Does My Child with Autism Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
Many people with autism are hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. For some people, these differences can be overwhelming, and as a result they are unable to take part in typical community activities. Ball games, movies, even church can feel like torture.
These differences in sensory reactiveness are labeled "sensory processing disorder" or "sensory processing dysfunction," and may be attributable to differences in brain structure. While sensory issues are not a core symptom of autism, they are very common among people with autism. As a result, many children with autism are receiving treatment for sensory issues, known as "sensory integration therapy" or SI therapy.

According to the Ayres Clinic (one of the leading specialists in sensory dysfunction and sensory integration therapy), the following are signs that a child may be suffering from sensory issues - and may be aided by sensory integration therapy:

Overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
Under reactive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
Easily distracted
Social and/or emotional problems
Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
Impulsive, lacking in self-control
Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
Inability to unwind or calm self
Poor self concept
Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
Delays in academic achievement
Clearly, this list of issues describes many different types of children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, and even simple moodiness. It can also describe many children with autism spectrum disorders.