What is the Difference Between Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder?
Autism vs Sensory Processing Disorder Differences | Apex ABA
What is the Difference Between Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder?
While both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) involve challenges related to sensory sensitivities, they are distinct conditions with different characteristics and causes.
Autism (ASD)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Children with autism may have restricted interests, difficulty understanding social cues, and challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication. Sensory issues in autism can include hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, but autism encompasses a wide range of developmental challenges beyond sensory processing.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
SPD is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information from the senses (e.g., touch, sound, smell). Children with SPD may be overly sensitive to certain sensations or may seek out intense sensory experiences. Unlike autism, SPD primarily affects sensory integration without the broader developmental delays or social challenges seen in autism.
Key Differences
- Autism includes social, communication, and behavioral challenges alongside sensory sensitivities, while SPD focuses primarily on sensory processing issues.
- Autism affects multiple areas of development; SPD is limited to sensory integration difficulties.
At Apex ABA, we help children with autism and sensory processing challenges thrive through personalized ABA therapy in North Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
SOURCE:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensory-processing-disorder-spd
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-processing-disorder-vs-autism
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-sensory-processing-disorder/?srsltid=AfmBOoog3b__4-dH0HQs2IIOFo0tQcCg2x6sQ71WoUu0k5R2PXj6Nb6h
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/sensory-processing
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensory-processing-disorder-spd
Frequently Asked Questions
More posts you’ll enjoy
Setbacks, Plateaus & Challenges in ABA Therapy: A Parent's Guide
Why ABA progress stalls, what extinction bursts and plateaus actually mean, and the strategies BCBAs use to get your child back on track.
High Functioning Autism and Anger: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps
Anger outbursts in autism aren't defiance — they're emotion regulation differences. Triggers, evidence-based strategies, and when ABA actually helps.
Head Banging in Autism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Watching your child bang their head is terrifying. When to call your pediatrician now, why it happens, and how function-based ABA reduces self-injury.