Sensory perception in autism.

Introduction: Headaches are common among children and about 80% of children reporting them. Migraine and tension type headaches are the most common primary headaches in children and the prevalence of migraine is about 8%. Accompanying sensory symptoms are common before, during and after migraine attacks. They may be a part of a wider symptom constellation called sensory processing disorder or difficulties (SPD). This includes both hyper or hypo sensitivity to sensations. However, the literature regarding sensory processing symptoms of children and youth with headaches as well as its interaction with child's emotional aspects and quality of life is scarce.Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-four children between the ages of 8 and 12 participated in this study. Fifty-four children (22 boys and 32 girls) with episodic migraine were prospectively recruited from pediatric neurological clinics during the years 2014–2017. The control group included 80 healthy children. Both groups completed a health and demographic questionnaire, headache assessment including Ped-MIDAS, Short Sensory Profile, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for children, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.Results: Children with migraine showed significantly higher prevalence of sensory processing difficulties and lower quality of life compared to healthy controls. Among children with migraine, sensory processing difficulties significantly correlated with lower quality of life. Headache-related disability and sensory processing difficulties predicted quality of life.Conclusion: The possible relationship between migraine and sensory processing disorder or difficulties stresses the need to screen for sensory processing difficulties among children with migraine and when found—refer to their impacts on children's daily function and quality of life.

IntroductionParticipation in personally significant occupations often contributes to quality of life. Parenting a child with difficulties in sensory processing may present challenges that can affect subjective and objective components of parental participation, thus possibly decreasing their quality of life. This study aimed to compare these components between mothers of children with and without difficulties in sensory processing and explore their relationship with maternal quality of life.MethodsSeventy mothers of children aged 3–8 years with (50%) and without difficulties in sensory processing completed questionnaires measuring subjective occupational experience, objective frequency of participation in health promoting activities, and quality of life. No consumer or community involvement occurred.ResultsSatisfaction with participation competence as well as objective frequency of participation in health promoting activities among mothers from the study group was found to be significantly lower than the control group. Additionally, a significant moderately strong correlation was found between these variables and the quality of life of all mothers.ConclusionsSubjective and objective participation in health promoting activities is lower in mothers of children with difficulties in sensory processing. Additionally, the quality of life in all mothers was linked to their perceived capability and frequency of engagement in health‐promoting activities. Raising awareness to the experience of mothers of children with challenges in sensory processing may help bring to attention the importance of enhancing mothers' engagement in health‐promoting activities.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYMothering a child with difficulties in sensory processing can influence parents' emotional states and sense of competence, affecting how mothers take part in activities that support their health and quality of life. In this study, 70 mothers of children aged 3–8, with and without difficulties in sensory processing, were asked about how often they participate in activities that promote their health, their experiences, and about their quality of life. The mothers of children with difficulties in sensory processing felt less confident in their abilities and did fewer activities that support their health. Also, in all the mothers, their quality of life was related to how competent they feel and how often they performed these types of activities. This shows how important it is to support mothers of children with sensory processing difficulties helping them feel confident and join in activities that support their health. It is a reminder that family‐focussed intervention is key to making sure mothers are doing well too.

Introduction Roughly 5.3 million elementary children in the United States experience sensory processing (SP) difficulties, like sensitivity to touch and overstimulation with movement. These difficulties cause high levels of daytime stress and daytime dysfunction (e.g., difficulties with attention, academics, and emotional regulation). In typically developing children (without SP difficulties), high levels of daytime stress impact sleep; however, research has yet to explore sleep health in children with SP difficulties. Our study aims to use validated self- and parent-reported questionnaires to characterize differences in sleep health for children with and without SP difficulties. Methods Children (ages 6-10) with (n=22) and without (n=33) SP difficulties (per parent report; Autism and ADHD diagnosis excluded) were recruited for this convergent mixed-methods study. Sleep was assessed using validated self- and parent-report questionnaires, the Sleep Self-Report (SSR) and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and through qualitative interviews with parents. Groups were compared using t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance set a priori at α=0.05. A rapid qualitative analysis produced themes and were integrated with the quantitative data. Results Parents of children with SP report significantly worse sleep quality on the CSHQ difficulties (MedianSP= 50.5, SDSP= 11.45) than parents of children without SP difficulties (MedianCON=43.0, SDCON=7.27, U= -2.92, p=.004). Children with SP deficits also report significantly worse sleep on the SSR (MSPD=42.18, SDSPD=8.26) compared to their peers (MCON=33.55, SDCON=6.71, t(53)= -4.26, p<.001). Qualitative themes highlight the higher prevalence of rigid, lengthy bedtime routines and adaptations within the sleep environment (e.g. specific pajamas, special bedding) to support sleep for children with SP difficulties. Parents of children with SP difficulties also report higher frequencies of an adult being in the room while the child falls asleep and co-sleeping in the middle of the night. Conclusion Parents and children both report poorer sleep in children with SP difficulties when compared to peers. Future studies should incorporate other sleep health measurement tools (e.g. actigraphy) to further understand areas to target for intervention. Support (If Any) Sensory Integration Education Network PhD Grant (PI: Hartman, 2021); University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Science’s PhD Student Award (PI: Hartman, 2021).

