Is SPD a Real Diagnosis?
Is SPD a REAL diagnosis? In a
word... YES!
One of the most frustrating things about Sensory Processing Disorders
(Sensory Integration Dysfunction) is that there has not YET been enough
significant, massive,
SPD research through controlled studies to
quantify, prove, or predict the symptoms and life course of this disorder (in
the eyes of the medical community).
Ah, but, this does not mean it is not a real neurological diagnosis!
(Read that again)
What it DOES mean is this... Sensory Processing Disorders are extremely difficult to get good, solid controlled studies for. The reason for this is partially co-morbidity. So many people who have a Sensory Processing Disorder also share other diagnoses; anything from Autism to Aspergers, Mental Retardation to Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety to Fragile X and ADHD... and the list goes on.
It has been, up until now, very difficult to isolate a "control" and a "variable", thus leading to difficulties making generalizations and producing actual numbers for great statistics! But there ARE studies being done (I even proposed an idea for one in college that would probably help! I need to follow up on that... ah, so much to do, so little time!). There will be more scientific research and data coming out in the years to come.But, know this... it is a REAL diagnosis and the time will come when we prove it scientifically to the medical profession. Soon it WILL be included in the DSM V under neurological diagnoses, the MAIN diagnostic manual for the medical profession! THIS is what our advocacy, education, intervention, and studies are all about!
But, we can have hope even now, as this diagnosis has finally entered THE FIRST major diagnostic manual... The Diagnostic Manual of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL).
So, why are we still not there yet? Well, in addition to co-morbidity, Sensory Processing Disorder is a "cluster of symptoms" that fall on a huge continuum, and an individual can fluctuate within that continuum throughout a period of years, days, or even hours! Therefore, these fluctuations and its vast continuum have made solid scientific studies within "controlled environments" difficult to perform, and actual data and numbers, hard to come by.
Additionally, because it is still misunderstood and relatively "new" to so many professionals and society in general (even though the theory has been around for almost four decades!), there is a huge number of people who have a significant Sensory Processing Disorder and don't even know it. Even more tragic is that they are being misdiagnosed and not getting the proper treatment!
One more thing on that; please understand the continuum is both important in the "type" of Sensory Processing Disorder (i.e. vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile... hyper- or hypo-sensitive, modulation, emotional, social behavioral difficulties, etc.), as well as the intensity, duration, and its consequent impact on functioning.
Some people wonder... don't we all have a sensory processing disorder? No. We all have sensory PREFERENCES! It only becomes a disorder when it significantly impacts one or more areas of functioning!DO KNOW this... exciting things are happening in the field. The most recent excitement is the name change from Sensory Integration Dysfunction to Sensory Processing Disorder. There were several wonderful reasons for this.
One of which is to make the medical establishment "understand" this diagnosis from a medical, neurological point of reference. This will make the diagnosis more precise in nature as to what is "going wrong" and how best to treat it.
This in turn, gives way to the second reason... insurance reimbursement. Oh, believe me, there is nothing more frustrating (well a few things maybe) than finally understanding what is "wrong" with your child only to be denied help because insurance companies won't pay for the therapy. It is not fully accepted YET, but we are in the process NOW!
As more people become aware, seek out a proper diagnosis, understand this disorder, understand its neurological basis, and seek treatment... we WILL start to see a "Sensory Processing Disorder revolution".
It is an exciting time to be a part of! (Frustrating at times with the "slowness", but overall exciting in how far we have come in 35 years, i.e. since A. Jean Ayres first coined the term "Sensory Integration Disorder/Dysfunction to describe this neurologically based symptomology).
Her legacy WILL continue as the new term Sensory Processing Disorder will only describe the actual symptomology of this neurological disorder. The theory and treatment will still be based on her critical body of work and evidence...and be called Sensory Integration Theory, as always. This is as it stands now, anyways... but I don't see THAT changing soon.
So have patience, have hope, and keep on fighting for your little kiddos!
WE WILL PREVAIL!
Here's some ways to find out... Is SPD Real?
Click Here For Hundreds of Links To SPD Research, Studies, Abstracts, And Articles
This is certainly a controversial issue!
If you are an Occupational Therapist, adult with SPD, or a parent of an SPD child, this may be simple to answer... YES indeed! But, we have to remember, professionals and the community in general do not have the same knowledge we do. How can they? WE need to provide the information and research based knowledge FOR them. The diagnosis of SPD is STILL not included in the medical diagnostic manuals, and therefore it is not yet accepted as a "real" diagnosis, in general. Until it is, I think it is important that we all share our experiences, our knowledge, research, and professional critical thinking skills to let the world know our opinions based on FACTS.
