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, scientific research through controlled studies to quantify, prove, or predict the symptoms and life course of this disorder.

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 Asperger's, Mental Retardation to Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety to ADD 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 one of the major diagnostic manuals...The Diagnostic Manual of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL) (Click Here For More On This)

So, why are we still not there yet? Well, in addition to co-morbidity, Sensory Processing Disorders are 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 (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 sensory processing disorders? 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.

Click Here For The Position Statement Regarding The Terminology Related To Sensory Integration Dysfunction

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!

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 Click Here For A List Of Current Diagnostic Codes Currently Being Used

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 symptom logy).

Her legacy WILL continue as the new term Sensory Processing Disorder will only describe the actual symptom logy 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!

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Research/Studies Found On The Web:

Sensory Integration- Current Concepts & Practical Implications

Children With Disturbances In Sensory Processing: A Pilot Study Examining The Role Of The Parasympathetic Nervous System

Sensory-Modulation Disruption, Electrodermal Responses, and Functional Behaviors

Brief Report: Autistic Children’s Attentiveness and Responsivity Improve After Touch Therapy (Abstract)

Sensory Modulation: A Review of the Literature

The Effects Of The Use Of The Sensory Room In Psychiatry

A Case Controlled Study on Balance Function of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Children

Sensory Integration in the Brain

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Research In Progress
Outcome of Sensory-Based Intervention after Birth Trauma

Researching the Effectiveness of Sensory Integration

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Important Articles On The Web:
Sensory Processing Disorders: Fact or Fiction?

Sensory Processing Disorders in a Learning Disorders Clinic

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Axis I: Regulatory-Sensory Processing Disorders1
200. Regulatory-Sensory Processing Disorder
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Sensory Modulation Challenges (Type I)
201. Over-Responsive, Fearful, Anxious Pattern
202. Over-Responsive, Negative, and Stubborn Pattern
203. Under-Responsive, Self-Absorbed Pattern
203.1 Self-Absorbed and Difficult to Engage Type
203.2 Self-Absorbed and Creative Type
204. Active, Sensory Seeking Pattern
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Sensory Discrimination Challenges (Type II) and Sensory-Based Motor Challenges (Type III)
205. Inattentive, Disorganized Pattern
205.1 With Sensory Discrimination Challenges
205.2 With Postural Control Challenges
205.3 With Dyspraxia
205.4 With Combinations of 205.1-205.3
206. Compromised School and/or Academic Performance Pattern
206.1 With Sensory Discrimination Challenges
206.2 With Postural Control Challenges
206.3 With Dyspraxia
206.4 With Combinations of 206.1-206.3
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Contributing Sensory Discrimination and Sensory-Based Motor Challenges
207. Mixed Regulatory-Sensory Processing Patterns
207.1 Attentional Problems
207.2 Disruptive Behavioral Problems
207.3 Sleep Problems
207.4 Eating Problems
207.5 Elimination Problems
207.6 Elective Mutism
207.7 Mood Dysregulation, including Bipolar Patterns
207.8 Other Emotional and Behavioral Problems Related to Mixed
Regulatory-Sensory Processing Difficulties
207.9 Mixed Regulatory-Sensory Processing Difficulties where Behavioral
or Emotional Problems Are Not Yet in Evidence

1 Work Group Members include: Lucy J. Miller, Ph.D., OTR, Marie Anzalone, Sc.D., OTR, Sharon A. Cermak, Ed.D., OTR/L, Shelly J. Lane, Ph.D., OTR, Beth Osten, M.S., OTR/L, Serena Wieder, Ph.D., Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D.
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