Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can look similar, but they’re not the same.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, behavior, and often includes sensory challenges—like being overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or touch.

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory input, but it doesn’t affect social or communication skills the way autism does. A child with SPD may be very sensitive to textures or sounds, but still engage socially without difficulty.

The key difference: SPD is only about sensory input, while autism includes sensory issues plus differences in communication, behavior, and social skills.

That said, many children with autism also have sensory processing difficulties. This overlap can make it hard to tell them apart without a full developmental evaluation.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we help families in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia understand what’s going on and build customized ABA therapy plans to support their child’s unique needs.

Not sure what your child is experiencing? Contact us for a free consultation and expert support every step of the way.

SOURCES:

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-sensory-processing-disorder/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-processing-disorder-vs-autism

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10687592/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-sensory-revolution/202012/its-not-autism-its-sensory-processing-disorder

https://www.drakeinstitute.com/sensory-processing-disorder-vs-autism