What Causes SPD?

by Jeanie
(New York)

Is the cause for SPD known? I was also wondering if there is a genetic link? I suspect there might be. My daughter has it and I suspect my husband does too.

The SPD Help Line Answers...

The simple answer is that we do not yet know the actual cause(s) of SPD. However, we DO know that there appear to be many factors that predispose you to have SPD, or make SPD more likely. And, YES, there does appear to be a genetic component, although we have not proven any genetic markers yet. You would be amazed how many parents of SPD children are coming out of the woodwork (once it is identified in their child and they do the research about it) realizing they too probably have SPD that has gone undiagnosed all their lives. Have you seen the Adult Checklist?

As for causes and individuals who are "at risk" for developing SPD? Well, we do know that SPD is a neurological disorder that can begin in utero, or as a young child, due to many factors which can disrupt normal neurological development. If you understand that neurological development is a maturational developmental process that every child goes through, then you can also understand when factors might negatively impact that development.

Children at risk for having or developing SPD are those who:

1. Have Autism, Aspergers, PDD, or other spectrum disorders (which are neurologically based too).

2. Have been institutionalized or understimulated during critical periods of neurological development.

3. Have been tube fed for extended periods of time (due to decreased oral stimulation and proper oral motor development).

4. Have Fragile X Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD and other developmental delays and neurological disorders.

5. Were drug addicted during fetal development.

6. Have relatives with SPD, especially parents or siblings.

7. Do not receive proper, or enough, stimulation to all senses during development.

8. Had extended hospital stays, especially in the first year.

9. Have been exposed to a variety of environmental toxins.

10. Have food allergies.

11. Those with mental health issues (although the chicken/egg theory can be argued here), as it increasingly becomes apparent in adults.

12. Are gifted.

There are also individuals who can not identify a cause by any of the above, and for unknown reasons develop (or are "born with") SPD as well.

At this point, the thing to know and understand is that it is a neurological disorder. And, just as many causes of neurological disorders/issues are not thoroughly understood for other diagnoses, it IS real and it CAN get better with sensory integrative OT therapy, along with a variety of companion programs.

It is important to receive a proper diagnosis, even if not always clear what the origins are, and it is never too late to improve neurological development and processing.

Further studies need to, and are being done regarding the causes of SPD. We will just have to wait patiently to find the answer(s).

I hope this helps you understand it a little better. Wish there was a clear definitive answer I could give you.

Anyone else have any input regarding the causes of SPD? Let us know!

Michele Mitchell