Findings From the SPD Scientific Work Group

What is the prevalence of SPD? What are the risk factors for SPD? Is SPD a unique disorder, independent of other mental disorders? Do symptoms of SPD persist if untreated? Are there symptoms/challenges that individuals with SPD face, in addition to sensory challenges? What physiologic evidence differentiates individuals with SPD from other conditions? What is … Read more

How to Search the Treatment Directory

The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Treatment Directory is a one-of-a-kind online guide to services created to help individuals and families find health care, education, and community service providers experienced in working with those who have SPD and other special needs. Service providers located worldwide are listed, including physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, … Read more

Listening and Other Therapies for SPD

Listening therapy (LT) Listening therapy (LT) is a therapeutic program to improve the neurophysiological foundation for integrating sensory input by using specific sound frequencies and patterns to stimulate the brain. Like occupational therapy, LT is based on the theory of neuroplasticity, which refers to brain changes that occur as a result of experience. In the … Read more

Subtypes of SPD

As the field of sensory integration (SI) has matured and researchers have learned more about this condition, many people have realized that it is time to clarify the terminology. Although occupational therapists (OTs) usually understand one another when using the term “sensory integration dysfunction” (sometimes abbreviated DSI), physicians and other health professionals without familiarity with … Read more

Ten Fundamental Facts About SPD

When extended family, teachers, neighbors, other parents, and service providers ask you what Sensory Processing Disorder is, the following are research-supported statements you can make. Sensory Processing Disorder is a complex disorder of the brain that affects developing children and adults. Parent surveys, clinical assessments, and laboratory protocols exist to identify children with SPD. At … Read more