The three disorders, Sensory Processing Disorder (PSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are often confused with each other due to the connections and similarities that exist. However, there are nuanced differences that distinguish them from each other, which is the subject of this paper. These conditions have the same appearance on the surface, but there are dissimilarities deep down. The following discussion will cover the elements that connect and differentiate these diseases.
On similarities, first, all three are developmental disorders, conditions caused by mental impairments. All conditions are characterized by less-than-desirable brain functioning that gets in the way of the child’s normal operation. For instance, these disorders make it hard to concentrate and cause significant restlessness. Another similarity these conditions have with each other is in diagnosis, which is based on observation and using elements from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). There is also no treatment for these disorders and doctors use different therapies to alleviate symptoms and introduce some normality in the child’s life.
The differences between the conditions are in how they manifest. SPD occurs when the brain fails to deal correctly with information coming in from the body’s senses: The out-of-sync child: Recognizing and coping with sensory processing disorder (Kranowitz, 2006). The condition is characterized by either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. In the former case, the child is easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, while in the latter, they have inadequate sensory stimulation. ADHD deals with focusing and handling impulsive behaviors: An ADHD primer (Weyandt, 2017). Children with this condition are easily distracted, in constant motion, impulsive, hyperactive, and/or inattentive. ASD is when children display persistent deficiencies in moving the stages included in normal human development: Assessment of autism spectrum disorder (Goldstein & Ozonoff, 2018). Further, children struggle with attaining certain milestones like showing emotion, socializing, and communicating. A child with autism will often attend to details like moving and learning in ways his/her age mates do not.
Sensory Processing Disorder (PSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are mental disorders that impede normal functioning. These conditions often share the same symptoms, but there are differences in the way they manifest. The first disorder occurs when the brain does not deal with sensory information well, the second deals with behavior control, and the last is when a child struggles with going through the stages of normal human development.
References
Goldstein, S., & Ozonoff, S. (Eds.). (2018). Assessment of autism spectrum disorder. Guilford Publications.
Kranowitz, C. S. (2006). The out-of-sync child: Recognizing and coping with a sensory processing disorder. Penguin.
Weyandt, L. L. (2017). An ADHD primer. Routledge.