Differences In Sensory Processing Research Articles

Neural correlates of trait anxiety in sensory processing and distractor filtering.

Evidence suggests that trait anxiety relates to cognitive processing and behavior. However, the relationships between trait anxiety and sensory processing, goal-directed performance and sensorimotor function are unclear, particularly in a multimodal context. This study used electroencephalography to evaluate whether trait anxiety influenced visual and tactile event-related potentials (ERPs), as well as behavioral distractor cost, in a bimodal sensorimotor task. Twenty-nine healthy young adults completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Participants were directed to focus on either tactile or visual stimuli while disregarding the other modality, responding to target stimulus amplitude with a proportional grip. Previous research suggests that somatosensory N70 and visual P2 ERPs serve as markers of attentional relevance, with attention also impacting the visual P3 ERP. It was hypothesized that trait anxiety would modulate the ERPs susceptible to attentional modulation (tactile N70, visual P2 and P3) and not affect behavioral performance. Trait anxiety showed a large, significant interaction with attention for visual P3 latency in response to unimodal visual stimuli, with a positive relationship between P3 latencies and trait anxiety when attending toward the stimulus and negative when attending away. A large, positive main effect of trait anxiety on visual N1 amplitude for bimodal stimuli was also detected. As predicted, trait anxiety related to ERPs but not behavioral distractor cost. These findings suggest that trait anxiety modulates visual but not somatosensory processing correlates based on attention. The absence of overt behavioral performance effects suggests compensatory mechanisms may offset underlying differences in sensory processing.

Perceived Impact of Sensory Integration Therapy on the Family

Background: Many children with sensory processing differences receive occupational therapy services using sensory integration therapy (SIT). Studies exist to demonstrate the effects of this intervention on the child receiving the service. However, children exist as part of a family unit. There is limited research to examine the effect of SIT on the family. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of caregivers as to the impact on families of children who received SIT. Methodology: Qualitative, phenomenological methodology was utilized. Results: Results revealed four themes: family routines, parent response/reaction to sensory, modified participation in family activities needs, and improved regulation leading to increased family participation outside the home. Conclusion: This study indicates that parents perceive positive effects on participation of the family unit and for the child receiving SIT therapy.

Heritability of movie-evoked brain activity and connectivity.

The neural bases of sensory processing are conserved across people, but no two individuals experience the same stimulus in exactly the same way. Recent work has established that the idiosyncratic nature of subjective experience is underpinned by individual variability in brain responses to sensory information. However, the fundamental origins of this individual variability have yet to be systematically investigated. Here, we establish a genetic basis for individual differences in sensory processing by quantifying (1) the heritability of high-dimensional brain responses to movies and (2) the extent to which this heritability is grounded in lower-level aspects of brain function. Specifically, we leverage 7T fMRI data collected from a twin sample to first show that movie-evoked brain activity and connectivity patterns are heritable across the cortex. Next, we use hyperalignment to decompose this heritability into genetic similarity in where vs. how sensory information is processed. Finally, we show that the heritability of brain activity patterns can be partially explained by the heritability of the neural timescale, a one-dimensional measure of local circuit functioning. These results demonstrate that brain responses to complex stimuli are heritable, and that this heritability is due, in part, to genetic control over stable aspects of brain function.

Sensory responsivity and its relation to alexithymia, social processing and restricted interests and repetitive behaviour in autistic children

BackgroundAlthough noted in the earliest descriptions of autism, differences in sensory processing, including hyper-responsivity, hypo-responsivity and sensory seeking, have only been included as a diagnostic criterion more recently. Understanding how these unique features of sensory processing are related to the emotional and social aspects of autism is an ongoing question. Here we ask whether differences in sensory processing are associated with alexithymia, a trait characterised by an inability to identify and describe one’s feelings, which has a high incidence in autism. MethodParents of autistic children (n = 38) and parents of non-autistic children (n = 35) completed four standardized scales, the Short Sensory Profile-2, Social Responsiveness Scale-2, Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Children’s Alexithymia Measure. ResultsAcross all four scales the autistic children showed higher scores than the non-autistic children, with large effect sizes. Using the subscales of the SSP-2 we show that, for the autistic children but not for the non-autistic children, sensory hyper-responsivity is predictive of alexithymia, of core social features of autism and of restricted interests and repetitive behaviour (RIRB), after controlling for hypo-responsivity and sensory seeking. ConclusionsThese results add to a small but growing literature on the relationship between sensory processing and social and emotional behaviours in autistic children, and are discussed with reference to predictive coding and ‘sensory first’ accounts of autism. As sensory differences in autism impact children’s daily functioning and educational opportunities, understanding how these differences relate to social and emotional behaviour is important.

