Research in 2014 found differences in white matter tracts between children with ASD and SPD, with abnormal posterior white matter microstructure correlating with sensory dysfunction in children with SPD. 

Differentiating between SPD and ASD (2014 research findings)

While children with ASD may also have deficits in sensory processing, the behavioral profiles of sensory processing in children with ASD and children with SPD may differ. 

Lawrence University

The DSM-5 criteria for children with ASD includes deficits in sensory processing, specifically sensory modulation. Any sensory modality may be affected but some evidence suggests that individuals with ASD have a greater frequency of sensory deficits in the domains of taste and smell, as well as tactile sensitivity. 

- neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD

Sensory Processing Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

A condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory input. May affect one or multiple senses. Symptoms could include over-sensitivity to certain stimuli, difficulties with coordination, or failure to respond to outside stimuli. This disorder is often seen in individuals on the Autism spectrum. It is not currently recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis.

Sensory Processing Disorder

Tavassoli, T., Miller, L. J., Schoen, S. A., Jo Brout, J., Sullivan, J., &#38; Baron-Cohen, S. (2018). Sensory reactivity, empathizing and systemizing in autism spectrum conditions and sensory processing disorder. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 29, 72–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2017.05.005

Differentiating between Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder Reference

Since more than half of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display sensory over-responsivity, are there differences in brain response, habituation, and connectivity during exposure to sensory stimuli between children with ASD and sensory over-responsivity, compared to neurotypical children?

Neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD (research question)

Treatment (and possible treatment) for Sensory Integration Dysfunction/Sensory Processing Disorder

The neurotransmitter GABA is heavily involved in sensory integration, and reduced GABA levels have been observed in children with ASD compared to children without ASD

This could be a key reason for sensory issues in ASD, with sensory processing issues having a prevalence rate of 90% in people with ASD

Role of GABA Neurotransmitter in Sensory Processing and ASD

Strategic use of deep pressure (defined as the sensation provided when an individual is hugged, squeezed, stroked, or held), often used by occupational therapists when working with patients with ASD

Deep Pressure Therapy

McIntosh et. al (2007) assessed electrodermal responses in 19 children with sensory-modulation disruptions and 19 typically developing control children. 4 members in the SMD group did not have electrodermal responses to sensory stimuli. Excluding the 4 non-responders in the SMD group and their matched controls, the researchers found that the children in the SMD group showed more electrodermal responses and responses higher in magnitude than the control children. Something important to note about this study is that children with autism were excluded from the study.

Electrodermal responses to sensory stimuli in children with sensory-modulation disruptions

- Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) 
- Sensory Discrimination Disorder
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorder 

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