Can sensory processing disorder be misdiagnosed for autism?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is commonly misunderstood and tends to be misdiagnosed as either autism or ADHD. And yet the reality is that SPD is believed to affect anywhere between 5% to 15% of school going children.
Children with SPD tend to have more problems with touch than do those with autism, whereas children with autism struggle more with sound processing. This may explain why language and communication problems are characteristic of autism.
Sensory issues are considered a symptom of autism because many people on the autism spectrum experience them. But not everyone with sensory issues is on the spectrum. Some have ADHD, OCD or developmental delays. Or they may not have a diagnosis at all.
Sensory processing disorder is not recognized as a formal medical diagnosis on its own, but it may exist separate from a diagnosis of autism. Difficulties with sensory processing are an indicator of autism; however, not all children with autism will also struggle with sensory issues and SPD.
- Avoidant personality disorder.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Reactive attachment disorder.
- Social (pragmatic) communication disorder.
- Schizophrenia, which rarely happens in children.
They may do a physical examination, psychological evaluations, and speech and language testing. Sensory craving in SPD is sometimes misdiagnosed as attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Some kids grow out of these issues completely. Some kids, especially autistic kids, have them their whole lives. But as they get older, they usually learn to cope with many of the things that bothered them as young kids. Sometimes as people grow up, they're more able to handle distress than they were as kids.
Children can be misdiagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and not actually be autistic. It is concerning enough for a parent to be told their child is on the Autism Spectrum, but for a child to be misdiagnosed as having autism can cause unnecessary stress and worry for the family.
Don't be afraid to discuss your child's behavior with your doctor. He or she may refer you to an occupational therapist. These professionals can assess your child for SPD.
There is a lot of debate about whether “sensory processing disorder,” or SPD, is a real disorder. Occupational therapists, who work with a lot of kids who have sensory issues, say that it is. But other professionals like pediatricians and psychologists sometimes disagree.
Is Sensory Processing Disorder 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.
Yes. Sensory processing disorder often runs in families and does have a genetic component.
Current estimates indicate that 5% to 16.5% of the general population [1, 2] have symptoms associated with sensory processing challenges and these estimates are higher for clinical populations such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [3] and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [4].
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger.
If you're an adult who hasn't been diagnosed with autism, but you believe you may be on the spectrum, it's possible that you may be considered autistic with lower support needs. In the past, this has been referred to as “high-functioning” autism.
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.
Treating SPD with Therapy
SPD treatment often means working with an occupational therapist on activities that help retrain the senses. Many therapists use a sensory integration (OT-SI) approach that begins in a controlled, stimulating environment, and focuses on making SPD easier to manage in day-to-day life.
Kids who struggle with sensory processing issues are often referred to occupational therapists (OTs). They do a treatment called “sensory integration therapy.” The idea is that kids with sensory issues have too much or too little stimulation through their senses.
Take a look at your child's behavior and see what senses they are looking to stimulate. Rather than punish them for engaging in a behavior, redirect them to another activity that stimulates their senses in a similar way. Explain why it's a better choice than the other behavior.
- Listening to calming music.
- Fidget toys (even hair elastics) and inflatable cushions for long periods of sitting to help with focus and concentration.
- Chewable jewellery for oral cravings. ...
- Doing wall push-ups and jumping jacks for physical stimulation.
What causes sensory issues to get worse?
Mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD can also trigger sensory overload. Anticipation, fatigue, and stress can all contribute to a sensory overload experience, making senses feel heightened during panic attacks and PTSD episodes.
The brain's white matter forms the “wiring” that links different areas of the brain and is therefore essential for perceiving, thinking and action. Children with SPD struggle with processing stimulation, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including hypersensitivity to sound, sight and touch.
Sensory processing issues are generally considered to be clinically significant in children who have suffered abuse and trauma and much has been written about the possible neurological correlates of such sensitivities (De Bellis and Thomas, 2003; van der Kolk, 2014).
Asperger's Syndrome is the mildest form of autism and is closely associated with level one of ASD.
High-functioning autism means that a person is able to read, write, speak, and handle daily tasks, such as eating and getting dressed independently. Despite having symptoms of autism, their behavior doesn't interfere too much with their work, school, or, relationships.
Asperger's syndrome.
This is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may be very intelligent and able to handle their daily life. They may be really focused on topics that interest them and discuss them nonstop.
That's because sensory processing disorder isn't a recognized medical diagnosis at this time. Despite the lack of widely accepted diagnostic criteria, occupational therapists commonly see and treat children and adults with sensory processing problems.
There is a lot of debate about whether “sensory processing disorder,” or SPD, is a real disorder. Occupational therapists, who work with a lot of kids who have sensory issues, say that it is. But other professionals like pediatricians and psychologists sometimes disagree.
Anyone can experience sensory overload, and triggers are different for different people. Sensory overload is associated with several other health conditions, including autism, sensory processing disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fibromyalgia.
- Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy.
- Think lights seem too bright.
- Think sounds seem too loud.
- Think soft touches feel too hard.
- Experience food textures make them gag.
- Have poor balance or seem clumsy.
- Are afraid to play on the swings.
Who treats sensory processing disorder?
Kids who struggle with sensory processing issues are often referred to occupational therapists (OTs). They do a treatment called “sensory integration therapy.” The idea is that kids with sensory issues have too much or too little stimulation through their senses.
Neurodivergent people are more likely to have sensory difficulties. But anyone, neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike, can have difficulties with their sensory system.