Is Sensory Processing Disorder a Real Diagnosis?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics wrote about sensory processing disorder. It said there was no "universally accepted framework for diagnosis" of this disorder. It said the disorder "generally should not be diagnosed" for that reason. It said other conditions "must be considered" when sensory signs are present. In our view, tell your child's doctor what you are seeing.
What did the American Academy of Pediatrics say in 2012?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about sensory processing disorder. It said there was no "universally accepted framework for diagnosis" of this disorder. It said the disorder "generally should not be diagnosed" for that reason. It also wrote about older children and teenagers. For them, it said "no commonly accepted definition" existed.
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about trouble handling sensory information. It said this "may be seen" in many conditions. It named autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder and anxiety disorders. It said these "must be considered and thoroughly evaluated" when sensory signs are present. It said that usually means a referral to a specialist. It named three kinds. One is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. The others are a child psychiatrist and a child psychologist.
What do we know about sensory processing disorder and the DSM?
The DSM is a US psychiatric manual. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about it in 2012. It said the DSM-5 committee had asked for more studies. The committee wanted them first. Only then could sensory processing disorder be officially recognized.
We hold no source on whether sensory processing disorder is in the DSM-5. We hold none for later editions either. So we do not say that it is, or that it is not. The same goes for the World Health Organization's list, ICD-11.
How current is the 2012 statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a policy statement in 2012. It was about sensory integration therapies. In October 2026, the statement's page was checked on the AAP website. The page had no note saying the statement was renewed or retired. We could not find out where the statement stands today.
What does the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2012 statement mean for your family?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics said other conditions "must be considered" when sensory signs are present. In our view, tell your child's doctor what you are seeing. Our rule is to describe patterns on these pages. We do not put a name on a child. Write down what you are seeing, with dates and examples.
Common questions from parents
Is sensory processing disorder a real disorder?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about sensory processing disorder. It said there was no "universally accepted framework for diagnosis" of this disorder. It said the disorder "generally should not be diagnosed" for that reason. It said other conditions "must be considered" when sensory signs are present. In our view, tell your child's doctor what you are seeing.
What do we know about sensory processing disorder and the DSM-5?
The DSM is a US psychiatric manual. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about it in 2012. It said the DSM-5 committee had asked for more studies. The committee wanted them first. Only then could sensory processing disorder be officially recognized. We hold no source on whether sensory processing disorder is in the DSM-5. We hold none for later editions either. So we do not say that it is, or that it is not.
What did the American Academy of Pediatrics say about other conditions in 2012?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote about trouble handling sensory information. It said this "may be seen" in many conditions. It named autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder and anxiety disorders. It said these "must be considered and thoroughly evaluated" when sensory signs are present. It said that usually means a referral to a specialist. It named three kinds. One is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. The others are a child psychiatrist and a child psychologist.
How current is the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2012 statement?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a policy statement in 2012. It was about sensory integration therapies. In October 2026, the statement's page was checked on the AAP website. The page had no note saying the statement was renewed or retired. We could not find out where the statement stands today. In our view, tell your child's doctor what you are seeing.