ADVOCACY

Petition to support continued research to determine if Sensory Processing Disorder should be included in the DSM-V Sensory Processing Disorder

(SPD) is a neurological disorder characterized by poor detection, modulation, discrimination or responses to sensory stimuli. Individuals with SPD have difficulty managing sensory information that is received and interpreted by the brain.

Currently SPD is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The DSM is the standard diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals worldwide to promote reliable research, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Pilot prevalence studies estimate that 5% of children have SPD, which means that 3.5 million children in the U.S., alone, have the disorder. Until SPD is included in the DSM, many children will be undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, improperly medicated and unable to obtain appropriate treatment. Many children will continue to suffer significant consequences such as school failure, low self-esteem, and poor social interactions.

In January 2007, we will be submitting an application to the DSM-V Committee. We will receive one of the following responses: “Yes, do more research and contact us with a full report in two years, “ or “No, no more research is indicated.” A “Yes” response will mean that we have two to three years to collect more research data and then decide whether the evidence is strong enough to apply for DSM inclusion. If we get a “no” response, the next opportunity to submit an application to have SPD in the DSM won’t be until 2025! Please help us gain the additional years we need for research now.

By submitting this form, I am indicating my support for more research of Sensory Processing Disorder.