The development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C): Preliminary reliability and validity

ABSTRACT The Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C) was developed to assess social emotional challenges in children whose sensory integration and sensory processing differences impact daily life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the SEE-C for identifying social emotional patterns. Retrospective data were used from parent interviews and consultations at a pediatric clinic in the northeast with occupational therapists that produced items representative of hypothesized social-emotional behavioral subtypes. Factor analysis was conducted to explore construct validity, followed by internal consistency reliability of factor groupings. Correlational analyses were computed for factors within the SEE-C as well as between the SEE-C and the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Checklist (SP3D-C). Data were collected from 167 individuals’ charts of children ranging from 4.5 to 13.5 years who were evaluated for sensory integration and sensory processing differences. Factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution that explained the proposed structure of the SEE-C. Internal reliability for SEE-C factors ranged from α = .7 to .8. Correlations were weak but significant within the SEE-C, as well as between factors of the SEE-C and the SP3D-C subscales. Evidence supports the preliminary reliability and validity of the SEE-C as well as suggesting a link between children’s social emotional styles and sensory-related behaviors. The proposed social emotional behavior patterns of the SEE-C also suggest behaviors commonly considered in the mental health field may be reflective of sensory integration and sensory processing differences. These sensory-emotional patterns can further justify the inclusion of pediatric Occupational Therapists as part of the therapeutic intervention team for social emotional challenges in children.

Predicting emotional consequences of disorganization among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: a structural equation model

Purpose Previous studies exhibited differences in sensory processing, motor coordination, metacognitive executive functions (EF-MI), and sleep quality among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This study aims to find relationships between those abilities and organization-in-time, focusing on emotional responses after decreased organization abilities. Materials and methods This is a secondary data analysis of a larger sample from three previous studies conducted in one laboratory. Data were collected from 290 adults; 149 with NDD and 141 sex- and age- (20–50 years) matched controls completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder, Adults Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions, Mini Sleep, and Time Organization and Participation questionnaires. Structural equation model (SEM) analysed relationships and variable prediction. Results Significant between-group differences were found for all variables; SEM indicated similar paths in both groups. Sensory processing affected EF-MI and sleep quality and significantly correlated with motor coordination, affecting EF-MI; EF-MI affected organization-in-time. Sleep quality significantly affected organization-in-time, affecting emotional responses. Conclusions Sensory, motor, EF, and sleep differences were associated with decreased organization-in-time abilities of adults with NDD, adversely affecting their emotional well-being. Early detection of such differences and targeted interventions may improve daily functioning and life quality and prevent negative emotional implications.

Development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist: Preliminary Reliability & Validity

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 The Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C) was developed to assess social-emotional challenges in children with sensory integration and processing differences. This study evaluated the scale's preliminary reliability and validity. Primary Author and Speaker: Michele Parkins Additional Authors and Speakers: AnnMarie Murphy, Sarah A. Schoen

Two for the Price of One: Enhancing Personal Growth & Professional Development Through Small-Group Mentoring

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 The STAR Institute mentorship supported the participants’ confidence and ability to implement content from the training specific to assessing and treating children with sensory integration and processing differences. Primary Author and Speaker: Bryan M. Gee Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah A. Schoen, Mim Ochsenbein, Natalie King

Childhood Sensory Processing Differences & Quality of Life as Adults

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 This longitudinal study supports the role of OT in improving childhood sensorimotor challenges as a factor that may affect adult quality of life. It contributes to our knowledge of the long-term outcomes of childhood sensorimotor challenges. Primary Author and Speaker: Teresa A. May-Benson Additional Authors and Speakers: Olivia Easterbrooks-Dick Contributing Authors: Alison Teasdale

Sensory Processing & Sleep in Children With Down Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 We observed sensory processing differences and sleep problems in a sample of young children with Down syndrome. Sensory sensitivity was positively associated with sleep onset and the frequency and duration of night waking. Primary Author and Speaker: Waad E. Eid Additional Authors and Speakers: Angela Caldwell

The Impact of Cerebral Visual Impairment on Social Skills and Sensory Processing.

