Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders
Every day, our brains are inundated with information from the senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and even internal signals such as balance and body awareness. For individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPD), the brain struggles to organize and respond appropriately to sensory input.
Children and adults with SPD may become overwhelmed by loud noises, struggle with certain clothing textures, avoid specific foods, or appear clumsy and uncoordinated. On the other hand, some may crave sensory stimulation and seek constant movement, touch, or noise. This can affect learning, social interaction, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.
SPD is often associated with conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, though it can occur on its own. Regardless of the cause, families are often left searching for ways to help their loved ones regulate their sensory experiences. One promising, non-invasive approach is neurofeedback!
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that utilizes real-time feedback (visual and auditory) to help the brain regulate itself. During a session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. When the brain waves move in a direction of normalization (speeding up or slowing down) the software sends visual or auditory feedback, as a reward to the brain. The brain likes the reward, so it repeats the action. This process is continued during the session to naturally train the brain waves back to where they should be. As this occurs the challenges associated with that area of the brain improve, such as sensory processing.
When the brain produces desired patterns of activity, the feedback rewards, over time, cause the brain to learn to shift away from dysregulated patterns and toward more balanced, healthy ones. Neurofeedback is a safe, drug-free, and personalized approach tailored to each individual’s needs.
This approach has been used successfully for a wide range of concerns, including feelings of anxiety, PTSD, sleep issues, and traumatic brain injury recovery (see related posts on arestoredmind.com). For individuals with sensory processing disorders, neurofeedback can help the brain learn to respond more calmly and efficiently to sensory input.
How SPD Affects Daily Life
Sensory processing challenges can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual. Some common signs include:
Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness): Loud noises feel unbearable, clothing tags cause extreme discomfort, or bright lights are overwhelming.
Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): A child may not notice pain, ignore sounds, or seem unaware of personal space.
Sensory seeking: Constantly spinning, jumping, touching objects, or seeking out intense flavors.
Difficulty with coordination: Trouble with balance, clumsiness, or difficulty learning motor tasks.
Emotional dysregulation: Meltdowns, frustration, or withdrawal in response to sensory environments.
These challenges can impact school performance, social interactions, and even family routines. Parents may find everyday activities—such as going to the grocery store or attending a birthday party—to be stressful and unpredictable.
Why Neurofeedback Works for Sensory Processing Disorders
At the heart of SPD is the brain’s difficulty in filtering, prioritizing, and responding to sensory signals. Neurofeedback addresses the root of this issue by training the brain to regulate itself more effectively.
Here’s how neurofeedback can help individuals with SPD:
- Improved Self-Regulation – Neurofeedback teaches the brain to shift from chaotic or dysregulated brainwave patterns into balanced states. This can help reduce emotional outbursts and enable individuals to stay calm in challenging environments.
- Better Sensory Integration – With improved brain function, sensory information can be processed more smoothly. This can make textures, lights, or sounds less overwhelming.
- Enhanced Focus and Attention – Many individuals with SPD struggle with distractibility. Neurofeedback can strengthen the brain’s ability to concentrate and filter out unimportant stimuli.
- Reduced Anxiety – Sensory overload often leads to heightened stress and anxiety. By calming overactive brainwave patterns, neurofeedback helps reduce these responses.
- Support for Learning and Development – A regulated brain is better equipped for learning, communication, and social interactions, all of which are often impacted by SPD.
What to Expect During Neurofeedback for SPD
Parents and individuals often wonder what a neurofeedback session is like. The process is simple, non-invasive, and even enjoyable:
Assessment: A brain map (qEEG) or initial assessment is used to understand the individual’s brainwave patterns.
Training Sessions: Sensors are placed on the scalp to record brain activity. The person watches a video or plays a simple game that responds to their brainwaves in real time.
Positive Reinforcement: When the brain produces desirable patterns, the video or game plays smoothly, encouraging the brain to repeat the process.
Progress Over Time: With consistent training, the brain learns to sustain balanced states without external feedback.
Sessions typically last 30–45 minutes, and most people require multiple sessions to see lasting improvements.
Benefits Families Have Reported
Families who have used neurofeedback for sensory processing challenges often report meaningful improvements in day-to-day life, such as:
– Fewer meltdowns or tantrums in response to sensory input
– Greater tolerance for sounds, textures, and crowds
– Better sleep patterns
– Increased ability to focus in school
– Improved mood and emotional regulation
– More confidence and independence
Combining Neurofeedback With Other Supports
Unlike medication, neurofeedback doesn’t simply mask symptoms—it empowers the brain to improve its own functioning. This makes it an ideal long-term solution for families seeking holistic, drug-free approaches.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you or your child struggles with sensory processing challenges, there is hope. At A Restored Mind, we specialize in helping individuals regulate their brains and improve their quality of life through neurofeedback services.
Our team is here to listen, guide, and support you on this journey. We offer a complimentary phone consultation to answer your questions and help you decide if neurofeedback is right for you.
Call us today at (336) 480-7623 or visit our website ARestoredMind.com to schedule your complimentary phone consultation and take the first step toward calmer, more balanced living.
