Brain scans reveal sensory overwhelm in children.
Brain scans show distinct patterns in children with sensory processing disorder, hinting at personalized treatment.
Why it matters
- Brain scans reveal distinct patterns in children with sensory processing disorder.
- Findings could lead to personalized treatments.
By the numbers
- Study involved 83 neurodivergent children aged 8 to 12.
- 5% to 12% of U.S. children have sensory processing challenges.
The big picture
- Over-responsive children show low activity in outward brain networks and high activity in inward networks.
- This pattern is opposite in less sensitive children.
What they're saying
- Parents emphasize the difference between tantrums and meltdowns.
- Meltdowns are due to sensory overwhelm and cannot be reasoned with.
Caveats
- Sensory processing disorder lacks an official medical diagnosis.
- Study is observational; findings may not generalize to all children.
What’s next
- Findings could help personalize treatments for sensory processing disorder.
- Future research may focus on refining treatments based on brain patterns.