Sensory modulation is the ability to modulate or regulate responses to sensory stimuli; Responses to sensory stimuli are appropriate to the demands of daily life.

Sensory Modulation

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

Lawrence University

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

James, K., Miller, L. J., Schaaf, R., Nielsen, D. M., & Schoen, S. A. (2011). Phenotypes within sensory modulation dysfunction. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 52(6), 715–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2010.11.010

Phenotypes within sensory modulation dysfunction reference

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. 

Differentiating between Sensory Processing Disorder and Austism Spectrum Disorder

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.

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