Therefore, I have created an interactive page where anyone can submit their personal experiences, professional research, and/or knowledge beyond what I cover on my site. Whether you agree or disagree, it is time we discuss the issue as professionals, adults, and/or families about WHY we feel SPD is, or is not, a real, medical/neurological diagnosis.
Further Reading
The Controversial Push to Separate Autism from Sensory Processing Disorder - At the heart of the push to make Sensory Processing Disorder separate from Autism is a call for neurodivergent nuance — and diagnoses that empower parents.Does Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) really exist? - Doctors and scientists agree that the symptoms of SPD exist alongside other conditions. Many however, don’t agree on whether it should be a diagnosis in and of itself.
Do YOU Think SPD Is Real?
Sensory Processing Disorder has been a controversial diagnosis in some fields of medicine and amongst the community in general. It's time for US to answer this question... Do YOU think SPD is real? Let the world know your thoughts, research, experiences, comments, and/or questions. We NEED to talk about this. It's time! YOUR opinion, research, and experiences count.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Is SPD real? 
Sensory processing disorder is a controversial topic that many have a difference of opinion concerning. Individuals all over are truly concerned about …
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Private Practice
I am SO SICK AND TIRED of seeing kids come into my office with a diagnosis of ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive …
Adult diagnosed with SPD
Yes it is real, and the other co morbid conditions muddy the waters, but it exists. Experts found I was prone to stimulus overload on all of my senses …
ECSE
how can you get a diagnosis if the label doesn't exist yet? i.e. it's not in the DSM
how can anyone actually claim that a child has SPD if there is …
Retired teacher
Only now, after many years of therapy, has my own research brought me to hear of Sensory Sensitivity. Finally! I have a terrible time with noise, bright …
Pediatric OT
I have worked in pediatrics since 1973 and I had an opportunity to learn the Southern Calif. Test with Jean Ayres as one of the instructors. That experience …
Parent of a slow processing child who is intelligent
Yes, I have witnessed it for 18 years. I can see how the slow processing speed prevents some information from the person who has it. It is like they …
Christine
Many experts kept telling us something was off with our 6 year old son and I've known it since he was born that he was incredibly sensitive and unusually …
Another adult with SPD
I'm 24 years old and I've had SPD my whole life, but only discovered the "term" for it a few years ago. I'm hypersensitive to touch, texture, sounds, and …
Marilea - A mom
To mimic this site... in one word... "YES!" My son was originally diagnosed with developmental delay. In a sense, this diagnosis is just a fancy name …
Living Proof that SPD Is Real!
SPD is most definitely real. I was diagnosed with it just under a year ago.
SPD has made my life pure torture, a living hell, and it hurts every single …
It's easy to speculate about kids- I'm an adult
There is no question in my mind because I'm an adult and I have SPD. I am also a Mom to two boys who have it. My older son has High Functioning Autism …
Grandparent
I understand that SPD is considered a separate diagnosis from autism. I do not completely understand how it is not actually a very mild form of true autism …
Weighted waistcoat for my 8 year old son
SPD is definitely real!!!!
Has anyone any advice on weighted waistcoats? I have just purchased one for my son who is 8 years old to help him in class. …
Is SPD Real?
Of course it is real! I can understand the doubts, when I first found out that is what my daughter had, I was unsure too. I went through five years with …
Caleb's Mom
SPD is most definitely real. My son,Caleb,struggles with it everyday. Water at bath time. Butter popcorn at the movies. Haircuts...the list goes on and …
SPD, Yes
Hello I work in an autism classroom, and see it everyday. Some of the kid's will grab your hands and make you squeeze them hard, when you do it noticeably …
Mom and Psychotherapist
I just about cried when I read the criteria. In my profession, I have a few clients that have been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder; however, …
Wife, Mother, Home School Teacher, and all that goes with it!
I have no doubt SPD is real, but am curious if anyone has made a connection between SPD and fibromyalgia syndrome? I have fibromyalgia and have many …
Mrs. H
My question is, if it is not real why are there so many OT's out there trying to help the all the kids like my daughter who is now 16 and finally diagnosed …
FEDERAL MANDATES AND FRAUD
YES, SPD IS REAL....it is also a discrimination issue.