Limited evidence exists on the impact of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on developmental domains in toddlers. This study investigated whether CVI influences social skills and sensory processing in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). The study included toddlers with CP, with or without CVI, and typically developing (TD) toddlers. All parents completed the demographic information form. Social skills were assessed by the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). Sensory processing was evaluated by the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP). Analysis of covariance was employed to assess the disparity in BITSEA and ITSP scores. Toddlers with CP and CVI group demonstrated lower social competence than the other groups (p < .05). Having CVI did not cause a statistically significant difference in sensory processing among toddlers with CP (p > .05). CVI significantly affects social competence in toddlers with CP but does not affect sensory processing.

The clinical characteristics of autistic women with restrictive eating disorders.

Autistic women are at high risk of developing restrictive eating disorders (REDs), such as anorexia nervosa. This study provides an overview of the clinical characteristics of autistic women with REDs to (i) enhance understanding of increased risk, and (ii) support the identification of autistic women in eating disorder services. We compared self-reported autistic and disordered eating characteristics of: autistic participants with REDs (Autism + REDs; n = 57); autistic participants without REDs (Autism; n = 69); and women with REDs who are not autistic (REDs; n = 80). We also included a group of women with high autistic traits (HATs) and REDs, but no formal autism diagnosis (HATs + REDs; n = 38). Autism + REDs participants scored similarly to Autism participants in terms of autistic characteristics and to REDs participants in terms of experiencing traditional disordered eating symptoms. Autism + REDs participants were distinguished from both groups by having more restricted and repetitive behaviours and autism-specific eating behaviours related to sensory processing, flexibility and social differences. HATs + REDs participants showed a similar pattern of scores to Autism + REDs participants, and both also presented with high levels of co-occurring mental health difficulties, particularly social anxiety. The presentation of autistic women with REDs is complex, including both traditional disordered eating symptoms and autism-related needs, as well as high levels of co-occurring mental health difficulties. In eating disorder services, the REDs presentation of autistic women and those with HATs should be formulated with reference to autism-specific eating behaviours and co-occurring difficulties. Treatment adaptations should be offered to accommodate autistic characteristics and related needs.

“Utterly Overwhelming”—A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Sensory Processing Differences and Mental Health Experiences in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic Adults

“Utterly Overwhelming”—A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Sensory Processing Differences and Mental Health Experiences in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic Adults

The association between sensory processing and stress in the adult population: A systematic review.

There is emerging empirical evidence indicating that differences in self-reported sensory processing may be associated with differences in levels of stress in the adult populations. Understanding how sensory processing relates to stress is of clinical relevance, given the well-established impact of stress on physical health, mental health and well-being. Although several studies have examined the association between sensory processing and stress in adult populations, no published reviews have systematically summarised and synthesised these findings. We aimed to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review to synthesise the available evidence examining the association between self-reported sensory processing and self-reported measures of stress in the adult population. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-S) checklist. Twenty studies were included in the final review. Quality assessment was conducted with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, the evidence is strong for an association between differences in sensory processing and self-reported stress in adults. This association was found across a range of populations and measures of stress, in cross-sectional studies. The most commonly used measure of sensory processing was the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, which was consistently moderately associated with a range of measures of stress. The quality of the included studies was generally good, with most meeting four or five out of five criteria. Longitudinal studies are lacking. There is strong evidence for a cross-sectional association between sensory processing and stress in an adult population. Further research, in particular longitudinal studies and studies including clinical populations, would be of benefit in order to establish causality.

Facilitating Inclusion for Neurodiverse Students Using Evidence-Based Practices: A Strengths-Based Approach to Sensory Regulation

ABSTRACT Educational inclusion aims to support all students through instructional and contextual designs that promote learning. Educators are assigned the task of teaching an increasingly neurodiverse population with varying neurological processes and perceptions. Traditional school-based settings are designed for individuals with less neurodivergence, and, therefore, may not adequately facilitate an environment supportive of learning for all students. Additionally, neurodiverse learners, including those with autism, may have sensory processing differences that impact occupational participation and performance. Understanding the processing differences of neurodivergent students and interventions that support those needs may facilitate successful inclusion programs. Research and data analysis confirmed the Ready to Learn and Play (RtLP) as an evidence-based framework to facilitate participation and performance for individuals with neurodiversity and sensory processing challenges, both for in-person (statistical significance p = .001) and virtual presentation of the RtLP content (statistical significance p = .00000607). Through a neuroaffirming approach to teaching, coaching, and training, RtLP may assist in supporting individuals with sensory regulation challenges to participate to the greatest extent possible in inclusive education.

