SPD vs ASD vs ADD

What makes SPD different from Autism and Attention Deficit Disorder?

As I stated in my previous post, sometimes SPD gets mistaken for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  When R turned 15 months, our regular pediatrician was definitely concerned at his fleeting eye contact, hand flapping, his lack of imitation skills and non-existent pretend play.  She was worried he could be autistic, and his constant need of motion suggested ADD.  The developmental pediatrician and OT, however, assured us that R is perfectly normal, and that SPD is actually very common and not a huge cause for concern with early intervention.

The SPD Foundation has an informational page on how to distinguish between SPD, ASD and ADD.  Basically, all kids who have ASD or ADD also have SPD.  But not all kids with SPD have ASD or ADD. 

And this is not just true for ASD or ADD.  There have been links to other conditions such as Asperger's and Down's Syndrome.  But again, having SPD doesn't immediately mean you have said conditions.  You can be considered a completely normal human being and have SPD!

You mentioned that SPD is common.  How so?  What are the statistics?

Research by the SPD Foundation suggests that in the New Haven area, Connecticut, United States alone, 1 in 6 children aged 7-11 have some form of SPD.  The same research also shows that SPD is present in 1 in 20 kids aged younger than 7.

And that's just in one area in one state in one country!  Can you imagine what the stats would be if we took into account all kids in all areas of the world?

Okay, but you're talking about kids.  What about us adults?  What if we were never diagnosed with SPD and I suspect something?

Nobody knows you better than yourself.  If you feel something is going on, you are within your rights to find out more.  I may be overquoting the SPD Foundation, but they are an amazing source of information.  They even have a page dedicated to adults with SPD, with links to other websites and other people who have documented their experiences.

Go ahead and click on the links to find out more.  Knowledge, after all, is power.  And it's always a relief to know more about yourself and/or your child, and be reassured that you're not alone in facing this.