Does My Child with Autism Have Sensory Processing Disorder?

About.com Article By: Lisa Jo Rudy

Many people with autism have sensory processing disorder. That is, they may be hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. For some people, these differences can be overwhelming, and as a result they are unable to take part in typical community activities. Ball games, movies, even church can feel like torture.
These differences in sensory reactiveness are labeled "sensory processing disorder" or "sensory processing dysfunction," and may be attributable to differences in brain structure. While sensory issues are not a core symptom of autism, they are very common among people with autism. As a result, many children with autism are receiving treatment for sensory issues, known as "sensory integration therapy" or SI therapy.
According to the Ayres Clinic (one of the leading specialists in sensory dysfunction and sensory integration therapy), the following are signs that a child may be suffering from sensory issues - and may be aided by sensory integration therapy:

• Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Easily distracted
• Social and/or emotional problems
• Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
• Impulsive, lacking in self-control
• Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
• Inability to unwind or calm self
• Poor self concept
• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
• Delays in academic achievement

Clearly, this list of issues describes many different types of children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, and even simple moodiness. It can also describe many children with autism spectrum disorders.

Sources:
American Association of Pediatrics. Technical Report: The Pediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 5 May 2001, p. e85. Cindy Hatch-Rasmussen, M.A., OTR/L. Sensory Integration.
Center for the Study of Autism .
Baumesiter, AA et al. A critique of the application of sensory integration therapy to children with learning disabilities. J Learn Disabil. 1994 Jun-Jul;27(6):338-50.
Miller, Lucy Jane, Ph.D., Director, KID Foundation: Interview, February, 2006.
Miller, Lucy Jane, Ph.D. Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Overview of Sensory Processing Disorder from the Knowledge in Development Foundation website.
Sensory Integration International Website/Ayres Clinic Smith SA, et al. Effects of sensory integration intervention on self-stimulating and self-injurious behaviors. Am J Occup Ther. 2005 Jul-Aug;59(4):418-25.