Current research shows that children with sensory processing (SP) difficulties have limited participation and enjoyment in their daily activities at school. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of SP difficulties among Danish children and to explore possible associated factors. Since SP difficulties can affect children's prerequisites for participation in school activities and learning possibilities, this study focused on primary school children. Method. The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. The sample consisted of 1723 children age 5 to 11 years, who were attending Danish public school (45.5% girls, 53.2% boys). The parents or caregivers of the child completed a Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. One-way ANOVA was used to examine differences between girls and boys regarding sports, geographic area, and parental level of education. Chi-square analysis was used to explore the relationship between sex and SPP scores in the different behavioral sections. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate possible associations between SP difficulties and sex and the included demographics. Results. A total of 21.3% of the children had SSP scores suggesting SP difficulties. Boys had a higher probability of having SP difficulties than girls (odds ratio (OR) = 1.55, confidence level (Cl): 1.22, 1.97). An association was found between participating in sports outside of school and SP difficulties (OR = 0.55, Cl: 0.47, 0.65 (p ≤ 0.001)). Additionally, a slight association between SP difficulties and parental education level (OR = 0.80) was found. No association was found regarding geographic area, i.e., where in Denmark the children attended school (OR = 1.00). Conclusion. The study results suggest that approximately 20% of the children in Danish public schools might have SP difficulties and over 20% might be at risk of having SP difficulties. The results suggest that Danish schools should focus on both identifying children with SP difficulties and implement interventions such as sensory integration through occupational therapy to help children with SP difficulties, in order to improve their ability to participate and learn from school activities.

Sensory Processing (SP) difficulties in children are seen to be increasing in today’s world. Quite a few typically developing children are reported to have difficulties in coping with school, home and play environments. Their difficulties are mostly labeled abnormal behaviors and with superficial assessments these children often receive traditional treatments that marginally decrease their problems without giving long term functional gains. Hence their SP dysfunctions make them adopt pathological behaviors as they grow, making them incompetent as compared to their peers. One of the factors behind these children getting unnoticed at an early age is lack of awareness about SP difficulties among the parents, teachers and medical fraternity in India. The other important factors include unavailability of contributory study in this area done on the Indian population and the use of non-normated, generalized evaluation tools done for evaluation of these difficulties. Further less information on what is age related typical SP makes it trickier to differentiate between a typical behavior and SP difficulty. The present study is the first study that would make an effort to understand the age related SP in Indian preschoolers aged 3-7 years. The QOSP includes observations based on literature and theoretical constructs of SP which are graded and made quantitative for ease of administration and interpretation. This study intends to establish the age appropriate expected response and estimate the children posing risk to develop SP dysfunctions. The study further attempts to understand correlations between the different parameters of QOSP and tries to identify those parameters that can be considered red flags for SP difficulties. The results of the study suggest about 3% of children in the typically developing group to be at the risk of having SP difficulties. About 20% are estimated to be having difficulties in at least one of the SP areas when compared with behaviors rated on Sensory Processing Measure. Apart from typically developing children the tool was also used in co-morbid conditions and was found to be useful in understanding the underlying Sensory Processing difficulties. Thus the QOSP can be considered a good measure not only in screening children with suspected sensory processing difficulties but also to gear the intervention program to be streamlined and goal oriented.

ABSTRACTBackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory esophageal disease associated with dysphagia, food impaction, feeding difficulties, vomiting, and failure to thrive in children. These symptoms result from dysregulated neural control and inflammation‐induced tissue remodeling and may extend beyond esophageal dysfunction to impact sensory processing. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory processing difficulties in children with EoE.MethodsThis prospective case‐control study included children with EoE and age‐matched healthy controls. Sociodemographic data and medical histories were collected. Sensory processing abilities were evaluated using the sensory profile, which evaluates sensory performance across multiple domains.ResultsA total of 69 children aged 3–10 years participated in the study, including 22 diagnosed with EoE and 47 healthy controls. No significant demographic differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). Children with EoE exhibited significantly greater sensory processing difficulties in oral sensory processing, vestibular processing, and oral sensory sensitivity compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSensory processing difficulties in children with EoE extend beyond feeding challenges, affecting oral sensory and vestibular processing functions. Incorporating sensory processing assessments into clinical evaluations may improve the understanding of sensory‐related challenges in this population. A multidisciplinary approach could help refine clinical management strategies.

The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between mastery motivation and sensory processing difficulties among South Korean children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Ninety-nine children aged 4–7 years with DCD participated. The Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire was used to assess the mastery motivation of the children, and the Short Sensory Profile was used to assess the children's sensory processing difficulties. All subjects showed lower mastery motivation and definite differences in sensory processing. Mastery motivation was significantly correlated with sensory processing (r = −0.34, p = 0.01). Mastery motivation predicted 41.1% of the sensory processing. In particular, a negative reaction to failure in mastery situations scale (p < 0.01) and general competence compared to peers scale (p < 0.05) in mastery motivation were significant predictors. This study indicated that sensory processing difficulties and lack of mastery motivation were identified among children with DCD in South Korea. And the children with high mastery motivation show less difficulty in sensory processing. It is suggested to develop possible solution for higher mastery motivation to improve sensory processing of the children with DCD in South Korea.

Children with difficulties in sensory regulation show challenges in many areas, including externalized and internalized beahiour problems. Methods: This study intended to determine the implications of sensory processing in the behaviour and in the social skills of 100 children, aged from 3-5, with typical development, through Sensory Processing Measure and Preschool and Kindergarten Behaviour Scales. Results: Significant associations were found between sensory processing difficulties and behaviour problems, between the total of the spm-p scale and internalized behaviour problems (p= .000); and the total of the spm-p scale and externalized behaviour problems (p= .000). The study showed a high prevalence of difficulties in sensory processing, not only in the home context but also in kindergarten, in undiagnosed children, with impact on multiple sensory systems. In children with dysfunction in sensory processing, it was possible to detect that hyporesponsive children have greater problems in terms of autonomy and the hiper-responsive ones have more difficulties in behaviour regulation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the higher difficulties in sensory processing the higher problems in the behavior are manifested in preschool children.

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many studies on sleep in children with ASD have reported a high incidence of irregular sleep patterns and poor sleep quality. Recent research has highlighted the potential link between Sensory Processing (SP) difficulties and sleep disturbances in children with ASD. Therefore, a comprehensive knowledge of the evidence exploring the relationship between SP and sleep in children with ASD is needed to provide insights into targeted interventions and support strategies to improve sleep outcomes and the overall quality of life in children with ASD. Aim: This systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between SP and sleep in children with ASD aged 3 to 12 years. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of articles was conducted across databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and OTseeker. The following major keywords were used during the database searches: Sensory processing, sensory integration, sensory processing disorder, sensory integration disorder, sleep, sleep disorder, sleep problems, sleep disturbances, and autism spectrum disorder. The McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was utilised to evaluate the methodological quality of the included articles. Results: Through electronic and manual searches, 2,612 articles were identified after removing duplicates. Among these, nine articles published between January 2012 and December 2022 met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Of these, eight studies reported a statistically significant correlation between SP difficulties and sleep disturbances. Conclusion: This review underscores the significant impact of SP challenges on the sleep quality of children diagnosed with ASD, aged 3 to 12 years.

