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Is SPD a 'helpful' diagnosis?

5 replies

outthere · 08/03/2011 11:30

Hi all,

DS had his assessment yesterday and although we don't have the results the Specialist said he expects it to show that DS has SPD with Autistic traits but not actually ASD.

I have concerns about this as a probably diagnosis...

I've long debated with myself over the pros and cons of seeking a diagnosis. I don't want DS to be 'labelled' with anything that may limit his opportunities in later life. However I feel that a diagnosis is necessary for him to gain access to the help and support that he will need integrating into a mainstream society, especially at school.

Clearly I don't want my son to have ASD, I'd rather he had no problems at all, but I'm concerned that without this as a formal diagnosis he won't get access to the help he needs. I feel that SPD is looked upon by many as a "wishy washy" diagnosis reserved for children who are just quirky or have behavioural problems (this is obviously not my view but I'm worried teachers and other professionals may think so).

It also doesn't seem to address or answer his physical difficulties (hand flapping, finger flicking, low tone and hypermobility)...

Has anyone had any experience of this as a diagnosis and what services are available? I'd love it if someone could allay my concerns and tell me that he will still be eligible for all the same support at school that he might be entitled to if the diagnosis were ASD...

Thanks all

OP posts:
outthere · 08/03/2011 11:31

PROBABLE diagnosis, sorry, should've done a preview!!

OP posts:
eandz · 08/03/2011 12:14

sorry, new to threads. What is SPD?

outthere · 08/03/2011 12:22

Oh sorry, Sensory Processing Disorder...

OP posts:
eandz · 08/03/2011 12:24

How did they manage to rule AS out? (sorry, if it's a dumb question, we've only just begun the process ourselves).

plus3 · 08/03/2011 12:27

Sensory processing disorder. My Ds was seen by an OT in October and was found to have sensory problems. It was suggested by school due to his behavioural problems.

I agree with your sentiments. I don't want anything to be wrong with DS, although I can clearly see how he is struggling and how that affects his behaviour (there is alot of hitting other children going on)

I went to see my GP to get a referral to the community paeds, and he had no idea of what SPD was. I feel like I am facing a huge uphill battle. I think school are dismissing the SDP and feel there are other issuses, but I think we need time to put into place all the therapys from the OT.

Sorry, not having a very good week.

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