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The 3 Patterns of Sensory Processing Disorder

The 3 Patterns of Sensory Processing Disorder

A Simple Overview for Parents & Caregivers


SPD Doesn't Look the Same in Every Child

Some children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) melt down when their clothes feel scratchy. Others seem not to notice pain at all. Some crash into walls and can’t stop moving. Others look clumsy or get tired easily from basic tasks like writing or sitting upright.

These kids all have SPD—but very different kinds. Knowing which pattern fits your child helps you understand what’s going on and get the right kind of help.

There are 3 main patterns of SPD, with 6 subtypes total. Here’s a simple overview of each one.

❝ Understanding which pattern of SPD your child has is the first step toward the right kind of support. — Play It Forward Therapy ❞

Pattern 1: Sensory Modulation Disorder

This is the most common pattern. It affects how the brain handles the “volume” of sensory information—sounds, touch, movement, and more. There are 3 subtypes:

🔴  Over-Responsivity — Too Much, Too Fast

The brain turns the volume up too high. Everyday things feel overwhelming.

You might see:

  • Meltdowns over clothing tags, socks, or hairbrushing
  • Covering ears at normal sounds, or gagging over certain textures

These children aren’t being dramatic. Their brain is genuinely flooded.

🔵  Under-Responsivity — Not Enough Signal

The brain turns the volume down too low. The child misses a lot of what’s happening around them.

You might see:

  • Seeming “in their own world,” slow to respond when called
  • Not noticing a fall or injury, or not recognizing when they’re hungry

These children are often quiet and easy-going—but they’re not registering what they need to.

🟠  Sensory Craving — Always Seeking More

The brain constantly wants more input. The child can’t seem to get enough.

You might see:

  • Crashing into walls, furniture, or people on purpose
  • Touching everything, constant movement, taking physical risks

These children are often labeled as hyperactive or out of control—but they’re seeking input their nervous system needs.

Pattern 2: Sensory-Based Motor Disorder

This pattern affects movement. When the brain has trouble processing sensory input from the body, it makes it hard to plan and coordinate movements. There are 2 subtypes:

🟢  Dyspraxia — Trouble Planning Movement

The brain has a hard time figuring out how to organize and sequence movements—especially for new or tricky tasks.

You might see:

  • Struggling to learn to ride a bike, use scissors, or tie shoes
  • Messy handwriting that takes a lot of effort, or trouble using both hands together

These children work twice as hard as their peers on everyday tasks. That’s exhausting—and it can hurt their confidence.

🟤  Postural-Ocular Disorder — Posture and Eye Control

The brain has trouble with balance and controlling eye movement. Both depend on accurate input from the vestibular system (movement and balance).

You might see:

  • Slumping in their chair, tiring easily at a desk
  • Losing their place while reading, or difficulty tracking moving objects

These children often look like they’re not paying attention—when really, their body is working hard just to stay upright.

 


Pattern 3: Sensory Discrimination Disorder

🔷  Trouble Reading Sensory Details

The brain receives sensory information—but can’t quite make out the details. It’s like looking at a blurry photo.

You might see:

  • Touch: Can’t tell what an object is just by feeling it
  • Force: Pushes too hard—breaks crayons, tears paper, plays too rough
  • Sound: Has trouble telling similar words apart (may look like a hearing problem)
  • Body signals: Doesn’t notice when they’re hungry, full, or need the bathroom

These children often seem calm and regulated—but they’re quietly struggling with tasks that need fine sensory detail.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

A pediatric OT can figure out which pattern fits your child and create a plan just for them. Treatment might include:

  • Sensory play activities to help the brain process input more easily
  • A daily sensory plan (called a sensory diet) to stay regulated at home and school
  • Motor skill practice for children with movement challenges
  • Tips and coaching for parents and teachers

📖 Want more detail? See the full version: The 3 Primary Patterns and Subtypes of SPD

❝ When children understand how their brain is wired, they stop thinking 'something is wrong with me'—and start figuring out what they need. ❞

⭐ Key Takeaways

✅  SPD has 3 main patterns and 6 subtypes. Each one looks different.

✅  Pattern 1 (Sensory Modulation): affects the “volume” of sensory input—too high, too low, or always seeking more.

✅  Pattern 2 (Motor Disorder): affects movement planning, coordination, posture, and eye control.

✅  Pattern 3 (Discrimination Disorder): affects the brain’s ability to read the fine details of sensory information.

✅  Overlap is common. A child can show signs of more than one pattern.

✅  A pediatric OT can identify the pattern and build a plan that fits your child’s unique nervous system.

Do you know me?

📚 Keep Learning: Related Posts From Play It Forward Therapy

 

SENSORY PROCESSING

EMOTION REGULATION

Ready to level up your EQ Skills?

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own.

If you’re ready to move beyond simply managing challenging behaviors and learn practical strategies for building emotional intelligence and regulation skills into your work with children, The EQ Advantage Course was created for you.

Inside the course, you’ll learn concrete, evidence-based strategies you can begin using right away to support children’s emotional development, strengthen co-regulation, and bring an emotionally intelligent approach to your therapy sessions.

Because when we help children understand and manage their emotions, we aren’t taking time away from therapy.  You can help to create the conditions that make therapy more successful. 

Enroll in the EQ Advantage Course today!

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