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. 

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Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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SOURCE:

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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensory-processing-disorder-spd

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-processing-disorder-vs-autism

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https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-sensory-processing-disorder/?srsltid=AfmBOoog3b__4-dH0HQs2IIOFo0tQcCg2x6sQ71WoUu0k5R2PXj6Nb6h

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https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/sensory-processing

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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensory-processing-disorder-spd