As a caring parent, you want to give your children the support they need to thrive. But when you start noticing signs of sensory issues, it can spark concern. Is it Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or just normal childhood behavior? The overlap in symptoms between these two conditions leaves many parents confused and searching for answers.
But the traditional pediatric establishment answers stop with responses like, “It’s genetic,” or “It’s a phase. They’ll grow out of it.” One in 36 children today receives an autism diagnosis, which is between 5% and 16%. What’s more, for those children with an autism diagnosis, it’s estimated that 80%, or more, also have sensory-related issues.
This article will discuss the key differences between autism and sensory processing challenges to bring clarity and confidence. It will do this by exploring the distinct symptoms of autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, how autism sensory issues appear in daily life, and the particularities that can make distinguishing between the two challenging.
While unraveling Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder can be complex, understanding your child’s unique needs is not only possible but critical for their quality of life.
Defining Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a type of developmental disability that occurs due to differences in the brain. Children with autism face difficulties in social communication and interaction and exhibit repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. These kids may also learn, move, or pay attention differently than others.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the core diagnostic criteria that determine the levels of autism include:
- Persistent difficulties with verbal and nonverbal social communication
- Lack of social reciprocity and reading social cues
- Fixated interests, repetitive routines, or movements
Autism Spectrum Disorder impacts approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. today, which is a steep increase from diagnosis rates in past years. Symptoms vary in severity across a spectrum from mild to significant. Early screening and intervention offer the best outcomes.
Is SPD Autism? Navigating the Difference
Children with autism have difficulties in brain connectivity along social and emotional pathways. However, children with Sensory Processing Disorder may have intact pathways in those areas. Children with sensory issues tend to have more problems with touch than with sound processing, while children with autism struggle more with sound processing.
Sensory Processing Disorder may involve:
- Hypersensitivity: being easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli
- Hyposensitivity: lacking response or craving sensory input
- Poor sensory discrimination: difficulty interpreting sensory signals
- Sensory craving: intense drive to seek certain stimuli
Though not an official DSM diagnosis, Sensory Processing Disorder is increasingly recognized in clinical practice. Unlike Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Process Disorder is defined by sensory difficulties versus inherent social communication challenges. However, these two conditions often occur next to each other in the same individual.
Symptom Overlaps
Most children with autism also experience sensory issues, and both conditions share traits like:
- Sensitivity to touch, textures, sounds, or other stimuli
- Aversion to loud noises, bright lights, and certain food textures
- Seeking repetitive motions like rocking or spinning
This significant symptom overlap makes it complex to differentiate between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. Misdiagnosis can delay access to specialized care. However, there are core distinctions that exist.
Autism vs Sensory Processing Disorder: Key Differences
Although autism alone and sensory-specific issues share many similarities, they have some core differences that can help distinguish between them.
Social Functioning
- Autism Spectrum Disorder involves innate challenges with social communication and rapport building.
- Sensory Processing Disorder alone does not impair social skills or inclination, just regulation.
Restrictive, Repetitive Behaviors
- Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibits intense fixations and rigid adherence to routines.
- Sensory Processing Disorder involves sensory-based repetitions like rocking, not obsessive interests or habits.
Brain Connectivity Patterns
- Autism Spectrum Disorder shows altered connectivity in regions linked to social cognition.
- Sensory Processing Disorder demonstrates sensory processing tract differences without social deficits.
Diagnosis and Classification
- Autism Spectrum Disorder has defined diagnostic criteria within the DSM-5, while Sensory Processing Disorder does not yet.
- Sensory Processing Disorder remains a clinically recognized condition requiring tailored support.
Finding Answers Through Personalized Neurologically-Focused Care
If you have concerns about your child’s sensory responses or developmental differences, it’s crucial to express all your observations and seek a thorough evaluation. Ask about assessment tools, like our Sensory Processing Disorder test, to determine if your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, or other sensory integration disorders.
However, the best results come from addressing the real root cause of autism and sensory issues and their challenging traits instead of taking the “wait and see” approach of conventional medicine. PX Docs offers a drug-free approach that considers the whole child to promote sensory processing abilities, social skills, and neurological development.
Autism and sensory issues should not define a child’s future or negatively impact family dynamics every day. With proper Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, children with autism can regain healthy nervous system regulation and reach developmental milestones.
Take the next step today. Visit the PX Docs directory to connect with compassionate, drug-free pediatric practitioners dedicated to helping your child flourish.
