SPD Influence on overall intellect/intelligence

by Jewell Hayes
(Jenks, OK)

Our 23 month old grandson was, just today, diagnosed with



SPD/Hyposensitivity to Movement (he has all the classic signs).
As his parents, and us, go through the necessary treatments
and processes to overcome this ailment, a question comes to mind.

Does this ailment affect the intelligence or learning ability of the individual??

Or, does the fact of early diagnosis and treatment help to overcome any potential learning disability, or does this depend upon the individual??

Any feedback will truly be appreciated.



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Sep 19, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		NO
by: Kristin

My son has SPD and is gifted, so he is above average intelligence. Apparently SPD is pretty common amongst gifted children. From what I've seen though, it doesn't affect his learning. We just have to modify his learning environment a little.
Oct 12, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		I certainly hope not! :)
by: Anonymous

As an adult with a professional career, a masters degree, and plans of possibly returning for a doctorate -- I certainly hope that my SPD hasn't negatively influenced my intelligence!

Having SPD influences quite a few things in my life, but my intelligence doesn't seem to be one of them. In my admittedly-not-very-humble-or-objective-opinion, of course ;)
Apr 20, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Grandson's SPD
by: Jewell Hayes

Thanks Anonymous!

Our grandson is beginning to respond to therapy.
Just this week the speech therapist reported
how well he was relating and interacting. Some
of his words aren't yet distinguishable, but the
therapist says that is anticipated.
He and the occupational therapist do not seem to
interrelate very well,yet. But there is hope for
improvements, or possibly replacing the OT.
All in all, we, or his parents could not be more
pleased with his progress.

Thanks to all that have commented. We appreciate
each of you, more than we can express.
Apr 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No, SPD does NOT hinder intelligence
by: Anonymous

My son was not properly diagnosed until he was 5, so you are fortunate to benefit from an early diagnosis. My son is in second grade now. Although his grades are mediocre (because his school does not use letter grades but rather the much more subjective O, G, S, and N system), he just scored a perfect score on the Naglieri test. This test is given to all second graders in the county as a measure of "giftedness" and used to qualify children for the advanced academic program. A perfect score of what is essentially an IQ "test"!!

So please don't despair. Teachers may act like the SPD child is a "problem learner" but the truth is the SPD may just have a problem with the learning environment instead.
Jan 25, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Smart Kids who learn differently
by: Anonymous

I responded earlier; however, the computer omitted a portion of what I was trying to say:
I am struggling with getting teachers to change their perspective from "what the kid is doing to my classroom", to "what's the kid struggling with & how can I make his day better". Your grandchild can benefit greatly from "Early Intervention", which I do believe is free of charge!!!

The reason for this post: should you go to the "Out of Sync Child" website, specifically to Carol Kranowitz's Upcoming Events, you will see a number of conferences on SPD. Notice the conference on March 12th in Chevy Chase, MD: the "Diamonds in the Rough: Smart Kids Who Learn Differently". You may have an interest in this----I sure do! Maybe I'll see you there :)
Jan 24, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SPD is not a Learning Disability
by: Anonymous

I am an educator, and I too have a child with SPD. Through constant education on this topic, I have learned that SPD is not a Learning Disability. However, it is very individual to each child, and I certainly am no expert on SPD. What I have learned is that the "behaviors" related to SPD can lead to issues in the classroom. If the childs needs are not met through "input", then he/she may have difficulty "attending" to lessons. As a result, this may hinder the childs ability to learn material.

I don't know; my kid is very antsy-pantsy in school, and continues to come home each & everyday with new material! I do know this---it's the teacher's job to find a way to teach your child to his/her learning style. Many SPD kids are not "Classified" in Special Ed programs, because SPD is not a Learning Disability. If the school "meets the child's needs" (w/ SPD that means providing "input" all day throughout the day), then the child can attend to lessons, and as such, learn!!!!! Again, there's lots to learn about your specific SPD issues, and of course, any other issues that may be present. I have found it very difficult to get teachers & other classroom personnel to change their perspective from , to understanding .

Everyday is an education for me, from my child, as well as books, websites, etc. Research Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this is a Civil Rights law----a 504 in the classroom requires the teacher to meet specific "Accommodations & Modifications" for the student---this keeps the SPD kid in the regular ed classroom, and the teacher is legally bound to "meet the needs" of the child (ie: provide "input") all day. Again, every child is different, and SPD will have different challenges for each child, which will vary every day. Education is the key!
Jan 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		only SPD i think does not infuence intellect
by: Anonymous

There are more or less subtle forms of SPD, but from research done, I understand that the disorder does not affect intelligence, and is also my real testimonianza. good luck.

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