Characteristics of Adults With Sensory Differences: An Exploratory Study Using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2

Interoception was explored in adults with sensory integration and processing differences Retrospective data were collected from 57 adults. Data included presenting problems, diagnoses, and self-report using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version-2 (MAIA-2). Frequencies were computed. Data from the MAIA-2 were described and correlated. One hundred percent of the sample had interoceptive difference from norms. Common presenting problems were emotional regulation, social relationships, activities of daily living, and mental functions. Commonly reported diagnoses were anxiety and depression. This study highlights the importance of interoception and the usefulness of the MAIA-2.

Relaxed performances: supporting aural diversity and neurodiversity among classical concert audiences in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Current discourse at the intersection between sound studies and disability studies has highlighted the phonocentric nature of conventional understandings of listening – especially in relation to engagement with classical music performance. The perpetuation of ableist notions of “normal” and “expert” listening risk overlooking multimodal and embodied listening practices of the kind advocated by aurally-diverse and neurodiverse concert audiences. In this article, we evaluate the extent to which Relaxed Performances (RPs) may offer opportunities for such diverse ways of listening, through surveying the existing provision of RPs in the United Kingdom and reviewing three examples of performances by the Graeæ Theatre Company, the English National Opera, and the BBC Proms. We conclude that further work needs to be undertaken for emergent RP practices to be codified and become widespread, but highlight the importance of this work in making classical music performance more accessible and beneficial for people who experience differences in sensory processing.

A Relook at Cerebral Palsy Beyond Motor Pathology: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sensory Processing Abilities

Background: Sensory processing refers to receiving, organizing, and interpreting sensory stimuli from the sensory system. Unlike other neurodevelopmental disorders, knowledge about the sensory processing abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is lacking. Objective: To study the difference in sensory processing abilities of children with cerebral palsy in comparison to age matched typically developing children (TDC). Methods and Material: A cross-sectional analysis of sensory processing abilities of children with CP and TDC was performed from July 2018 through February 2020. The child sensory profile2 (CSP2) caregiver questionnaire was used to detect sensory processing differences (SPD) across nine sensory domains and four sensory processing patterns. A comparison was made between the two study groups as well as between the CP subtypes. Result: Around 226 children with CP and 58 TDC were screened. Finally, 150 children with CP and 50 TDC were enrolled. Probable SPD (&gt;1SD) was observed in (121/150) 80.7% of children with CP compared to (13/50) 26% in TDC (p &lt; 0.001). Definite SPD (&gt;2SD) was seen in 40.7% (61/150) of children with CP vs. none in TDC (p &lt; 0.001). The body position domain which tests the vestibular and proprioceptive processing was primarily affected in CP. Most children with CP fell under the “bystander” pattern suggesting poor registration of sensory stimuli. No significant difference in the pattern of sensory processing was observed between the CP subtypes. Prevalence of definite SPD positively correlated with the gross motor functional classification system level. Conclusion: Sensory processing abilities of children with CP differ significantly from TDC. Proprioceptive and vestibular sensory processing is primarily affected in CP.

Provenance of a "sense-sational" wait: A call for introducing sensory processing differences into diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Provenance of a "sense-sational" wait: A call for introducing sensory processing differences into diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A Pilot Study Exploring Caregivers' Experiences Related to the Use of a Smart Toothbrush by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Research on caregivers for children with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has highlighted several obstacles to achieving better oral health. These include challenges with tolerating oral care, sensory processing differences, uncooperative behaviors, and communication impairments. There is limited understanding of what caregivers would consider "successful assistance" in improving oral health for these children. This pilot study aimed to examine caregivers' and user's experiences with a Kids Smart Electric Toothbrush used by children with ASD. It involved open-ended interviews and questionnaires with caregivers prior to utilization of the toothbrush and after 4 weeks of product use by the child. Seventeen children with ASD, aged 5-12, participated. A total of 58.8% of caregivers said their child brushed more often, and all reported brushing at least twice a day by week 4. Caregivers reported that children became more independent while brushing their teeth and achieved better quality brushing. Caregivers' frustration with the brushing process, satisfaction with the device, and need to assist the child with brushing were improved. Caregivers did encounter some technical difficulties with the app. This study will assist in exploring "smart" toothbrush technologies for oral hygiene in children with ASD.