A SCHOOL is trying to raise £2,000 for new equipment to help children who suffer from a little-known condition known as sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Pupils at Belmont Primary School, in Durham, took part in a day of activities using the specialist equipment, which helps with developing movement.

SPD can cause affected people to be over-whelmed by things in their environment, such as noises or physical sensations, which can cause children to misbehave.

The day was organised by mums Suzy Naylor-Wilson, whose six-year-old son Gregor has the disorder, and Amanda McNabola.

Ms Naylor-Wilson said: “The more I’ve read and the more I’ve looked into this, the more it transpires that a lot of children are misdiagnosed or are just classed as naughty. There’s such a lack of awareness of this disorder but it’s so common.

“We’re hoping to raise money to get equipment to to help more children and train staff so they can identify SPD really early on.”

The equipment can also be useful for children with conditions like dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism.

Occupational therapists from Tree Tops, in Newton Aycliffe, came into the school to lead the sessions.

Tree Tops director Dawn Dunn said: “The thing about SPD is there needs to be more awareness. Children can present as difficult or with challenging behaviour but if schools can identify and help them a bit more it would really help the children and their teachers.

“For parents to do something like this and for the school to support it is wonderful.”