Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are different conditions, though they can look similar and often overlap. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. A person with autism may have challenges with social interaction, understanding language, flexible thinking, and may also be very sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or movement.
Sensory Processing Disorder, on the other hand, focuses specifically on how the brain receives and responds to sensory input. A child with SPD may be over- or under-sensitive to touch, noise, taste, or movement, but does not necessarily have the social communication differences or repetitive behavior patterns seen in autism.
In short, sensory issues are one part of autism, but autism involves a broader pattern of developmental differences. A child can have SPD without being autistic, and many autistic children also have significant sensory processing challenges.
Getting the right diagnosis is important because it guides the right type of support and therapy.
At Wonder Star ABA, we work with families to assess developmental needs and provide individualized evidence-based ABA therapy in Ohio and Maryland that supports communication, behavior, and sensory regulation.
Learn how we can help your child better understand and navigate their world. Contact us today!
SOURCE:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensory-processing-disorder-spd
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9688399
https://georgiachiropracticneurologycenter.com/sensory-processing-disorder-when-the-brain-misinterprets-the-world/
Can you have sensory problems without being autistic?
byu/Exotic_Salamander756 inautism
https://www.quora.com/Do-all-people-on-the-autistic-spectrum-disorder-necessarily-have-sensory-issues
