What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder is the term used to describe a child or person who has differences in their sensory processing. I like to think of it as a spectrum for every sensory system we have, we all fall somewhere on this spectrum from super sensitive to “normal” or average to not sensitive enough. Essentially, SPD occurs when your body does not process the input or modulation of a sensory stimulus correctly.
The common behaviors associated with SPD are feeling overwhelmed in crowds, fear of loud or unexpected noises, distress during bathing, changing clothes or diapers, not liking the feeling of tags or socks and being a picky eater for kids who are sensitive. Kids on the other side of the spectrum are usually described as either couch potatoes or rambunctious, can’t sit still, and who have unlimited energy.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
There is not much research out there on Sensory Processing. The medical world actually doesn’t consider it to be a “medical diagnosis”. However, due to advocacy since the 1970’s, more open conversations, more information on Autism, and resent research studies, the conversation about SPD in the medical world has begun to shift and people are looking for a biological cause. There are several different theories as to what causes SPD, among them is a genetic factor, that it is passed down from parent to child. Recent studies are also looking at the differences in the nervous systems between kids with SPD, Autism and kids with “typical” processing. Another area that is being researched is the anatomy and function of the brain; looking at the basic differences in structure to how messages and information are being sent to and from the brain.
Who Diagnoses Sensory Processing Disorder?
Some doctors feel comfortable suggesting SPD however it is typically provided by someone like an occupational therapist. It is not a medical diagnosis but more of a “label” at this time.
My Child Has ADHD, does that mean they have Sensory Processing Disorder?
The answer to this is no, a child with ADHD can have SPD or cannot have SPD. Some children who have ADHD also have sensory processing deficits but the two do not go hand in hand. Meaning you can have ADHD and not have SPD. This distinction is difficult because the behaviors exhibited by both disorders can be so similar.
| ADHD | Sensory Processing Disorder |
| Sensory seeking or “spacing out” | Sensory seeking or avoiding |
| Typically improves with medication | Self-regulation issues (difficulty with behaviors and controlling emotions) |
| Difficulty with attention | Clumsy |
| Difficulty with executive functioning and self-regulation | Perfectionist or bossy |
| Difficulty with impulse control | Energetic or can’t sit still |
What’s the Difference between SPD and Autism?
Like ADHD, if you have SPD that doesn’t mean you have Autism. It just so happens that many children who have Autism typically have Sensory Processing Disorder. Check out some very basic distinctions between the two.
| Autism | Sensory Processing Disorder |
| Sensory seeking or avoiding | Sensory seeking or avoiding |
| Communication delays | Self-regulation issues (difficulty with behaviors and controlling emotions) |
| Difficulty with social pragmatics | Clumsy |
| Self-regulation issues (difficulty with behaviors and controlling emotions) | Perfectionist or bossy |
| Black and white thinking | Energetic or can’t sit still |