Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) — Summary
OT4You Occupational Therapy · www.ot4you.co.nz
What SPD is
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, sorts and responds to information from the senses. SPD is a term used mainly by occupational therapists when sensory difficulties are the main issue and get in the way of daily life [1][2]. Three main patterns are described: over-responsive, under-responsive and sensory seeking [2].
SPD vs associated diagnoses
| SPD itself | Sensory differences in another diagnosis | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Sensory difficulties are the main concern | Sensory differences are one feature of a wider condition (e.g. autism, ADHD, DCD, anxiety, PTSD) [3][4][6] |
| Formal status | Not a stand-alone diagnosis in DSM-5-TR or ICD-11; paediatricians advise it generally should not be diagnosed on its own [3] | Diagnosed by a doctor, psychologist or specialist team using recognised criteria [5] |
| How it is identified | OT assessment of sensory patterns | Medical/psychological assessment; an OT may assess the sensory part |
| Key point | A diagnosis does not mean a child has SPD, and sensory differences do not mean a child has a diagnosis. Other conditions should always be considered [3]. | |
Medical disclaimer
This information is general education only. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose, confirm or rule out any condition. Always talk with your GP, paediatrician or occupational therapist about your child. If you are worried about your child's safety, call 111.
Sources
- STAR Institute for Sensory Processing. About SPD. Undated web page. https://sensoryhealth.org/basic/about-spd
- Miller, Anzalone, Lane, Cermak & Osten — American Journal of Occupational Therapy 61(2). Concept Evolution in Sensory Integration: A Proposed Nosology for Diagnosis. March 2007. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Pediatrics 129(6). Sensory Integration Therapies for Children With Developmental and Behavioral Disorders (policy statement). June 2012. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/129/6/1186/32067/Sensory-Integration-Therapies-for-Children-With
- Ben-Sasson et al. — Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 39. A Meta-Analysis of Sensory Modulation Symptoms in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 30 May 2008 (online). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18512135/
- Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People & Ministry of Education. Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: He Waka Huia Takiwātanga Rau, Third Edition. 2022. https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/resources/strategies-and-studies/guidelines/nz-autism-guideline
- Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma 13(1). Sensory Modulation in Children Exposed to Continuous Traumatic Stress. 4 April 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163836/
- Kidra, Gafter, Bar-Shalita & Lahav — European Journal of Psychotraumatology 16(1). Sensory modulation difficulties and complex PTSD among child abuse survivors. 11 June 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2025.2512672