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Prevalence of SPD: How often does it occur?

Sensory Processing Disorder can affect anyone. Studies indicate that 5% to 16% of children exhibit symptoms of SPD. (Ahn, Miller et. al., 2004; Ben-Sasoon, Carter et. al., 2009)


Definition of SPD

The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder has not yet been identified. Preliminary studies and research suggest that SPD is often inherited. Prenatal and birth complications have also been implicated as causal in SPD, as well as certain environmental factors. A summary of research into the causes and prevalence of SPD is included in Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder (2005) written by Founder and current Executive Director of the SPD Foundation, Lucy Jane Miller Ph.D., OTRThe exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder has not yet been identified. Preliminary studies and research suggest that SPD


is often inherited. Prenatal and birth complications have also been implicated as causal in SPD, as well as certain environmental factors. A summary of research into the causes and prevalence of SPD is included in Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder (2005


) written by Founder and current Executive Director of the SPD Foundation, Lucy Jane Miller Ph.D., OTR

The Eight Sensory Systems.

Pioneering occupational therapist, psychologist, and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., likened SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.

Pioneering occupational therapist, psychologist, and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., likened SPD to a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.


Prevalence of SPD: How often does it occur?

Sensory Processing Disorder can affect anyone. Studies indicate that 5% to 16% of children exhibit symptoms of SPD. (Ahn, Miller et. al., 2004; Ben-Sasoon, Carter et. al., 2009)


Causes of SPD.

The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder has not yet been identified. Preliminary studies and research suggest that SPD is often inherited. Prenatal and birth complications have also been implicated as causal in SPD, as well as certain environmental factors. A summary of research into the causes and prevalence of SPD is included in Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder (2005) written by Founder and current Executive Director of the SPD Foundation, Lucy Jane Miller Ph.D., OTR