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 is supposedly the first of its kind, 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 (citation?). 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. Analyzing the data from Changs 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
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). This finding alone should justify more studies because of its significance; if SPD
research shows itself to be different enough from known disorders 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, leaving the disorder to go
untreated and interfere with daily functioning into adulthood. The symptoms of SPD are often
misunderstood without a diagnosis and 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 adolescence after
reflecting on my experiences, utilizing my newfound knowledge. Many individuals of all ages
can benefit from continued research on SPD.

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