When it comes to diagnosing autism, there are many different factors that need to be considered. This is because the autism spectrum disorders have such a vast range of potential symptoms and no two cases are alike. Therefore, it is very easy to mistake autism for another condition. Among the most common mistakes when diagnosing autism is not understanding the difference between being on the spectrum, and sensory integration disorder.
This leads to the question of whether autism spectrum disorder and sensory integration disorder (also known as sensory processing disorder) are the same condition, or at the very least if they are related. Does one exclude the other? To begin, they are considered to be completely separate disorders, but to further understand them, Dr. Lucy Jane Miller performed a study “Quantitative psychophysiologic evaluation of Sensory Processing in children with autistic spectrum disorders”, involving 40 high functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome children who were tested for sensory integration disorder.
Dr Miller’s results showed 78 percent of the participating children also displayed notable signs of sensory integration disorder. While, 22 percent of the participants did not show signs. However, a secondary study by the same researchers, “Relations among subtypes of Sensory Modulation Dysfunction” looked into children diagnosed with sensory integration disorder and tested them to see how many also had autism. Within that experiment, zero percent of the participants had autism. The reason that this is interesting is that while children with autism can exist without having sensory integration disorder, the majority show signs of the condition. On the other hand, there is no inclination toward autism in children who have only sensory integration disorder.
Children with both disorders demonstrate challenges with high-level tasks that involve the integration of different areas of the brain. This can include emotional regulation as well as complex sensory functions. However, the key to diagnosing autism as opposed to sensory integration disorder usually lies in the fact that autistic children experience greater problems in the areas of language, empathy, and social skills. Sensory integration disorder children do not experience the same connective breakdowns for controlling emotional empathy and social interaction.
In both disorders, children experience difficulties in tasks that require their brains to make long-distance connections, for example, between the frontal lobes (which coordinate the activities of the brain) and with the cerebellum (which regulates the perceptions and responses within the brain).
If you think that your child may have one or both of these disorders, it is important to speak to your child’s pediatrician for autism diagnosing or identification of sensory integration disorder on its own or in combination with autism. If autism or autism alongside sensory integration disorder is the diagnosis, then you will be able to begin talking about the possible treatments available. These treatments can include various medications as well as alternative therapies and may overlap in terms of addressing aspects of both conditions simultaneously. For example many children with autism benefit from sensory integration therapies that also work well for children with sensory integration disorder.
Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out how to go about diagnosing autism and for information on autism characteristics please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.
New Sensory Therapy Aid for Autism (Speech & Development)
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Time Timer, 8 Inch $19.74 This timer can be used to solve time perception problems at all ages and ability levels. Everything you love about the Time Timer with an audible BEEP when time is up! The 8-inch audible option can be turned on or off for a purely visual experience if required. This is perfect for timed activities and for getting ready. The timer runs on battery operated quartz movement and can be free standing or… |
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Audible 12-inch Time Timer $25.50 This visual timer is used to solve time perception problems at all ages and ability levels and is a perfect size for group or class settings. A graphic clock face gives the child visual understanding of time elapsing. This is ideal for timed activities and for getting ready. The Timer is visual and when the colored portion elapses, time is up. There is an optional audible component that you can tu… |
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TIME TIMER 8 INCH NEW MODEL WITH AUDIBLE TIMER $19.99 In a teaching or therapy environment, no other tool communicates the concept of elapsed time as well as the Time Timer. It has proven to be VERY useful with students with Autism, sensory disorder, and many special needs…. |
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Here Come the ABCs $8.48 No stranger to the realm of children’s records, They Might Be Giants have seen success with their CD No! and the book-and-CD combo Bed, Bed, Bed. Their latest CD, Here Come the ABCs, offers up 25 alphabetically themed songs. However, as is their charming way, the two Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell), use the letters as merely the connective tissue, allowing them to pursuit intriguing flights of fanc… |
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Autism CD -Sound Eaze (Sound Ease) for Children Who FEAR Loud Noises $16.95 Sound Eaze was created by a mother and Occupational Therapist for her children with fear of loud noises. The co-creater is a Music Therapist! This CD contains songs and rhythms along with sounds that children with autism often are afraid of. The CD should be played so that your child can control the volume. Sound-Eaze is NOT part of any listening program, it’s simply a fun way to listen to soun… |
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School-Eaze CD $16.99 School-Eaze CD was written by a mother of 2 autistic boys who is an Occupational Therapist, and co-written by a Music Therapist as a fun way for parents, teachers and therapists to help children with auditory sensitivity and fear of loud noises. It combines rhythm with sounds that can be upsetting to many children. This unique collection gives children control of the sounds and lets them know exac… |
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Breaking the Silence Barrier – Technologies to Help Autism, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Learning and Speech Disabilities (People in Motion – Part 2) $54.00 This program reports on creative technologies that are being used to help people with autism, traumatic brain injuries, and learning and speech disabilities. Temple Grandin, the autistic woman with a Ph.D. in animal science, explains her “squeeze machine” which uses deep pressure therapy to help ease the hyperacute sensory dysfunction that often accompanies autism. Renowned neurologist Oliver Sack… |
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Dr. Temple Grandin Video – Sensory Challenges and Answers for Persons with Autism [VHS] … |
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Learning Resources LER6900 Time Tracker Programmable Electronic Timer $23.99 It’s never been easier or more fun to keep kids on track with this unique lighted electronic timer. You can easily program green, yellow and red sections and six sound effects to indicate that time is running out. With 180 degree viewing, it teaches time management. Perfect for: Study sessions, Projects, Tests, Experiments, Practice sessions, Classroom Assignments, Cooking, Hearing impaired and hu… |
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Lava Lite 5224-4 Premier 16-2/7-Inch 52-Ounce Silver-Based Lava Lamp, Yellow Wax/Blue Liquid $24.97 Lava brand lamps are the original. For 40 years, Lava has captivated generations with their trademarked shape and timeless styles. Don’t accept substitutes. Demand the original–the registered Lava brand. They are the perfect addition to any bedroom, living room, or party space. Simply turn on this lamp and set the mood…. |