Background People with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions have been demonstrated to have elevated rates of sensory processing (SP) difficulties in research and practice but the temporal order of this relationship is unclear. Methods This study sought to investigate whether SP difficulties in infancy predicted mental health at 5‐years as measured by the parent‐rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Sensory group in infancy was determined by latent class assignment from behavioural indicators proposed by patient and participant involvement. Data from 10,735 5‐year‐olds from a French birth cohort, recruited at birth were analysed using regression techniques. Results Approximately 1 in 10 infants experienced ‘definite’ sensory difficulties This group had significantly higher rates of clinical mental health symptoms at 5‐years (14.8% compared to 5.1% and 5.5% in the ‘typical’ and ‘possible’ sensory groups respectively) x 2 = 166.35, p ≤ 0.001. In fully‐adjusted models (controlling for cumulative sociodemographic risk, sex, history of maternal psychological difficulties), the odds of being in the group experiencing clinical levels of mental health symptoms at 5‐years increased by odds ratio 2.9 (95% confidence interval: 2.4–3.6) for children in the ‘definite’ sensory difficulties group compared to the ‘typical’ sensory group. There was no significant difference in odds between the ‘typical’ and ‘possible’ sensory groups. Conclusion Infants with significant sensory difficulties have much higher rates of mental health symptoms by 5‐years. Sensory difficulties may be prognostic of later child mental health and thus should be addressed in early intervention. Future research in child mental health should include standardised measures of SP as a potential transdiagnostic marker for preventative intervention.

Purpose To compare sensory processing and functional behavior abilities between participants with multiple sclerosis (MS), with and without cognitive impairments, and healthy controls, and to examine the role disease severity, cognitive impairment, and sensory processing have in predicting the functional behavior of persons with MS. Methods Sixty-one participants with MS were enrolled in this study, 43 with cognitive impairments and 18 without (based on the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS composite z-score), and 36 healthy controls. Participants were between the ages 23 and 63 and asked to complete the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Functional Behavior Profile, and MS Functional Composite. Results Both MS groups showed sensory processing difficulties with lower ability to register sensory input and greater sensory sensitivity and avoidance versus healthy controls. Among both MS groups, sensory processing difficulties correlated with greater disease severity and poor functional behavior in daily life. The significant predictors of functional behavior in daily life were a lower ability to register sensory input and greater sensory avoidance. Conclusions Persons with MS have sensory processing difficulties regardless of their cognitive abilities, which negatively affect their functional behavior. Research and practice should further explore the role of sensory processing as expressed in daily scenarios for persons with MS and consider the functional impacts of this study in order to optimize daily life experiences for patients. Implications for rehabilitation Sensory processing difficulties in multiple sclerosis (MS) are mainly expressed in poor ability to register and modulate sensory input from daily environment, regardless of patients’ cognitive status. Sensory processing difficulties in MS may affect patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living. Sensory processing difficulties in MS should be evaluated using objective measures (electrophysiology tools) as well as self-reports that reflect patients’ difficulties in real life context. Intervention programs in MS should refer to sensory processing difficulties, to their correlation with disease severity, cognitive status and to their impacts on people’s daily function.

An association between sensory processing difficulties and behavioral problems among children has been reported in previous studies. Sleep problems among children can lead to both externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems. However, the relationships between sensory processing and sleep among children are not well understood. To develop a structural causal model (SCM) predicated on the hypothesis that sensory processing difficulties and sleep problems are closely related among preschoolers and may contribute to behavioral issues. Cross-sectional study. A total of 168 children ages 3-5 yr who were enrolled in a preschool or an accredited kindergarten (four facilities in total) in a Japanese prefecture participated in the analysis. After gaining the cooperation of educators, we distributed the following items to the children's parents: an informed consent form, the Short Sensory Profile-Japanese version (SSP-J), the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P), and the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1.5-5. Through factor analysis of the SSP-J and the JSQ-P, we identified common factors. We developed an SCM using structural equation modeling. Four factors were identified by factor analysis: attention deficit, sensory sensitivity, sleep problems, and restless legs syndrome symptoms. The final structural equation modeling analysis had an acceptable goodness of fit (goodness-of-fit index = .862; root-mean-square error of approximation = .087). The model suggests that sensory sensitivity and sleep difficulties may contribute to behavioral issues among preschoolers. Plain-Language Summary: The results of this study suggest that relationships exist between behavioral problems, sensory processing, and sleep among preschoolers. The authors developed a model that identified four common factors that contribute to behavioral issues among preschoolers: attention deficit, sensory sensitivity, sleep problems, and restless legs syndrome symptoms. Children's behavioral problems are an important consideration for occupational therapy practitioners working with preschoolers. Sensory processing and sleep must be accurately evaluated to address preschoolers' behavioral issues.

