Sensory processing disorder

This article is about the sensory disorder. For the personality trait characterizing highly sensitive persons (HSPs), see Sensory processing sensitivity.
Not to be confused with Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
Sensory processing disorder
Other namesSensory integration dysfunction
An SPD nosology proposed by Miller LJ et al. (2007)[1]
SpecialtyPsychiatry, occupational therapy, neurology
SymptomsHypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to stimuli, and/or difficulties using sensory information to plan movement. Problems discriminating characteristics of stimuli.
ComplicationsLow school performance, behavioral difficulties, social isolation, employment problems, family and personal stress
Usual onsetUncertain
Risk factorsAnxiety, behavioral difficulties
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms
Treatment

Sensory processing disorder (SPD, formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction) is a condition in which multisensory input is not adequately processed in order to provide appropriate responses to the demands of the environment. Sensory processing disorder is present in many people with dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals with SPD may inadequately process visual, auditory, olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), tactile (touch), vestibular (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body senses) sensory stimuli.

Sensory integration was defined by occupational therapist Anna Jean Ayres in 1972 as "the neurological process that organizes sensation from one's own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment".[2][3] Sensory processing disorder has been characterized as the source of significant problems in organizing sensation coming from the body and the environment and is manifested by difficulties in the performance in one or more of the main areas of life: productivity, leisure and play[4] or activities of daily living.[5]

Sources debate whether SPD is an independent disorder or represents the observed symptoms of various other, more well-established, disorders.[6][7][8][9] SPD is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association,[10][11] and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended in 2012 that pediatricians not use SPD as a stand-alone diagnosis.[10]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Miller 2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Ayres AJ (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services. ISBN 978-0-87424-303-1. OCLC 590960.
  3. ^ Ayres AJ (1972). "Types of sensory integrative dysfunction among disabled learners". The American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 26 (1): 13–8. PMID 5008164.
  4. ^ Cosbey J, Johnston SS, Dunn ML (2010). "Sensory processing disorders and social participation". The American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 64 (3): 462–73. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.09076. PMID 20608277.
  5. ^ "Sensory Processing Disorder Explained". SPD Foundation. Archived from the original on 2010-05-17.
  6. ^ Brout J, Miller LJ. "DSM-5 Application for Sensory Processing Disorder Appendix A (part 1)". Research Gate. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  7. ^ Arky B. "The Debate Over Sensory Processing". Child Mind Institute. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  8. ^ Walbam, K. (2014). The Relevance of Sensory Processing Disorder to Social Work Practice: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 31(1), 61-70. doi:10.1007/s10560-013-0308-2
  9. ^ "AAP Recommends Careful Approach to Using Sensory-Based Therapies". www.aap.org. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  10. ^ a b Neale T (June 2012). "AAP: Don't Use Sensory Disorder Diagnosis". Medpage Today. Everyday Health. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  11. ^ Weinstein E (2016-11-22). "Making Sense of Sensory Processing Disorder". Psych Central. Archived from the original on 2018-11-27. Retrieved 26 November 2018.