More current research, published in 2020, indicates that, in general, children with SPD may have more sensory processing issues than children with ASD. 

Differentiating between SPD and ASD (2020)

While it is not clear what the neural substrates underlying sensory processing deficits in children with ASD and SPD are yet, research in 2017 shows that there are larger gray matter volumes in early sensory regions associated with atypical sensory processing of visual, auditory, tactile, and taste/smell modalities. 

Lawrence University

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)

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

Learn Before

Related

Learn After