Difference Between Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Children with autism have disruptions in brain connectivity along social and emotional pathways, whereas those pathways are intact in children with SPD alone. Children with SPD tend to have more problems with touch than do those with autism, whereas children with autism struggle more with sound processing.

1. Can SPD be mistaken for autism?
2. Is sensory sensitivity a sign of autism?
3. What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?
4. Is sensory processing disorder considered special needs?
5. Is SPD a mental illness?
6. What are examples of sensory issues?
7. What sensory processing disorder feels like?
8. How do you explain sensory processing disorder?
9. What is a sensory meltdown?
10. How does a child get sensory processing disorder?
11. Can a child outgrow sensory processing disorder?

Can SPD be mistaken for autism?

SPD is diagnosed by an occupational therapist that is trained in sensory integration. A child with SPD can easily be misdiagnosed for a child with ASD due to sensory processing problems/symptoms children with autism experience.

Is sensory sensitivity a sign of autism?

Sensory issues often accompany autism. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivities to the symptoms that help diagnose autism. Autism's sensory issues can involve both hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) and hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli.

What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?

• Summary of Sensory Processing Disorder Subtypes.
• Pattern 1: Sensory Modulation Disorder.
• Sensory Over-Responsivity.
• Sensory Under-Responsivity.
• Sensory Craving.
• Pattern 2: Sensory-Based Motor Disorder.
• Postural Disorder.
• Dyspraxia/Motor Planning Problems.

Is sensory processing disorder considered special needs?

While SPD may affect the child's auditory, visual, and motor skills, and the ability to process and sequence information, it is not, at present, specifically identified as a qualifying disability, making a child eligible for special education and related services.

Is SPD a mental illness?

Diagnosis. Sensory processing disorder is accepted in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3R). It is not recognized as a mental disorder in medical manuals such as the ICD-10 or the DSM-5.

What are examples of sensory issues?

Sensory Processing Issues Explained

• Screaming if their faces get wet.
• Throwing tantrums when you try to get them dressed.
• Having an unusually high or low pain threshold.
• Crashing into walls and even people.
• Putting inedible things, including rocks and paint, into their mouths.

What sensory processing disorder feels like?

Snapshot: What sensory processing issues are

Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food, and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.

How do you explain sensory processing disorder?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information (stimuli). Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. SPD can affect all of your senses, or just one. SPD usually means you're overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not.

What is a sensory meltdown?

A sensory meltdown is a fight, flight or freeze response to sensory overload. It is often mistaken for a tantrum or misbehaviour. ... A child will stop a tantrum when they get the desired response or outcome, but a sensory meltdown will not stop just by “giving in” to the child.

How does a child get sensory processing disorder?

Sensory issues occur when a child has a difficult time receiving and responding to information from their senses. Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

Can a child outgrow sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is frequently seen in children who have other conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Much like autism spectrum, the symptoms of this disorder exist on a spectrum. However, unlike autism, it is possible for the child to outgrow this disorder.