The Vice-Principal of my daughters school in Hot Springs, Arkansas told my husband and myself …
Jennifer Christopherson - Mother
It is a crime that this is not a DSM recognized disorder. This is the ONLY diagnosis that fits my child and, yet, I tolerate others so that my child can …
The Only Thing That Makes Sense
Until about 3 years ago I had never heard of sensory processing, now I teach anyone who'll listen about it. I have a child almost 6 with SPD & Asperger's …
"I don't know how to be happy"
SPD is so real. My 8 year old son has no idea why he is so unhappy. "Mom, why don't I like food, why does the water hurt my skin, why can't I catch a …
For the Fear of Weeds
Absolutely! I have a child on the autism spectrum. If we could take the sensory problems away, the rest would be easy.
For all you non-believers, …
Our Story
I absolutely think it is real and furthermore, I believe my son has it. He is three but cannot articulate like a normal three year old. He can sign, he …
TOTALLY REAL
Hi was diagnosed last year at the age of 40, spd/adhd what top combo people think I am making it up but it makes so much sense to me now that I know. …
Very Real
WE have a 12yr. old daughter with DS named Shaney. We wonder why we've never met another child with DS like her, with her issues. I started reading "The …
For Our Family It's a chance
For our family it is an opportunity to explore something that sounds so much like our son. Tonight, I have shed some tears, some from joy... and some from …
Grandma
I truly believe this should be diagnosed, it has come to my attention trough my 8yr old grandson. Now, because we can't get this diagnosis from a physician, …
jordan's grandmother
Absolutely SPD is real! But finding ways to help our child has everyone in the family nuts. She cannot stand clothes that touch her, shoes that fit, items …
Stressed Mom
Heck yes!! I had no idea what was up with my son. I thought he was a fussy baby but at his 1st birthday I knew something was wrong. The first 3 years …
It makes so much sense
I have been struggling for most of the last 6 and a half years trying to figure out what was "wrong with me" as a mother or what was "wrong with my son". …
oh its real alright
I have a 4 year old boy who has SPD and it's real alright.
He had open heart surgery at 1 month and 7 months but in the beginning it was missed and …
Up and down kid
I know that SPD is real. My son has thrown me for a loop for so long. He confused speech and language therapists, audiologists, doctors, and many, many …
Craig Walker
Yes, it most definitely is real. My daughter has it. Here's a history and list of the problems she has (co-morbidity):
* Was a "Preemie"
* Stopped …
Joy, mom of Trevor
Yes it's very real! We deal with it every day of our lives!
Until you have a small child that suffers from this you have no idea how devastating it …
This Is Very Real
I have a nine year old son that was diagnosed with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder at the age of five. However, along with all the characteristics …
Dr. Joel Sussman
I have been working in the field of Behavioral Pediatrics for 32 years. I have always known that ADHD-Simplex is very rare. In my experience it only comprises …
SPD Is Real
I am a grandmother raising my grandson with SPD. I am also a long time parent advocate working with families with children having Severe Behavioral Problems …
Yes, SPD Is Real
I strongly believe it is real because I am an adult with SPD. I was diagnosed at age 6 and underwent various forms of therapy, ranging from play-therapy …
SPD Is Real
Yes it is real! I have an almost 5 year old son, who has been getting OT and special ed for SPD (and ADHD) since he was almost 2! OT continues to be very, …
School Psychologist 
I think sensory processing issues are real, but that they should be seen as a SYMPTOM of another disorder, rather than a separate diagnostic condition …
YES, yes yes yes yes and affirmative!
I am 39 yrs old. I have 2 boys that I yell at all the time or I isolate myself. The reason I even realized I had this was by looking at how my mis-diagnosed …
Neuropsychologist
No, I do not think it is 'real'. It is a vast over-simplification of neuroscience. There are no basic neuroscientists who believe that difficulties processing …
OTR/L
After 20 years of practice, I feel it is NOT a real diagnosis. I feel this author has nailed this so-called diagnosis right on the head!
http://www.quackwatch.org/01 …
NOT JUST A PHOBIA OF HOLES Not rated yet
I believe that spd and my intense visual aversion to certain things are definitely linked. I don't feel as though it's just a phobia.
Does anybody …
Teachers Aid Not rated yet
I do believe SPD is real. I experience it myself. I am self-diagnosed. I experience being overwhelmed and needing time to "recharge".
As an adult, …
Yes Not rated yet
Heck yeah. I have to suffer every day to wear clothes and do other things, so to tell me it doesn’t exist is just stupid.
