Is Sensory Processing Disorder Considered A Learning Disability? #spd

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition that makes it difficult to interpret and respond to input from your five senses. Generally then, persons with SPD are usually over- or under-stimulated by everyday sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations. However, whether or not it is a true learning disability is cause for debate.

Although this condition may present all kinds of obstacles for kids in a classroom, the way SPD is currently understood and categorized prevents it from being considered an official leaning disability.
~ Lindsey E. Mack

Sensory Processing Disorder is still a controversial diagnosis.

Although SPD may obviously present many challenges to children in a classroom, it is currently not categorized as an official learning disability. SPD is still being researched and is not a learning disability in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), the authoritative volume that defines and classifies mental disorders. Therefore, no one can currently be officially diagnosed with SPD.

Key Takeaways:

1
Sensory processing disorder is one of the lesser known diagnoses. However, it affects every human sense.
2
There is controversy as to whether sensory processing disorder is a disorder at all.
3
Even though proven to affect learning, the argument for sensory processing disorder as a diagnosis is being argued and advocated for.