Sense It Multitool

date 2021

city Philadelphia, PA

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing involves receiving stimuli through our senses, guiding brain responses and interactions with the world, and aiding in spatial awareness, alertness, and mobility.

Sensory Processing Disorder

Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) have difficulty processing sensory information, leading to challenges in filtering out irrelevant stimuli and responding appropriately to sensory input from various sources like sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.

User Research

44 people from Facebook and Reddit responded to my survey

Pick all that apply to you:

Person with SPD

Parent/Guardian of someone with SPD

Sibling of someone with SPD

Knows someone with SPD

Educator

Professional

What bothers you?

Olfactory

Tactile

Auditory

Gustatory

Visual

Proprioceptive

Interoceptive

Vestibular

What would you like to see to help you?

Adult looking sensory "toys"

Noise cancelling earmuffs or earplugs (with bluetooth for music)

Noise cancelling earmuffs or earplugs

(with bluetooth for music)

Adult cuddly toys

Adult swings and rocking aids

Place to find products and services for adults

Bradges that say "Leave me alone" or Don't touch me"

Resource for how to raise kids while you have SPD

Something to help with sensory overload

Less visible stimming objects (Stimming jewlery), something stretchy (like a bracelet)

Weighted vest that look like normal clothes

Pillow that separates body crevasses (arms to body or legs touching eachother)

Small portable water bottle that. have a smell or taste, made in metal as to make it more

eco-friendly

In your opinion, what is more important?

Helping people with their triggers

Education and awareness

With that in mind, what is more important?

Early intervention

Helping adults who have SPD

Where do you get the most anxious or get sensory overload?

Out and about

Independent resources

Work/School

Home

Dr. Nancy Lee, PhD

Director, MS & Accelerated BS/MS

Department of Psychological and Brain Science

Drexel University

"If you do not have a way of effectively communicating what is wrong, it can be distressing."

"The kids we study grow up and need support as adults."

"As a child psychologist, I would say early intervention is important. But helping adults is more necessary do to lack of resources out there."

Insight

Wants

Needs

Products and treatment for children

Awareness and education

Products and treatment for adults

Synthesis

ADULTS WITH SPD

Sensory Processing Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, but people who reach adulthood without treatment also may experience significant symptoms and continue to be affected by their inability to accurately and appropriately interpret sensory messages.

These "sensational adults" may have difficulty performing routines and activities involved in work, close relationships, and recreation. Because adults with SPD have struggled for most of their lives, they may also experience depression, underachievement, social isolation, and/or other secondary effects.