MIAMI – The Season of the Witch and all of the spooky season is upon us. As we in the Pagan community move through the Equinox toward Samhain, we spiritually focus on the third harvest and our ancestors.
Many of us in the Anglosphere also decorate in celebration of Halloween and those decorations can sometimes get big and loud: yards with dragon battles and giant skeletons overseeing a zombie horde complete with dense fog and very harrowing sound effects.
They may be cool but not everyone is ok with all that, especially some younger members of our community with neurodivergent challenges.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain struggles to receive and respond to sensory input, such as touch, sound, taste, sight, smell, and movement. People with SPD may be hypersensitive, finding ordinary stimuli overwhelming, or hyposensitive, showing little reaction to sensory input. For example, someone hypersensitive to sound might find everyday noises unbearable, while a hyposensitive individual may not respond to pain or cold as expected.
Though SPD primarily affects children, it can persist into adulthood, often interfering with daily life, learning, and social interactions. Individuals may be sensitive to fabrics, foods, or noises, while others seek excessive sensory input, like constantly moving or touching objects, leading to frustration and behavioral challenges.
SPD often overlaps with other neurological and developmental conditions, complicating diagnosis and treatment. One significant overlap is with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where sensory sensitivities are common. Many on the autism spectrum experience extreme responses to sensory stimuli, such as hypersensitivity to sounds or textures. Sensory challenges are part of the diagnostic criteria for ASD, but experts debate whether SPD is a separate condition or a component of ASD.
Carved pumpkin – Image credit: MirkoS18 – CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95842526
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is another condition frequently linked to SPD. Those with ADHD often have sensory processing difficulties, including hypersensitivity to noise and the need for constant movement, which may be interpreted as sensory-seeking behavior rather than inattention. This overlap can complicate diagnosis, as symptoms may stem from sensory issues rather than classic ADHD traits.
Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety, are also linked to sensory sensitivities. Individuals with anxiety may experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli like noise and light, which can exacerbate their anxiety, creating a cycle of sensory overload and emotional distress.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, often coexists with SPD. Poor motor coordination in DCD can be linked to sensory processing difficulties, particularly in proprioception (body awareness) and tactile processing. This can lead to clumsiness, challenges with fine motor tasks, and avoidance of activities requiring complex sensory input.
Children with learning disabilities (LDs), like dyslexia or dysgraphia, may also face sensory challenges, especially in visual or auditory processing. These sensory difficulties can worsen learning challenges and may be misinterpreted as cognitive deficits when they are actually sensory-related.
Treatment for SPD typically involves occupational therapy focused on sensory integration, helping individuals respond more appropriately to sensory stimuli. For example, children with SPD might engage in activities to improve their tolerance to textures, sounds, or movements. In some cases, additional therapies, such as behavioral or speech therapy, may be recommended. While there is no cure, early intervention and consistent therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for those with SPD.
Original: Muffinator Derivative work: MikutoH [Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
However, SPD remains controversial. One key issue is whether SPD should be classified as a distinct medical diagnosis. While occupational therapists and some psychologists widely use the term “Sensory Processing Disorder,” it is not officially recognized in major diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-11. Instead, SPD symptoms are often considered part of other conditions, such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders. This lack of consensus complicates the treatment and recognition of SPD as a standalone condition.
It’s also true that some critics argue that SPD might not be a standalone disorder but rather a characteristic of other neurodevelopmental or psychological conditions. Some clinicians also question the validity and reliability of diagnostic methods for SPD. The lack of consensus among medical and psychological professionals has led to debates about legitimacy and appropriate treatment approaches.
While much of te above information is overweighted to children, there are neurodivergent adults who continue to experience these challenges as well.
Ultimately, while the Halloween season is a time of celebration for many, there’s no right or wrong answer about how to decorate. And as Samhain approaches it is also time to teach about ancestors. Like the Days of the Dead in Mexico, none of this has to be scary.
What is important is to remind ourselves that we are in community and consider how sensory stimuli can affect others, particularly those with SPD and similar conditions. Balancing the fun of the spooky season with sensitivity toward those who may struggle with overwhelming sensory input can help make the celebration of the season more inclusive.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.