SPD is VERY real. Not rated yet
IF you would have asked me 3 years ago what SPD was, I would have probably said it was a made up disease. However, after working nearly 3 years in an elementary …
Visual aversion to textures Not rated yet
I have suffered from a severe visual aversion to certain textures for several years. I thought I was nuts. I have OCD and have been researching the link …
Spd is so real! Not rated yet
My son is 4 and struggling with sensory issues. Public restrooms are a nightmare. No naps or calm car rides without his one favorite blankie.
Anyone …
SPD Not rated yet
Yes... I think it is real but it reflects on people differently. I think that people that have it are ether hyper or hypo which means ether they are actively …
College Student with SPD Not rated yet
As a kid I was tortured and made fun of for being too picky with everything. I hated how certain fabrics, usually rough ones and denim, feel and how certain …
Gail, Washington state resident Not rated yet
My name is Gail, I'm 73 years old and am now convinced that I have been living with SPD all my life, but not diagnosed. Yes, it is real.I have had many …
Need for Knowledge Not rated yet
IT IS REAL! I have it and it is miserable. It is like somebody turned the volume up on the world of touch/sight/sound/smell/taste. Google "The Woman Who …
School Psychologist/Mother Not rated yet
As a school psychologist (30+ years) and mom of a daughter with autism (37 years), I know that sensory processing difficulties are real, but I find it …
Figuring out what was going on Not rated yet
When my son started school, and we had to put on socks and shoes everyday, I realised that there might be something else going on. It would sometimes …
B.S., Developmental Psychology- M.Ed., Special Education, Parent of SPD child Not rated yet
It is absolutely real! I am so thankful that I was able to recognize my son's SPD at such a young age. He has been receiving OT since he was 3years old …
My son Jacob. Not rated yet
My son has been diagnosed with SPD and we were so relieved to finally have the answers to the many puzzles that we have faced in the 7 yrs of his life. …
My child has Autism and SPD. Not rated yet
I know SPD is real. 3 years ago I was devastated when my then 3 year old child was diagnosed with classic Kanner's Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. …
A Teenager With SPD Not rated yet
When I was younger my mom knew something was wrong with me. I would scream and cry for hours because the seem on my sock felt wrong in between my toes. …
Teddy Not rated yet
I think it is definitely real. Mostly because I was diagnosed with it when young and went to OT sessions for a long time to treat it. I am still slightly …
Controlled by the senses Not rated yet
just as we must be aware of our emotions mind and thoughts we need to also understand how our senses greatly affect our feelings and mind cuz they are …
Of Course it's Real Not rated yet
I believe this is in fact a real disorder, that can often be mis recognized as ADHD.
As a parent on the subject, I can only speak about my experience, …
Think? I can prove it! Not rated yet
Of course it is, and I'll tell you how I know. My son was dx'd at 9, after a friend whose dd had delays and SPD convinced her OT to see him. From what …
Of Course It is Not rated yet
When my children were first diagnosed with SPD, I was clueless. Had no idea of what was going on and thought, what is this the new ADHD or the ADHD of …
My 10 year old Not rated yet
I believe it's real. My now 10 year old has always had problems. I guess the first thing I noticed was different was when she was 6 months old, she would …
Mum of one (also an RN and qualified to be a primary teacher) Not rated yet
I am learning about this over the last week, and it appears to fit my son perfectly - well he has many cues to a sensory seeker, and having gone to one …
Archie Not rated yet
Well, if you talked to my husband you would think SPD is a fuss about nothing, a way to turn a high spirited child into a 'labeled problem child'. He's …
As real as the spit out food on my floor Not rated yet
Of course it's real. I just thank God my son got such an early diagnosis. I also started a blog to show his behaviors for anyone who may be wondering what …
Rose Marie RN Not rated yet
I think it is real. I have seen this behavior for the last three years and did not know why. The family just think the kid is stubborn and unwilling to …
E. S., RN Not rated yet
My daughter and I were diagnosed with Asperger. I definitely believe that we both have Sensory Processing issues. I am looking really hard into treatment …
Spd is a disability Not rated yet
Yes Spd is real It is a disability to me because
I have spd.
So real, so frustrating! Not rated yet
I have known something was wrong since the day we brought our daughter home from the hospital 8 years ago. We have put ourselves in debt going to all …
Mother and Teacher Not rated yet
I think that SPD has to be real! My daughter is truly struggling at home and at school. She has been to one appointment with a developmental pediatrician, …
Mother of child with Aspergers and SPD Not rated yet
Absolutely. I've read the books and it described him perfectly ( in way too many areas).
