Have you ever clasped your ears at the screech of a high-pitched alarm or inhaled deeply when smelling the scent of your favorite flower? These are examples of your brain’s responses to sensory inputs; we all respond to sensory experiences differently. If your child suffers from a persistent, overly sensitive reaction to environmental stimuli, they may be impacted by sensory processing disorder (SPD). In the United States, it’s estimated that 5% – 16% of children have this condition.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. Those with SPD have chronic difficulties processing this sensory information, which can disrupt everyday life and significantly impact their development and behavior. Compared to the majority of people, those with this disorder are typically hypo- or hypersensitive to their response to sensory stimuli.
Conditions that typically co-occur with SPD include:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
How do the core symptoms of ASD and SPD differ?
It’s important to note that sensory processing disorder and autism are two separate and distinct conditions. While children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit sensory challenges, there are significant differences. SPD primarily revolves around challenges specifically related to the brain’s ability to process information from the environment. While sensory processing issues can impact social, behavioral, and fine motor skills, SPD’s core features focus on responsivity to sensory stimuli.
By contrast, autism presents a broad spectrum of challenges beyond sensory issues that can also include challenges with:
- Communication (verbal and nonverbal)
- Interpersonal skills
- Executive functioning
- Repetitive behaviors
- Hyperfocus
Can an individual have SPD without having ASD?
Yes. While approximately 80% of people with autism also have a sensory processing disorder, ASD and SPD are identified by separate diagnostic criteria and can occur independently from each other.
Is SPD recognized as an official diagnosis?
Currently, SPD isn’t recognized as an official medical diagnosis. Many experts assert it should be recognized as a distinct disorder and receive standardized diagnostic criteria. However, SPD can be identified by a series of assessments to identify its symptoms and provide treatment options.
How are the sensory issues in ASD and SPD similar?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) and autism are two distinct conditions that often coexist. While they are separate disorders, the sensory processing issues observed in people with ASD can overlap with those with SPD.
These similarities include:
- Sensory Sensitivities
- Communication deficits
- Repetitive behaviors
- Motor coordination challenges
- Sensory overload
What distinguishes the sensory processing patterns in ASD from those in SPD?
Autism and SPD are both neurodevelopmental disorders. However, both conditions affect processing patterns in the brain in different ways. Research found that the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in processing emotions, is larger in children with ASD. This may explain why people with ASD have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli or difficulty understanding social cues. In the SPD brain, the processing of sensory stimuli from the senses is disrupted, and the brain struggles to integrate and interpret this information effectively. Studies theorize that this is due to abnormal brain connectivity that impedes the timing of sensory transmission.
How do social communication skills differ between individuals with ASD and those with SPD?
People with ASD often struggle with communication, including difficulties in understanding social cues, nonverbal expression, and reciprocal conversation. In SPD, social challenges may be present due to sensory sensitivities, but they aren’t a defining symptom of the disorder. People with SPD can possess excellent interpersonal skills, understand abstract language, such as jokes and figures of speech, and effectively interpret body language and facial expressions.
What are the diagnostic criteria for ASD and SPD?
An autism diagnosis requires persistent difficulties with social communication and interaction, such as interpreting nonverbal behaviors, maintaining interpersonal relationships, and developing social-emotional reciprocity and empathy. By contrast, SPD isn’t currently recognized as a distinct diagnosis; however, its diagnostic criteria are specific to challenges exclusively related to sensory processing issues.
Can interventions for SPD benefit individuals with ASD?
Yes!
There are many treatments designed to treat SPDs that benefit children with ASD, which can include:
- Occupational therapy
- Assistive technology
- Sensory integration therapy
- Sensory activities
Support Services for Autism with Roman Empire Agency
If you have concerns about your child’s sensory processing challenges, Roman Empire Agency offers comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help your loved one thrive.
Our aim is to support your child’s ongoing development through a personalized approach, helping them achieve their full potential now and into adulthood.
If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your child, contact us today!
