they process and respond to sensory input. Activities are tailored to target specific challenges such as sensitivity to touch, sound, movement, or balance. This therapy is play-based for children and task-oriented for adults.

Benefits include:

Improved focus and attention
Enhanced body awareness and motor coordination
Reduced sensory meltdowns or shutdowns
Better tolerance to sensory environments

Sensory Integration Disorder and Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Diet Strategies for Kids: Effective Tools for Sensory Regulation
Living with Sensory Processing Disorder: Daily Tips, Support Strategies, and Family Guidance

What Is a Sensory Diet and How Does It Work?

A sensory diet is a personalized daily plan of sensory activities designed to meet the individual’s unique sensory needs. These activities are structured to provide the right amount and type of sensory input to help with self-regulation, focus, and behavior.

Examples of sensory diet activities:

Jumping on a trampoline or doing wall pushes (proprioceptive input)
Using weighted blankets or compression vests (deep pressure therapy)
Scheduled movement breaks or oral sensory tools for focus

Sensory diets are usually developed by occupational therapists and adjusted over time based on progress.

Sensory Diet Strategies for Kids: Effective Tools for Sensory Regulation
Sensory Seeking/Craving: Understanding, Identifying, and Supporting Sensory Seekers
A Guide to Understanding Sensory Diets for Children with SPD

Other Evidence-Based SPD Therapies to Consider

While OT is the core of SPD treatment, additional therapies may complement the process:

Speech Therapy: Helpful if SPD affects communication or oral-motor processing.
Physical Therapy (PT): Assists with gross motor challenges or vestibular issues like balance.
Behavioral Therapy (CBT/ABA): Supports emotional regulation, anxiety, or behavior issues related to sensory overload.
Feeding Therapy: Addresses sensory-related picky eating or food aversions.
Vision or Auditory Therapy: When SPD overlaps with visual or auditory processing disorders.

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Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment Options & Best Therapies for SPD in Children and Adults

Home-Based Sensory Tools and Strategies

In addition to professional therapies, many SPD-friendly tools and sensory strategies can be used at home to support regulation.

Common tools include:

Weighted lap pads
Noise-canceling headphones
Chewelry (chewable jewelry)
Body socks, fidget tools, swing chairs

Routine use of these supports at home or school reinforces therapy and empowers self-regulation.

Treatment for SPD in Adults: Adjusting for Age and Lifestyle

Adults with SPD benefit from many of the same treatments used in children, but therapy is adjusted for work, home, and social life. Goals may focus on workplace accommodations, managing sensory overload in public settings, or improving relationships.

Adult therapy focuses on:

Sensory integration therapy for daily living
Anxiety and coping strategies for sensory stress
Environmental modifications at home and work

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in Adults: Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment & Coping Strategies

Can SPD Be Cured with Therapy?

There is no official “cure” for SPD, but therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and improve function. Many children and adults show major improvements with early and consistent intervention.

How Long Does SPD Therapy Take to Work?

The timeline varies based on severity, age, and consistency. Many families see improvements within a few months, while others may benefit from ongoing support for years.

What Happens in a Sensory Integration Session?

Sessions involve guided sensory activities tailored to the individual’s needs. These may include swinging, bouncing, tactile exploration, or balance games—all designed to improve sensory tolerance and regulation.

Sensory Diet Strategies for Kids: Effective Tools for Sensory Regulation
Benefits of ISR Swim Lessons, including Sensory-Motor Regulation for Sensory-Seeking Children
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments for Children and Adults

Is Medication Used to Treat SPD?

SPD itself is not typically treated with medication, but meds may be prescribed if SPD co-occurs with ADHD, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Always consult with a medical professional.

ADHD Treatment Options: Medications, Therapies, and Natural Approaches for Children & Adults
Managing Anxiety in Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Sleep Disorders

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

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