Sensory Reactivity at 1 and 2 Years Old is Associated with ASD Severity During the Preschool Years

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often display atypical sensory reactivity within the first years of life, prior to a diagnosis. This study examined sensory reactivity patterns at 14months, changes from 14 to 23months, and later ASD severity at 3 to 5years of age in children (n = 87) at elevated likelihood of ASD. Results indicated that observed hyporeactivity at 14months and increases from 14 to 23months were related to higher ASD severity during the preschool years. Parent report of hyperreactivity at 14months was associated with higher ASD severity in the RRB domain during the preschool years. Early hypo and hyperreactivity may predict later severity of ASD and aid in subtyping and developing individualized treatments.