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Autism Spectrum Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder are they rough with their peers at school? My son has only been diagnosed with ASD but I suspect he also has SPD.  He has many sensory issues, receives occupational therapy at school, and has just recently started wearing a weighted vest to help him calm/focus better.  Sometimes I get reports from my son's preschool teacher that he is rough with peers at school.  Most recently I got a report that he "attacked" a peer.  I am so afraid of him hurting someone as he's only 5 but he's a pretty big boy already.  Is this rough behavior because he is craving sensory input? That is what I am thinking.  My son can be very touchy feely and likes to touch/hug others a lot.  Is being rough to peers something that's commonly associated with Autism and/or SPD?

RedSoxfan1982 · Accepted Answer

Hi I have SPD and I am 31 was diagnosed at age 7. I had OT as well.  From reading so much about my disorder It seems that your son is under responsive meaning he craves the need for touch and sensation.  He expresses this through roughness and anger.  You can try talking to him about this and try talking to your OT to see how they can work with him on this to see if he can express his anger in another way.  I know he is only 5 and may not understand what he is doing is not right. 

I am the complete opposite where as I am Over Responsive and don't like touch or sensation and often have a hard time socialziing with others.

Seems to me like your being a great parent though by being concerned about this and I want to say I applaud you for supporting your son.  I have a supportive family as well who do their best to understand me.

Hope that helps you.

Leah · Answer

I have a son diagnosed with ASD and SPD (SPD came first, I would consider all children diagnosed with ASD to have sensory integration problems).  He is also of the "craving touch" type (which, anecdotally, seems less common).

For us, when other kids have gotten hurt, it usually has little to do with sensory issues and more to do with ASD/perspective taking (i.e. he gets angry because of a misunderstanding and then perseverates on it).  As he's grown older, he has been able to control himself more and more.  At age 2, we had to stop playgroups because of his tantrums.  By age 6, I didn't have to worry about other children getting hurt.  There wasn't a vacuum in between that--it was a lot of work.

Anyway, I'd suggest looking into the issue more deeply to be certain you understand the whole problem and are targeting everything that needs help.

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