Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) – Testing and Therapies

Choosing Proper Testing & Therapies for Sensory Processing Disorder

Timely, comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and assessment is critical for any child who shows signs or symptoms of sensory processing disorders. Sensory processing disorders is challenging to diagnose for various reasons including, but not limited to: (1) sensory processing disorders can be overlapping with or misdiagnosed as ADD ADHD or Autism; and (2) Convergence Insufficiency or other treatable vision problems can be misdiagnosed or overlapping with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Therapy recommendations depend on the proper diagnosis, however, in the case of sensory processing disorder or sensory integration — because vision is our primary and leading sense — Vision Therapy is the best therapeutic treatment.

Vision Therapy for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Vision Therapy or visual training creates objective and observable improvements in the foundational developmental abilities of a child with diagnosed or suspected sensory processing disorders. Improved foundational developmental skills can include — but not limited to — visual skills and/or visual processing, visual-motor, sensorimotor and motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, etc. Gains in fundamental developmental skills and abilities allow the child to experience greater ease and satisfaction in interaction with the physical world and others.

According to parents’ reports, the most important change for their child with SPD as a result of vision therapy is the child’s increased overall sense of ease and happiness. Parents report obviously improved self-confidence, perceived social competence, and more risk taking with appropriate sensory awareness in their child during and following the Vision Therapy. Parents also often state that — thanks to the Vision Therapy program — they themselves have developed a greater understanding of their child’s challenges and this has allowed them to better support and advocate for their child.

Hear what this parent has to say on this video:

To learn more about how we treat a common visual condition which often overlaps or is mistaken for Sensory Processing Disorder, see our page on Convergence Insufficiency and Treatment with Vision Therapy