Sensory Processing Disorder

How Is Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosed? Tests, Signs, and Evaluation Tools

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

How Is Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosed? A Step-by-Step Overview

Diagnosing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) involves a comprehensive evaluation of how a person responds to sensory stimuli in everyday life. There is no single medical test for SPD, and because SPD is not formally recognized in the DSM-5, diagnosis is typically made by occupational therapists using observational assessments, standardized tests, and input from parents or caregivers.

The diagnostic process often includes:

  • A developmental history interview
  • Standardized sensory assessments
  • Observations in home, school, or clinical settings
  • Input from teachers or other professionals

SPD may be diagnosed on its own or in conjunction with conditions like autism or ADHD, which can complicate the process.

Who Can Diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is most often evaluated and diagnosed by:

  • Pediatric Occupational Therapists (OTs) with training in sensory integration
  • Developmental pediatricians (to rule out or identify co-occurring conditions)
  • Psychologists or neurologists, in cases where multiple diagnoses are being considered

While SPD is not formally recognized in many diagnostic manuals, qualified professionals rely on evidence-based tools and clinical expertise to identify sensory processing challenges.

Common Tests and Evaluation Tools for SPD

The most widely used tools for diagnosing SPD include:

  • Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT): A detailed battery that assesses sensory discrimination, postural control, and motor planning.
  • Sensory Profile™ (by Dunn): A caregiver or self-report questionnaire used to measure sensory behaviors in different settings.
  • Sensory Processing Measure (SPM): Evaluates sensory processing across home and school environments.
  • Clinical Observations of Motor and Postural Skills (COMPS): Assesses motor skills related to sensory integration.

These tests are typically used together to form a complete picture of the individual’s sensory strengths and challenges.

Signs That an SPD Evaluation May Be Needed

Parents and caregivers may seek an SPD evaluation if a child exhibits:

  • Overreaction to sensory input (e.g., sounds, textures, lights)
  • Frequent meltdowns or tantrums in response to minor stimuli
  • Clumsiness or poor motor coordination
  • Trouble with clothing, grooming, or food textures
  • Seeming “in their own world” or unusually passive

These signs alone don’t confirm SPD but indicate a need for further assessment by a qualified professional.

Challenges in Diagnosing SPD

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing SPD is its overlap with other developmental conditions, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and anxiety. Since SPD is not officially listed in the DSM-5, some medical professionals hesitate to diagnose it as a standalone condition.

However, occupational therapists often use the Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) Framework, a research-backed method for identifying and treating SPD, regardless of its classification in psychiatric manuals.

Is there a medical test for Sensory Processing Disorder?

No. There is currently no blood test or brain scan that can diagnose SPD. Diagnosis is based on behavioral observations, sensory assessments, and developmental history.

What age can you diagnose SPD?

SPD can be identified as early as toddlerhood, typically between ages 2 and 5. However, some individuals are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, especially if symptoms were mild or misattributed to other conditions.

Can adults be diagnosed with SPD?

Yes. While most diagnoses occur in childhood, adults can be diagnosed with SPD, often after years of unexplained sensitivity to sound, touch, or other stimuli.

Why isn't SPD in the DSM-5?

SPD is not listed in the DSM-5 due to limited large-scale research and debate over whether it should be considered a standalone disorder. However, the condition is widely acknowledged by occupational therapists and sensory integration experts.

How long does an SPD evaluation take?

A complete SPD evaluation can take 2–3 hours across multiple sessions, including interviews, questionnaires, and direct testing.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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