Selected Variables of the Risk of Sensory Processing Disorder
Parents of children exposed to opioids before birth often notice that their kids react differently to the world around them. Some children are overly sensitive — they may get overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or touch, seem overly emotional, or try to avoid certain sensations. Others seem under-sensitive — they might not notice things most kids would, seek out intense sensory experiences, or struggle with self-control. These challenges can affect all the senses, as well as body movement, balance, and even awareness of internal cues like hunger or needing the bathroom.
So, where do these differences come from? Are they caused by opioid exposure during pregnancy?
Sensory processing disorder isn’t officially recognized as a mental health diagnosis, and we don’t yet have proof that prenatal opioid exposure directly causes it. But interestingly, research has found that several common risk factors for sensory difficulties often show up in the lives of kids who were exposed to opioids in the womb.
The Study:
Title: Selected Variables of the Risk of Sensory Processing Disorder
Published in Ginekologia Polska, January 16, 2025
Summary in Plain English :
The objective of this study was to determine the prenatal risk factors for sensory processing disorder (SPD). Hundreds of children, aged 3 to 12 years, were studied and compared to a control group of children without SPD.
The resulting prenatal risk factors included:
stressful experiences during pregnancy
premature birth
time in an incubator
cesarean section
birth weight below 5 1/2 pounds
infection within the uterus during pregnancy
bed rest in the first and second trimesters
incompatable blood types between mom and baby
abnormal CTG (cardiotocography measuring fetal heart rate and contractions during labor)
Many children exposed in-utero to opioids are also exposed to the bold risk factors. Moms living with an opioid use disorder undoubtedly experience stress. We know premature birth is more common in substance-exposed infants. And prior to the Eat, Sleep, Console method of treatment for opioid-exposed infants, many spent time in NICU incubators.
Why These Factors Matter:
These experiences can affect how a baby’s brain and sensory systems develop. For example:
• Stress can cause inflammation that harms the fetal brain.
• Premature birth and NICU stays reduce natural exposure to movement and touch in the womb, which can lead to difficulties processing sensory information later.
Babies start developing their sensory systems very early—during the first few months of pregnancy. One of the most important systems is the vestibular system, which helps with balance and movement. It develops quickly because it helps prepare the brain for action and helps the body move smoothly. When a pregnant mother moves, it helps the baby develop better muscle tone and coordination.
Scientists have known for decades that what happens to a baby in the womb—like poor nutrition, stress, or harmful substances—can have long-term effects on how their body and brain develop. This is called fetal programming. These early influences, combined with a baby’s genetics, can shape how their nervous system matures.
One problem that can happen when things go wrong in early development is called Sensory Processing Disorder. Kids with SPD have trouble handling information from their senses—like sound, touch, movement, or balance. This can make it hard for them to learn, move, speak, or get along with others.
SPD often starts early in life, but it can be misunderstood. Families and children may not get the help they need. Early detection is key to helping children grow and feel confident.
The vestibular system, which is the first sensory system to mature in the womb, plays a big role in SPD. If this system doesn’t get the stimulation it needs (like when a mother is on strict bed rest), it may not develop properly, leading to lasting problems.
SPD is more common than many people think—it may affect up to 15% of children. We still don’t know exactly what causes it, but both genes and environment matter. This study looked at which factors may predict SPD, so that we can better understand, prevent, and treat it.
The authors conclude their article stating, “Children with the above risk factors reported during pregnancy and delivery should be specifically monitored for their development. The frequency of visits assessing skills and behavior should be increased to introduce elements of care and therapy for children with SPD as early as possible.”
Many thanks to the authors of this article: Magdalena Szczepara-Fabian, Ewa Emich-Widera, Beata Kazek, Sylwia Potepa-Kowalczyk, Katarzyna Stachura, Agata Buczek, Justyna Paprocka
