Can SPD Be Cured? Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder in Depth

What Is SPD, Really?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is kind of a tricky one. It's not officially recognized in the DSM-5 (that’s the big psychiatry manual), but lots of therapists and parents swear it’s real—and very disruptive. Basically, SPD messes with how the brain interprets sensory info. That could mean a kid (or adult!) who freaks out at loud noises, avoids certain textures like they’re poison, or even seeks intense sensory input nonstop.

You might hear terms like “sensory seeking” or “sensory avoiding”—those are just two flavors of the same thing. It’s all about how the nervous system processes input from the world.

Is SPD a Life Sentence?

Can You Really Cure It?

Let’s just say it straight: SPD doesn’t have a “cure” in the conventional sense. There’s no pill, no surgery, no quick fix. But—and this is a big but—people can improve a lot. Some even to the point where their symptoms barely interfere with daily life anymore.

Treatment tends to be long-term and multidisciplinary. Occupational therapy (OT) is the big one here. OTs work on something called “sensory integration,” helping the brain learn to process sensory input in a more typical way. Over time, this can drastically reduce the severity of symptoms.

But cured? Hmm. Depends on how you define it. For many, it becomes manageable. For some kids, they even "grow out" of the most intense symptoms.

A Note on Maturation

Interestingly, kids with SPD often show significant improvement just with age and brain development. The nervous system is super plastic—meaning it changes. What feels like a mountain at age 4 might shrink to a bump by 12.

Common Therapies and What Actually Works

Occupational Therapy (OT)

This one’s the MVP. Sessions often look like play, but they’re carefully designed to challenge and regulate the child’s sensory system. Think swings, crash pads, textured objects… basically a sensory gym.

It’s not magic, though. Progress can be slooow. Weeks or months before things start to shift. But when it works? Total game-changer.

Other Interventions

• Speech therapy: If SPD affects feeding or verbal communication.

• Physical therapy: For balance and coordination issues.

• Psychotherapy: If SPD causes emotional fallout (which it often does—imagine being constantly overwhelmed by the world).

Some families explore alternative treatments like chiropractic care or dietary changes. The evidence there is... well, mixed at best. Proceed with caution.

Living With SPD as an Adult

Okay, so what if you didn’t get help as a kid? Adults with SPD often fly under the radar. They might think they’re just “sensitive” or “weird about noises” without ever realizing there’s a name for it.

Can adults be treated? Yup. OT works for grown-ups too, though finding a specialist can be tougher. Coping strategies become essential—noise-canceling headphones, planned downtime, sensory-friendly workspaces, etc.

And here’s the truth: lots of adults learn to live pretty full lives by adapting their environment instead of trying to “fix” themselves.

Final Thoughts: So, Can SPD Be Cured?

Well, no... and kind of yes.

If “cured” means totally erased, like it never existed? Probably not. But if it means living comfortably, functioning well, and not letting sensory issues run your life? Absolutely. With the right help and time, many people reach that point.

Honestly, there’s still a lot we don’t know about SPD. Research is ongoing, and understanding is growing. But for now, the goal isn’t a cure—it’s support, progress, and empowerment.

And hey, maybe that’s good enough.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.