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Sensory Processing Disorder Essay

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Is sensory processing disorder a real diagnosis? Sensory processing is considered a theory and very subjective. So to answer the question is sensory processing disorder a real diagnosis depends on who is asked and how the question is asked. Many parents and Occupational Therapist believe that sensory processing disorder is a real condition. However, many professionals refute sensory processing as a disorder in isolation. Sensory processing disorder has had few setbacks the last couple of years. In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that pediatricians not use sensory processing disorder as a diagnosis because there no evidence that supported it has a separate disorder. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that some individual’s experience sensory processing difficulties. This was followed by the expert committee’s decision to not included sensory processing disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). It can take years to get a diagnosis in the DSM. Therefore, there is hope that sensory processing disorder will be included in the next edition of DSM. Among professionals, there is an agreement that some individuals have sensory difficulties. However, the disagreement …show more content…

However, when evaluations are conducted it is often by qualified occupational or physical therapist in conjunction with fine and gross motor abilities. The most common screener used is the Short Sensory Profile designed by Winnie Dunn. The Short Sensory Profile is a checklist that is divided into eight different sections. According to the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, there are six commonly used assessments along with clinical observation, input from parents, caregivers, and/or teachers. Due to the subjectivity surrounding the evaluations, many professionals debate that there is standardized assessment available which assesses only sensory

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