Behavior & Social

Autism vs Sensory Processing Disorder

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines

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Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed autism vs sensory processing disorder, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap significantly, as most children with autism have sensory differences. However, sensory processing difficulties can exist without autism. The key distinction is that autism involves social communication differences, while sensory processing disorder primarily affects how sensory information is processed. A child with SPD alone typically has normal social communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between the two.

Key takeaways

  • Autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap significantly, as most children with autism have sensory differences. However, sensory processing difficulties can exist without autism. The key distinction is that autism involves social communication differences, while sensory processing disorder primarily affects how sensory information is processed. A child with SPD alone typically has normal social communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between the two.
  • Usually normal when: Your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap significantly, as most children with autism have sensory differences. However, sensory processing difficulties can exist without autism. The key distinction is that autism involves social communication differences, while sensory processing disorder primarily affects how sensory information is processed. A child with SPD alone typically has normal social communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between the two. At 12-24 months, sensory differences are apparent in both conditions at this age. The distinguishing feature is social communication: a child with SPD alone makes eye contact, points, engages socially, and communicates intent. A child with autism has differences in these areas. It is generally considered normal when your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well
Your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning
Your child has mild sensory sensitivities common in many children
Your child is losing skills alongside sensory and social challenges
Your child's sensory behaviors are diminishing with age
Your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present

By Age

What to expect by age

12-24 months

Sensory differences are apparent in both conditions at this age. The distinguishing feature is social communication: a child with SPD alone makes eye contact, points, engages socially, and communicates intent. A child with autism has differences in these areas.

24-36 months

As social demands increase, differences become clearer. A child with SPD alone plays pretend, takes turns, and engages peers despite sensory challenges. A child with autism has difficulty with these social aspects.

3-4 years

A comprehensive evaluation including OT for sensory assessment and psychology for social communication assessment can distinguish between the two. Many children benefit from OT support regardless of diagnosis.

4-5 years

Both conditions benefit from occupational therapy. Children with autism also need social communication support. Accurate diagnosis guides the most effective intervention plan.

5-6 years

With appropriate support, children with both conditions make progress. Understanding whether the primary challenge is sensory processing, social communication, or both guides treatment priorities.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed autism vs sensory processing disorder and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present.
  • Mention if your child has been told they have SPD and you have lingering concerns about social communication.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well
  • Your child has mild sensory sensitivities common in many children
  • Your child's sensory behaviors are diminishing with age
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present
  • Your child has been told they have SPD and you have lingering concerns about social communication
  • You want a comprehensive evaluation to clarify your child's needs
Act now when...
  • Your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning
  • Your child is losing skills alongside sensory and social challenges

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice autism vs sensory processing disorder — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 12-24 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning.

Signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties

Sensory processing differences affect how a child's brain interprets sensory information from their environment and body. Signs include over-sensitivity (avoiding sounds, textures, or lights), under-sensitivity (seeking intense sensory input), or a combination. If sensory differences significantly affect your child's daily life, eating, playing, or social participation, an occupational therapy evaluation can help.

Worried About Autism - When and How to Screen

The AAP recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months for all children, using the M-CHAT-R/F questionnaire. If you have concerns before these ages, you can request screening earlier. Early signs of autism may include limited eye contact, no pointing by 12 months, no words by 16 months, no pretend play by 18 months, or loss of any previously acquired skills. Trust your instincts as a parent and raise concerns with your pediatrician.

Early Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be identified as early as 12-18 months, though most children are not diagnosed until age 2-3. Early signs include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, lack of pointing or showing, limited social smiling, and absence of pretend play. Having one or two of these signs does not mean your child has autism - many typically developing children share individual traits. However, a pattern of multiple social communication differences warrants evaluation. Early intervention, regardless of eventual diagnosis, consistently leads to the best outcomes.

Milestone

Milestone Checklists by Age

Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is autism vs sensory processing disorder normal?
Autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap significantly, as most children with autism have sensory differences. However, sensory processing difficulties can exist without autism. The key distinction is that autism involves social communication differences, while sensory processing disorder primarily affects how sensory information is processed. A child with SPD alone typically has normal social communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between the two.
When should I call the doctor about autism vs sensory processing disorder?
Your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning Your child is losing skills alongside sensory and social challenges
When is autism vs sensory processing disorder normal?
Your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well Your child has mild sensory sensitivities common in many children Your child's sensory behaviors are diminishing with age
What causes autism vs sensory processing disorder?
Autism and sensory processing difficulties overlap significantly, as most children with autism have sensory differences. However, sensory processing difficulties can exist without autism. The key distinction is that autism involves social communication differences, while sensory processing disorder primarily affects how sensory information is processed. A child with SPD alone typically has normal social communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between the two. Common explanations include: Your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well. Your child has mild sensory sensitivities common in many children.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about autism vs sensory processing disorder?
You should mention autism vs sensory processing disorder at your next visit if: Your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present. Your child has been told they have SPD and you have lingering concerns about social communication. You want a comprehensive evaluation to clarify your child's needs.
Is autism vs sensory processing disorder normal at 12-24 months?
Sensory differences are apparent in both conditions at this age. The distinguishing feature is social communication: a child with SPD alone makes eye contact, points, engages socially, and communicates intent. A child with autism has differences in these areas.
Is autism vs sensory processing disorder normal at 24-36 months?
As social demands increase, differences become clearer. A child with SPD alone plays pretend, takes turns, and engages peers despite sensory challenges. A child with autism has difficulty with these social aspects.
Should I go to the ER for autism vs sensory processing disorder?
Seek emergency care if your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning, or if your child is losing skills alongside sensory and social challenges. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does autism vs sensory processing disorder go away on its own?
In many cases, autism vs sensory processing disorder resolves on its own, especially when your child has some sensory preferences but communicates and socializes well. By 5-6 years, with appropriate support, children with both conditions make progress. Understanding whether the primary challenge is sensory processing, social communication, or both guides treatment priorities.
AAPNIHCDC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Sensory Integration Therapy. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]National Institute of Mental Health. Autism Spectrum Disorder. NIH
  3. [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism Signs and Symptoms. CDC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Autism vs Sensory Processing Disorder.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed autism vs sensory processing disorder and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present.
  • Mention if your child has been told they have SPD and you have lingering concerns about social communication.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child has significant sensory differences and you are unsure if autism is also present
  • Your child has been told they have SPD and you have lingering concerns about social communication
  • You want a comprehensive evaluation to clarify your child's needs

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning
  • Your child is losing skills alongside sensory and social challenges

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Milestone ChecklistsEarly Intervention DirectoryBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of autism vs sensory processing disorder are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has severe sensory and social communication difficulties affecting daily functioning.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties

Sensory processing differences affect how a child's brain interprets sensory information from their environment and body. Signs include over-sensitivity (avoiding sounds, textures, or lights), under-sensitivity (seeking intense sensory input), or a combination. If sensory differences significantly affect your child's daily life, eating, playing, or social participation, an occupational therapy evaluation can help.

Worried About Autism - When and How to Screen

The AAP recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months for all children, using the M-CHAT-R/F questionnaire. If you have concerns before these ages, you can request screening earlier. Early signs of autism may include limited eye contact, no pointing by 12 months, no words by 16 months, no pretend play by 18 months, or loss of any previously acquired skills. Trust your instincts as a parent and raise concerns with your pediatrician.

Early Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers

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