Behavioural problems in childhood are common, with significant and wide-ranging implications for individuals, families and the community. There is some evidence that sensory processing difficulties are associated with behavioural problems in children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there has been minimal research into the association between sensory processing difficulties and behavioural problems in the absence of these disorders. The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of sensory processing difficulties in children aged 5 to 9 who have been identified as at risk of developing conduct disorder, and to examine the relationship between sensory processing difficulties and behavioural problems. Participants were children aged 5 to 9 selected to participate in an early intervention program for children at risk of developing conduct disorder. Behaviour problems were assessed using the Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory (ECBI; Eyberg and Robinson 1983) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman 1997). Sensory processing was assessed using the parent-reported Short Sensory Profile (SSP; McIntosh et al. 1999). Sensory processing difficulties were identified in 55.2%, which is higher than the estimated prevalence in the community (5.3–13.7%). Significant correlations were found between sensory processing difficulties and severity of behavioural problems. Using multiple regression analysis, sensory processing difficulties made a significant unique contribution to behavioural problems, and contributed more to the model than did other variables – language difficulties and socio-economic status. Notwithstanding the need for further research, these findings suggest that sensory processing should be considered in the assessment and management of children with behaviour problems.

This study examined the relationship between sensory processing difficulties, parental stress, and behavioral problems in a clinical sample of young children with developmental and behavioral difficulties. We hypothesized that a high rate of sensory processing difficulties would be found, that there would be a high rate of comorbidity between sensory processing difficulties and behavioral problems, and that children's sensory processing difficulties and parental stress would be highly correlated. Parents of 59 children ages two to five who attended an out-patient clinic in a low income, urban community completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Parental Stress Inventory-Short Form and the Short Sensory Profile. Children in this clinical population showed a high prevalence (55.9%) of sensory processing difficulties, a significantly higher rate than previously reported. Sensory processing deficits were correlated with behavioral difficulties and parental stress levels-suggesting that as sensory processing difficulties increase, so do behavioral difficulties and parental stress. Parents of children with sensory processing deficits had significantly higher levels of parental stress than parents of children without sensory deficits. Parenting stress levels were also clinically elevated for the cohort of children in which sensory processing difficulties and behavioral concerns co-existed. These findings suggest that treatment outcomes might improve and parental stress could be reduced if mental health clinicians were trained to identify and address sensory problems. This could result in more children being screened and treated for sensory processing difficulties and an eventual reduction in the rates of parental stress.

The Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS) literature is limited about sensory integration, which is a foundational neurological function of the central nervous system that may affect the development of cognitive, social, and motor skills. The aim of this case report was to investigate the effects of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) intervention on processing and integrating sensations, motor functions and parental goals of 3-year-old child with RSTS. Analysis of assessment data reviewed before and after treatment. Assessment collected by interview, Sensory Profile (SP), Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P) Home, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Progress toward goals and objectives was measured with Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). ASI intervention was implemented 3 times per week for 8 weeks. At pre-intervention, SP and SPM-P Home revealed prominent sensory processing and integration difficulties in this case. PDMS-2 scores indicated the child was far behind his peers in fine and gross motor areas. In addition, systematic observations determined that the child’s GMFCS level was III. After 8 weeks of ASI intervention significant improvements were found in parent reports of sensory processing in the areas of vestibular, tactile, and oral functioning on the Sensory Profile. Gains in functional motor skills were found on the GMFM-88 and the GMFCS. Consistent with these results, significant gains at or above expected levels of performance were found on GAS goals which reflected the family’s main concerns for social participation, feeding, play, and movement. There are limited studies on sensory processing and integration in children with RSTS. This case report identified sensory processing and integration difficulties for the first time in a child with RSTS. Results also provide preliminary support for the positive effects of ASI intervention on sensory processing, functional motor skills, and parental goals of a child with RSTS.