Is There a Difference between Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism? — Insights from ABA Therapy Experts at St. Louis Autism Treatment Center


Posted March 1, 2021 by EpicWatson1

AB Spectrum (Autism and Behavioral Spectrum), an Autism treatment center serving the St. Louis area of Missouri often meets with worried parents who bring in their child for an early diagnosis due to the SPD symptoms.
 
St. Louis, Missouri, Feb 10, 2021… Often confused with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is essentially a comorbid symptom of Autism. Studies suggest that at least three quarters of the children with Autism reported significant symptoms of SPD, but every child with SPD may not necessarily receive an Autism diagnosis.

AB Spectrum (Autism and Behavioral Spectrum), an Autism treatment center serving the St. Louis area of Missouri often meets with worried parents who bring in their child for an early diagnosis due to the SPD symptoms. “Sometimes the child displays too much sensitivity to sounds, light, pain, or certain objects, while at other times, they are concerned about the child’s lack of sensory stimulation”, explains AB Spectrum’s founder, Naina Aijaz Haider.

“SPD involves an impairment in the way the brain processes sensory information. While the sensory issues may hover around hyper or hypo sensitivity, the symptoms may also involve issues with:
• Vestibular function (eye movement control, body balance)
• Proprioception function (awareness of one’s own body movements or actions), and
• Interoception (awareness of what is happening within one’s body).

When the child reacts to sensory stimuli in an emotionally or socially negative way, it impacts their behavior. Some children may also lack fine motor skills, or get easily distracted or indulge in repetitive actions, and all these symptoms bear resemblance to the symptoms of ASD. However, there are subtle differences between SPD and Autism. Children with Autism may react, learn, respond, or attend to details differently than neurotypical children, but no two children ever display the exact same symptoms. From intellectual disabilities and intellectual developmental disorders, to socialization issues and communication challenges, ASD may manifest itself differently in every individual. “In fact, ASD earns its name due to the spectrum of disorders within this category, including autistics disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)” adds Haider.

“With decades of experience in managing such neurological conditions amongst children, we cannot stress enough the importance of early diagnosis and interventions. Whether it is SPD or ASD, we urge parents to choose qualified and knowledgeable professionals who can distinguish between the various symptoms and provide accurate diagnosis and treatments. For SPD, we usually recommend occupational therapy, including sensory diet and sensory integration training. These interventions help retrain the child’s brain to respond differently to the stimulation from the various senses. For ASD treatments, we specialize in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) develop tailor-made ABA curriculum that aligns with every child’s unique needs and treatment goals. Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) administer the one-to-one therapy sessions through our Autism treatment centers in Chesterfield and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as in-home ABA therapy sessions throughout St. Louis, Missouri”, concludes Haider.

The ABA therapy specialists at AB Spectrum employ a number of ABA-based techniques and interventions to reshape the future of children with ASD. Whether it is promoting the child’s function and independence, developing critical skills or reducing problem behaviors, the therapists use only positive reinforcement techniques to help children with ASD thrive and assimilate better in society.

To learn more about AB Spectrum’s Autism treatment center or ABA therapy programs, please visit https://www.abspectrum.org/.
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Issued By Katie McDonnell
Phone 314-339-7732
Business Address 14733 Clayton Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011
Country United States
Categories Family , Fitness , Health
Tags ab atherapy , autism treatment center , sensory processing disorder
Last Updated March 1, 2021