Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Reacts to Breakthrough Study

In reaction to the breakthrough study revealing a biological basis for Sensory Processing Disorder in children, Dr. Lucy Jane Miller of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation released the following statement. To read about the study, click here.

SPD affects 5% to 16% of children in the general population. That is more than 1 child in every classroom. Typically these children are misdiagnosed with ADHD or autism, or they are not diagnosed at all…Instead an assumption is made that the child has ‘bad’ behavior. Sadly, parents are accused of not disciplining their children appropriately or not providing enough structure for their children. Researchers at the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation have been studying SPD for over 30 years and supports continued research of SPD. The Foundation organized a multi-disciplinary team of experts called the SPD Scientific Workgroup that includes 50 physicians and scientists from research institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Duke and many other universities. These researchers have provided physiological, neurological, psychological, etiological, familial and other data about SPD.

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Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR Announced New Standardized Functional Assessment for School-Age Children at AOTA

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation’s founder, Dr. Lucy Jane Miller announced a new evaluation, Goal-Oriented Assessment of LifeSkills (GOAL) at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) national conference.

Dr. Lucy Jane Miller’s new evaluation, Goal-Oriented Assessment of LifeSkills (GOAL) launched recently at theAmerican Occupation Therapy Association’s (AOTA) national conference and expo in San Diego, California according to the Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation, the world leader in research, education and advocacy of SPD.

Separating Growing Pains From Warning Signs in Kids

As parents, how do we know if the symptoms our children display are just a natural part of childhood or a sign of Sensory Processing Disorder?

SPD Foundation Comments on Newtown Shooter’s Reported Diagnosis of SPD

From an SPD Foundation Press Release:

On February 19, PBS aired an investigative report that stated Adam Lanza, the young man who killed 20 children and six adults at a school in Newtown, Connecticut in December, had been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) as a young child.

SPD is a neurological disorder that disrupts the daily lives of children, causing challenges with social participation, self-regulation and self-esteem. Research has shown 5-10 percent of all children have SPD.

Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D., OTR, founder and research director of the SPD Foundation, was interviewed by ABC.com to give her response to the investigative report. During this interview Dr. Miller explained SPD and the vital importance of support for the individuals and families impacted by this disorder. See the full story at abcnews.com.

“Although we deplore the reason SPD has now come into the national spotlight, we appreciate the opportunity to explain SPD, and how parents and their children with SPD need the support of the educational and medical communities,” stated Dr. Lucy Jane Miller.

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Comments on Adam Lanza and the Newtown Tragedy

Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D., founder and research director of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, comments on how the reported symptomsin the shooter, Adam Lanza, are a classic indicator of a form of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

unspeakable (2012) (Photo credit: torbakhopper)