The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation (SPDF) received unexpected news in late June that sensory processing disorder is "on the list" of "novel diagnostic entities" that could be published in the upcoming DSM-V, the official diagnostic manual of mental health disorders.

In a communication last month, the DSM-V Task Force notified the foundation that a package of research it had submitted between January and April "has received an in-depth evaluation (which is a testament to the amount and quality of the data). We are still in the middle of considering novel diagnostic entities in various other parts of the manual, beyond the 'main body' that contains diagnoses. Sensory processing disorder is on this list."

SPDF had planned to submit final studies next January as part of the ongoing process that leads to publication. But the Task Force has asked the foundation to submit unpublished data by August because field trials are likely to begin this summer. That's five months ahead of sched-ule, but the foundation plans to make the deadline.

In an effort to get unpublished but very relevant data into the hands of the DSM-V Task Force, the foundation has created a very short online survey that must be filled out only by physicians who treat children with sensory processing issues, so please do not fill it out yourself! Also, do not try to "see" the entire survey by filling it out. Any uploaded data will be added to the file and skew the results.

Data analysis will begin in just three weeks. SPDF has written an introductory letter with the survey link that you or parents of OT pediatric patients can e-mail to doctors. The text of the letter is printed below, and is also available at www.advanceweb.com/OT in a form you can paste into an email.

There are also helpful hints to get the doctors' attention and cooperation

Text of Letter

Dear (Physician's Name),

The DSM-V committee is requesting data from physicians about Sensory Processing Disorder. Below is a link to a 3-minute online survey. The survey will provide data about whether the new diagnosis would be used in the medical community. By taking this very short survey, you will help answer the usefulness question.

The millions of children, adults, and families living with SPD need the diagnostic status and standards of assessment and treatment that come with diagnostic recognition in the DSM. Diagnostic recognition will also make it easier for families to get reimbursed for the services their children need and for scientists to receive the funding they need to continue researching the disorder.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer the basic questions in the survey.

Questions about this survey? Please contact Kim Leserman at 310-937-9992.

To take the survey, click on this link or copy the link into your browser to begin.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Z_2fq3hEB9sY77Dej5CDRqQ_3d_3d