Is Sensory Processing Disorder a separate diagnosis?

[cherryq]

I was diagnosed about a year ago with Asperger's, and while the testing included a few questions about sensory topics and it was discussed briefly in the interview portion, it didn't seem to be a huge component of the diagnostic process. I've always had a lot of problems with lights, sounds, and textures, as well as being extremely clumsy. I relate to many of the statements on various adult SPD questionnaires, and reading symptoms for children with SPD reminds me of much of my childhood. The more I have to step out into the world for class and work and being independent, the more I struggle to cope with everything around me. I'm on and off with going to therapy for anxiety, and while I bring up sensory issues, the psychologist I see primarily handles the usual college student anxiety, so I'm not getting much help with the problems. Is SPD something that requires additional testing? I know many people with ASD have sensory problems, so do all auties/aspies have some form of SPD? Input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

I think SPD is something that is included in the diagnosis of autism. The overwhelming majority of us do have some sensory dysfunction of some sort. I myself am hypersensitive light, particularly sunlight, and I'm hyposensitive to smell.

If you were diagnosed with something different such as ADHD or Tourette's then SPD might be something you also get diagnosed with. But with autism it's included in the package. That's my understanding of it anyway.

 

[Warmheart]

Yep, to one degree or another, SPD usually is a part of ASD.

See if you can get an OT consult. Some OTs who do sensory diet (has nothing to do with food, it's a regular prescribed program of sensory-based activity designed to improve our overall functioning) see adults.

Best of luck!

PS-- See if your library can get you The Sensory Sensitive Child. Nothing helps more than seeing an OT who does sensory integration in a sensory room, but reading this book can help with understanding.

 

[Judge]

Interesting website commentary on this issue.

Co-morbidity

 

[Allicat]

IMHO, SPD is very much a real problem for a lot of folk. Unfortunately, much of the medical establishment doesn't really agree yet; it was not included in the DSM-5 (the manual the defines and classifies mental health issues in the US) or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases and Health Problems). The only diagnostic manual that includes it is the DC: 0-3R, which is for toddler and infant mental health issues and developmental disorders. Consequently, a lot of doctor's will not diagnose SPD, as it's not a "real" (aka reimbursable) condition.

That being said, there are things you can do. I totally second Warmheart's suggestion (look up Carol Stock Kranowitz too; she's a bit of an SPD guru and has a few books out; more kid/teen oriented but still very helpful). Some interesting webinar links here: Talks – Carol Stock Kranowitz

And if you can afford it, or manage to get insurance to cover via a different diagnosis, I highly recommend an OT (occupational therapy) eval. *disclosure - I am an OT.

 

[OkRad]

It must be. I have terrible senesory issues but maybe aspie/HFA, no one knows. But very serious sensory issues. I have earplugs in now. And no one is even around. Even the ***** dr said I have sensory issues.

 

[OkRad]

IMHO, SPD is very much a real problem for a lot of folk. Unfortunately, much of the medical establishment doesn't really agree yet; it was not included in the DSM-5 (the manual the defines and classifies mental health issues in the US) or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases and Health Problems). The only diagnostic manual that includes it is the DC: 0-3R, which is for toddler and infant mental health issues and developmental disorders. Consequently, a lot of doctor's will not diagnose SPD, as it's not a "real" (aka reimbursable) condition.

That being said, there are things you can do. I totally second Warmheart's suggestion (look up Carol Stock Kranowitz too; she's a bit of an SPD guru and has a few books out; more kid/teen oriented but still very helpful). Some interesting webinar links here: Talks – Carol Stock Kranowitz

And if you can afford it, or manage to get insurance to cover via a different diagnosis, I highly recommend an OT (occupational therapy) eval. *disclosure - I am an OT.

Can you tell us some things we can do? I cannot afford OT and insurance only covers kids. I looked into it :-(

 

[Judge]

I've had sensory over-responsivity issues most of my life. With the only real input of people around me being along the lines of "get over it!" Being considered "overly-picky" without any thought to whether or not these are sensory issues I could ever overcome with sheer willpower.

In being formally diagnosed long ago with other comorbid conditions other than AS, consideration of this never came up and I didn't consider any linkage to them myself.

 

[Allicat]

Clarify for me OkRad, so I'm sure I understand correctly. When you say

insurance only covers kids

Are you speaking specifically of OT services to treat SPD? Or OT services in general?

If you mean specifically to treat SPD in adults, one place to contact would be the Star Institute for sensory processing disorders: Sensory Processing Disorder - STAR Institute . They might have some suggestions. If you can tie the SPD to another diagnosis (obviously spectrum disorders, but coordination disorder, for example, is another) that is included in the diagnostic manuals, that might be another route.

 

[OkRad]

Clarify for me OkRad, so I'm sure I understand correctly. When you say

Are you speaking specifically of OT services to treat SPD? Or OT services in general?

If you mean specifically to treat SPD in adults, one place to contact would be the Star Institute for sensory processing disorders: Sensory Processing Disorder - STAR Institute . They might have some suggestions. If you can tie the SPD to another diagnosis (obviously spectrum disorders, but coordination disorder, for example, is another) that is included in the diagnostic manuals, that might be another route.

This is a very good idea. Thank you! I will contact them. I was told it may help me. My SPD is very hard to deal with.

 

[toothless]

I think SPD is something that is included in the diagnosis of autism. The overwhelming majority of us do have some sensory dysfunction of some sort. I myself am hypersensitive light, particularly sunlight, and I'm hyposensitive to smell.

If you were diagnosed with something different such as ADHD or Tourette's then SPD might be something you also get diagnosed with. But with autism it's included in the package. That's my understanding of it anyway.

this has been my experience with professionals,i asked if i had SPD once as my sensory issues are very complex and extreme, and they said autism covers all sensory issues as it is a large varying spectrum.

i think aspie and autie kids [and some aspie/autie adults] are wrongly diagnosed with SPD and its all based on who you see rather than there being any set rules to diagnosing it with autism,its just adding more labels to a person when autism or aspergers explains everything from the mildest sensory issue to the worst.
the only differences ive seen researched were that aspergers has a tendency to have more issues with motor skills whereas classic autism has stronger and more complex sensory issues, but aspergers does cover a significant amount of sensory problems so i dont think there is a need for an extra label to state the same thing.
just my opinion.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

think aspie and autie kids [and some aspie/autie adults] are wrongly diagnosed with SPD and its all based on who you see rather than there being any set rules to diagnosing it with autism

I think you're right. I think it could be down to professionals not being too keyed up on autism and Asperger's.

 

[Gary DuBois]

I was diagnosed about a year ago with Asperger's, and while the testing included a few questions about sensory topics and it was discussed briefly in the interview portion, it didn't seem to be a huge component of the diagnostic process. I've always had a lot of problems with lights, sounds, and textures, as well as being extremely clumsy. I relate to many of the statements on various adult SPD questionnaires, and reading symptoms for children with SPD reminds me of much of my childhood. The more I have to step out into the world for class and work and being independent, the more I struggle to cope with everything around me. I'm on and off with going to therapy for anxiety, and while I bring up sensory issues, the psychologist I see primarily handles the usual college student anxiety, so I'm not getting much help with the problems. Is SPD something that requires additional testing? I know many people with ASD have sensory problems, so do all auties/aspies have some form of SPD? Input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Im not sure.