Running head: SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

Sensory Processing and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

Steven J Boyer
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

At the beginning of my inquiry research, I did not know what topic to which I wanted to
dedicate the better part of a semester. Although I have settled on a completely different set of
questions than when I started, my starting questions were important because of where they led
me. My research into autism led to my discovery of articles that began to address the question of
why it is so important to continue research into Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) as its own
individual diagnosis.
Research into isolated SPD is still very new, but looks promising. A research article
written by Yi-Shin Chang, published as recently as July 2014, is supposedly the first of its kind
to study a group whose sensory processing and integration deviated from normal, without
exhibiting additional symptoms indicative of other disorders such as Autism Spectrum and
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), published as recently as July 2014. This
study consisted of three groups of boys, aged 8-12: a control group of normally developing
boys, a group diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and a group who do not meet
an ASD diagnosis but do show atypical sensory behaviors to the same or greater degree as ASD
children (Chang 2014). Comparative research like this will be a tremendously useful tool when
determining whether or not SPD is valid enough as its own diagnosis to be added to the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Analyzing the data from Changs study revealed a
striking finding in the relative brain structures of ASD participants and SPD participants,
differing in areas associated with interpretation of facial expressions of emotion, the amygdala
and hippocampus; only the ASD participants showed an impaired white matter connections in
these parts of the brain (Chang 2014). Facial emotional recognition is one of the most important
diagnostic criteria in diagnosing ASD, along with social functioning. Chang referenced a study
about Williams Syndrome that shows a strong correlation between increased white matter tract

SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

integrity in the same parts of the brain associated with facial recognition and increased social
interest and drive, opposite to the effect that decreased white matter tract integrity has in autism
(Chang 2014). Comparing the results from the studies done on Williams Syndrome and ASD
that show correlation between white matter tract integrity and observable behavioral patterns
supports the theory that structure relates to functionality. This striking finding alone should
justify more studies because of its significance; if SPD research shows itself to be different
enough from known disorders in the ways that it affects brain structure and observable behavior
to warrant its own diagnosis, resources can be made available to those affected by the disorder.
Dr. Elysa Marco, quoted in Bunims article, talks about the importance of clinical
evaluations of children referred to as out of sync kids, not only to help the affected families,
but to gain a deeper understanding of sensory processing as a whole. Current sensory processing
research is only the beginning to understanding an array of disorders more inclusive than just
autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). SPD affects as wide a population as
ADHD, estimated at 1 in 20 to 1 in 8 children (Bunim 2013). The symptoms of SPD can be
effectively treated if recognized early enough in childhood. Because it is not recognized as a
separate disorder, SPD is far too often overlooked or misdiagnosed by licensed mental health
professionals, leaving the disorder to go untreated and interfere with daily functioning into
adulthood. The symptoms of SPD are often misunderstood without a diagnosis and which, due
to a lack of understanding of the hidden handicap, can lead to depression, underachievement,
social isolation, and/or other secondary emotional or social effects due to a lack of
understanding of a hidden handicap (spdfoundation.net). My research on SPD has been very
uplifting and has given me a great sense of validation; I have gained a much better understanding
of the influence of the symptoms I experience have had on my life through my childhood and

SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

adolescence after reflecting on my experiences, utilizing my newfound knowledge. Many

individuals of all ages can benefit from continued research on SPD, even if the only result of
research is visibility and awareness of the disorder.
SPD affects many aspects of daily functioning including, but not limited to: eating and
sleeping patterns, reading and speaking, ability to focus at work or at school, individual and
group social interactions, and activities that require gross and fine motor skills
(spdfoundation.net). The five senses vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste are not the only
senses affected by SPD; proprioception and vestibular, two lesser talked about senses dealing
with internal relative body placement awareness and balance respectively, are also impacted. In
some cases, individuals experience symptoms involving only one or two senses, while others
may experience symptoms involving all seven senses (childmind.org). Hypersensitivity to
sensory input can be incredibly distracting when everything draws your attention. Neurotypical
brains habituate to their environments, tuning out information deemed unimportant and reducing
clutter in the mind; individuals with SPD cannot do this to the same extent as neurotypicals.
When the brain is given more stimuli than can be processed simultaneously, you can feel anxious
and overwhelmed overwhelming feelings of anxiety can arise (childmind.org). This can lead to
overstimulation and sensory overload. Sensory overload can have symptoms similar to an
anxiety attack and can inappropriately trigger the fight or flight response. Hyposensitivity to
sensory input can potentially be dangerous in situations where ones awareness of their body and
environment are important in avoiding injury. Underresponsivity to pain stimulus, a symptom of
hyposensitive subtype SPD, can allow injuries to go unnoticed and delay the response to that
which is causing the pain, allowing the potential for more bodily harm (e.g. not immediately
removing a hand from a hot stove, causing more severe burns).

SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

Entry of SPD into the DSM will increase awareness and likelihood of proper diagnosis of
the disorder. If diagnosed properly early in childhood, SPD can be effectively treated, lessening
the long-term and secondary effects of its symptoms.
With a better understanding of these sensory experiences, overall quality of life can be improved.

SPD and Autism Inquiry Path Synthesis

Chang Y-S, Owen JP, Desai SS, Hill SS, Arnett AB, Harris J, et al. (2014, July 30) Autism and
Sensory Processing Disorders: Shared White Matter Disruption in Sensory Pathways but
Divergent Connectivity in Social-Emotional Pathways. Retrieved from
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0103038

Bunim J (2013, July 09) Breakthrough Study Reveals Biological Basis for Sensory Processing
Disorders in Kids. Retrieved from
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/07/107316/breakthrough-study-reveals-biological-basissensory-processing-disorders-kidsi