tunthäiriö

Tunthäiriö, often translated as sensory processing disorder or SPD, is a neurological condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. These senses include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, as well as our body's sense of movement, balance, and position. Individuals with tunthäiriö may be over-responsive to sensory input, under-responsive, or seek out intense sensory experiences.

For example, someone who is over-responsive might find certain textures unbearable, bright lights painful, or loud noises overwhelming. They might try to avoid these stimuli. Conversely, someone who is under-responsive might not notice pain, temperature changes, or even their own body's signals, leading to potential safety concerns. Others might crave constant movement, touching everything, or making loud noises to get the sensory input they need.

Tunthäiriö can affect children and adults and can co-occur with other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. It's important to note that tunthäiriö is not a learning disability, but it can impact a person's ability to learn, socialize, and perform daily tasks. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough evaluation by an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration. Treatment often involves sensory integration therapy, where the therapist uses specific activities to help the individual's nervous system better process and respond to sensory information. The goal is to help individuals manage their sensory challenges and participate more fully in everyday life.