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!! Think about it - one child eats anything and everything with no problem. The other gags at different flavors, textures or temperatures. One has no problem pulling to stand on any surface - the other goes to pull up on the couch and frightfully yanks his hands away at the sensation of the rough upholstery. One lets you rub his head playfully - the other screams in terror. I could go on and on, but the evidence is clear. SPD is VERY real.