His OT is coming up with a sensory diet for him to use at school. …
Ava's mom Not rated yet
It's very real...my daughter Ava, now 5, has dealt with this her whole life. It can be frustrating to her as well as to us her parents, but we love her …
SI therapy changed our lives Not rated yet
No I too had never heard of SPD until my son was diagnosed alongside a diagnosis of ASD. The first contact I had with it was being told he needed a sensory …
Gasco Not rated yet
Not sure if it is real or a symptom of all the other things my son has: ADHD, Mild Autism, and Apraxia of Speech.
Miss Howard Not rated yet
Oh it is very real indeed! You only need to visit my house for an our n see it before your eyes.
My daughter is 4 now. She was actually diagnosed …
Heidi K. Not rated yet
To all us caretakers, (and Michael),
SPD, autism, adhd, mental health disorders.....whatever the diagnosis may be, no one BELIEVES them..... until you …
Mom Not rated yet
My son was tentatively diagnosed with ADD and most likely Aspergers. I began sensory work with him, especially lots of heavy work. I worked with an OT …
Mrs Rodowicz Not rated yet
My son is 5 yrs old and has just been diagnosed with having proprioception disorder. After years of hearing negative things about him and upset of thinking …
OMG says it all Not rated yet
Since my daughter was 2, I knew something was a bit different with her. I ran a home daycare so I was able to observe other children of her age but when …
Attention Media... SPD is real, Lets talk about it! Not rated yet
Yes! My son has SPD. I have always noticed symptoms, and things with him were "just different". I always thought why is my child smelling everything? Some …
Stephanie & A Sweet loving little boy Not rated yet
Hi, I know SPD is Real. Noah & I live it. He walks, talks it, breaths it,smells it, and hears it so very LOUD. And the touch of it hurts so bad I never …
If your not sure, Come to my house for a day - You'll Believe!! Not rated yet
When you discover answers and descriptions that truly make you say, "Aaah Haaah! Oh my God! That is exactly what has been happening!"...... When the information …
My struggle Not rated yet
yes I now believe that SPD is very real and I'm dealing with it on a daily basis. I have a 4 year old who has many issues that we are dealing with. He …
Ryan's Mom Not rated yet
SPD is something that I have become acquainted with. My two year old son, Ryan has been diagnosed with Sensory Disorder by his occupational therapist. …
What REAL SPD looks like... Not rated yet
The following "exhibits" are samples from my blog, to give you an idea of what SPD looks like in our house. I refer to myself as "Kia" and my son as "Little …
I know SPD is real Not rated yet
I so believe that SPD is real. I have ADHD and most of the time I get so over stimulated by everything around me that my body feels so out of control or …
Without a Doubt Not rated yet
Since my son's SPD diagnosis, our lives have changed. We now work with an OT and he's such a happier and better managed child. He has NO OTHER diagnosis …
Aspie Mom Not rated yet
Oh I know it's real. I found this site looking up the word proprioceptive, a word written in a psychological report done on 2 of my Aspie kids 2 years …
It Sounds Real Not rated yet
I just want to say that I have never heard of this before & I have an 18 yr old son who is diagnosed w/ Asperger and when he was 16, and went on Adderall …
Mother, Family Nurse Practitioner Not rated yet
I've been to conferences where SPD has been dicussed more in relation to parenting difficulites/errors and missed diagnosis. Some have said the diagnosis …
I believe it's real Not rated yet
A co-worker of my wife was talking about her son being diagnosed with SPD. As they were talking the co-worker was explaining what symptoms her son has. …
It explains so much! Not rated yet
For years, I mean years, I have listened to my daughter complain about the seams in her socks,...the tongue in her shoes or ice skates not pulled tight …
Parent and IBCLC Not rated yet
I do think it is very real. It is apparent in babies so it is hard to call it nature! I think everyone comes wired differently, and for some it means …
Parent of an SPD Child Not rated yet
Of COURSE it's real! As a parent of twin boys, 18 months old, with one who has SPD and one who hasn't, the reality of the condition is NEVER a question!! …
Thank you Not rated yet
Thank you for this site. This has helped me so much. Yes, I do believe it is real and I believe it explains very accurately what may be going on with my …
SPD International, Administrator Not rated yet
It's very real to me, to my family and to thousands of other families whose children I have seen get better! Children, whose lives were sad, miserable, …
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