SPD Conflict
Dr. A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist and developmental psychologist, first described what was known as "sensory integration dysfunction" in 1972. Dr. Ayres likened sensory integration dysfunction to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly (Ayres Jean 2005). Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is the newest term for, and is used synonymously with, Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Integration Dysfunction. The concept of SPD has evolved over the years, but the fundamental idea is that social, emotional, behavioral, academic or motor problems reflect a child's inability to integrate stimuli (sensations) properly. In response, the child may experience difficulties in the course of typical childhood activities because processes that should be automatic or accurate are not (Case-Smith O'Brien 2015).
However, there is no consensus among mental health professionals whether SPD is a stand-alone diagnosis because some of the symptoms and behaviors may be observed in other disorders. Because the symptoms of SPD are like those seen in autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mood disorders, it is not clear to the medical establishment that a distinct new label is necessary, and SPD is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, it is obvious to occupational therapists that this new diagnostic classification is needed because decades of research have shown that some individuals experience SPD without these other diagnoses and that as a stand-alone disorder, SPD requires a novel treatment approach. The impact of non-inclusion in the DSM-V is that most insurance companies will not cover children with a single diagnosis of Sensory Modulation Disorder or Sensory Discrimination Disorder.
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder is covered in the DSM-V as long as the child has motor coordination problems. In the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, dyspraxia with motor coordination problems is included under the umbrella term "Developmental Coordination Disorder." This category is a "catch-all" term for children with motor execution challenges. Some children in the developmental coordination category do not have motor planning problems but pure motor execution deficits.
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller is spearheading the research and drive for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) does not list criteria for SPD, and therefore, medical doctors do not study SPD in medical school. Toward this end, Dr. Miller established The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, which can be found here: Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation | Research, Education and Advocacy (spdfoundation.net). This foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and their families by conducting and collaborating in rigorous research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of SPD. Additionally, the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation has mobilized an international group of scientists, the SPD Scientific Work Group, and a national OT research team, The Sensory Integration Research Collaborative, to collaborate on finding research-based answers to questions about SPD. Peer-reviewed research abstracts, articles, and materials can be located in the SPD foundation library. Hopefully, through these efforts, SPD may one day be recognized as a stand-alone disorder.