# What is the Difference Between Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism? | Ep. 161

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310/what-is-the-difference-between-sensory-processing-disorder-and-autism-ep-161
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310/what-is-the-difference-between-sensory-processing-disorder-and-autism-ep-161.md
Podcast: [Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different](https://stenobird.com/podcast/autistic-and-adhd-kids-parenting-strategies-every-brain-is-different-6469310)
Published: 2026-04-13T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://EveryBrainIsDifferent.castos.com
Audio file: https://cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/88d0ba76-111a-4570-a33d-bffe2d697727/79fa0ed6-93fc-4f80-b5ca-315276326132/episodes/audio/group/05d2dae5-b682-4f19-b7b7-6d8b8901231c/group-item/4cc1616f-1e59-475e-82ad-15a7853d3fe3/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=1_fWTntN
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Duration seconds: 1280

## Resource

Samantha and Lauren discuss sensory processing disorder (SPD) versus autism spectrum disorder, explaining what SPD is, where it overlaps with autism, and why sensory challenges alone do not mean autism; they note ADHD can also include sensory differences. They define SPD as difficulty detecting, modulating, or interpreting sensory input and emphasize it is used clinically but is not in the DSM-5, which can limit insurance resources, comparing this to PDA and sharing an example of a bipolar misdiagnosis used to access care. They define autism by social communication differences and restrictive/repetitive behaviors, with sensory reactivity included in criteria, and describe sensory patterns (hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and sensory seeking) with everyday examples. They recommend supports such as reducing sensory load, previewing transitions, offering choices (clothing, ear protection, movement breaks), tracking triggers, pursuing occupational therapy evaluations, and prioritizing function over label.

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## Transcript

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