Is a student with SPD eligible for Special education and an IEP? How about under Section 504?
A diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) alone does not necessarily or typically qualify a student for special education. However, when considering eligibility, there may be situations where a student with SPD may meet the criteria for Developmental Delay, Other Health Impairment, or even Emotional Impairment (caused by the presence of SPD) depending on state disability definitions. Teams are encouraged to review their state disability definitions in relation to the individual student for whom they are considering eligibility. Sensory processing problems can also coexist with, or be a part of, other disabilities. For example, students on the PDD spectrum often have sensory processing issues and their ability to participate in school can be facilitated through the use of sensory strategies. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has a broader definition of a qualifying disability than does Special Education. To be eligible under Section 504 an individual must have a mental or phy
