Can SPD exist on it's own?

[Guest]

SPD in the absence of ADD/ADHD, Asperger's, or autism? I always thought it could. I understand there are lots of overlaps, but SPD can present on it's own, right?

[jeninnc]

Definately

My 7 year old has SPD to a degree, but nothing else.

[wapiti]

Absolutely. Two of my kids have SPD but none of the other things you listed.

[amelia1]

Yep...my 4yo DD has SPD and no ADD/ADHD, Asperger's or Autism. She has mild Tourette's so not sure if that disqualifies her! LOL

[Guest]

Follow-up question...how does the SPD present itself, then? I'm having some challenges sorting this out. We have inattentiveness, at times. particularly in stimulating environments and, unfortunately, school is one of these types of environments. We also have difficulty stopping one task and moving on to another task without it taking much longer than it should. There is some lack of physical coordination - vestibular issues, I'm told. I'm really feeling sort of lost these days sorting these symptoms out and wondering if OT will really significantly help SPD? I think I need to check out some books on this topic from the library. In some ways it's so easy to understand the issues with sensory processing and in other ways it's totally confusing!

[zoeyz]

Follow-up question...how does the SPD present itself, then? I'm having some challenges sorting this out. We have inattentiveness, at times. particularly in stimulating environments and, unfortunately, school is one of these types of environments. We also have difficulty stopping one task and moving on to another task without it taking much longer than it should. There is some lack of physical coordination - vestibular issues, I'm told. I'm really feeling sort of lost these days sorting these symptoms out and wondering if OT will really significantly help SPD? I think I need to check out some books on this topic from the library. In some ways it's so easy to understand the issues with sensory processing and in other ways it's totally confusing!

Whether or not she has ADHD, you might want to take a look at some ADHD books that have ideas for managing the associated behaviors. The ideas may work for you, even if she doesn't have ADHD. What you described in your first 2 examples in particular (inattentiveness in stimulating environments/school and difficulty transitioning) are both ADHD behaviors, to some degree. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say she has ADHD, just that you might find the books helpful in coping with whatever is going on with her.

[Guest]

Yes, I just have questions about spd and I'm interested in some books on that topic and ADHD, as well. There are a TON of books on managing ADHD behavior so do you have any recommendations on specific books? I'm interested.

[jeninnc]

I agree about ADHD. They all sort of tie in together as well, I think.

My dd is like this, she also has issues the vestibular stuff, fine motor and oral sensistivities.

[amelia1]

Have you read The Out of Sync Child? Or...the Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder. I think you will find these books helpful. They have charts that help you pick out SPD vs. ADD vs. ADHD or just age appropriate behavior. Good luck.