Sensory Processing In Children Research Articles

Sensory Processing in Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Clinicians’, Parents’, Teachers’ and Children’s Perspectives

Sensory Processing in Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Clinicians’, Parents’, Teachers’ and Children’s Perspectives

Revue systématique des méthodes d’évaluation du traitement sensoriel chez les enfants et adolescents autistes

Sensory processing has been a diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum condition since the fifth version of the DSM. However, there is no consensus regarding assessment methods. This article is a systematic review of methods for assessing sensory processing in children and adolescents with autism aged between 0 and 18 years, with three objectives: (1) to identify and organize, using PRISMA, the different methods used in scientific articles for assessing sensory processing in autism; (2) to discuss their advantages and limitations by using the COSMIN checklist; (3) to suggest possible recommendations. Analysis of the 142 articles selected revealed five types of assessment method: questionnaires, psychophysical measurements, electroencephalography, neuroimaging and observation. Questionnaires were the most frequently cited clinical method, while psychophysical tests were the most represented. Each method has limitations in terms of individual utilization due to non-standardized procedures and varied investigation targets. While this systematic review makes it possible to better identify the methods used in the clinical and research fields for sensory processing specificities in children and adolescents on the spectrum, it also highlights the fact that the lack of consensus on assessments is partly due to a problem of definition of this process. Future research will need to agree on a characterization of sensory processing in order to develop a common assessment.

Sensory processing in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

Previous research indicates that children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) experience sensory reactivity differences that impact occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in sensory reactivity in these children across two different time points; during exacerbation and during remission, using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home-Form. The study also sought to investigate whether children with PANS experience sensory differences during remission periods, when compared with SPM Home-Form norms. A two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was used, and an online assessment was conducted to measure sensory reactivity. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1years with a diagnosis of PANS were recruited from various sites across Australia, USA, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand. The SPM Home-Form was used to measure sensory reactivity at two time points, when PANS was in remission (T-R) and in exacerbation (T-E). Study entry was permitted at either T-E or T-R. Participant exacerbation status was monitored over a maximum 12-month period, and a follow-up SPM Home-Form was sent when a change in exacerbation status was indicated. A linear mixed model was used to assess the difference between SPM Home-Form norm-referenced scores during exacerbation and remission. The study included 82 participants, with 80 providing data at study entry, and 27 providing data at follow-up. Results showed a statistically significant decline in performance across the SPM Home-Form domains of Hearing, Social Participation, Planning and Ideas, and Total Sensory Systems T-scores during exacerbation when compared with remission data. Results also demonstrated atypical sensory reactivity across Vision, Hearing, Touch, Balance and Motion, and Total Sensory Systems domains during periods of remission compared with SPM Home-Form norms. This study found that children with PANS experience significant sensory reactivity differences during exacerbation and remission across multiple sensory domains, with a decline in performance during exacerbation. Where there are occupational performance challenges, occupational therapists should consider administering sensory assessments so that effective intervention plans addressing the unique sensory reactivity needs of children with PANS can be developed.

SENSORY PROCESSING IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM- A SCOPING REVIEW

Difficulties in sensory processing in children with autism have been known since the first descriptions of autism. The oldest and most recent theories of autism are based on the assumption that people with autism process sensory information differently than people without autism. This work aimed to examine sensory patterns and systems of sensory processing in children with autism and children with typical development through a systematic review of the relevant literature. From December 2022 to May 2023 by searching the online databases for publications in the field of autism and sensory processing, namely PubMed, Eric, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus, a total of 254 publications were identified. After applying inclusion criteria 5 publications that were analyzed. The search was performed by combining the keywords "autism", "sensory processing" "sensory processing disorder". The results show that children with autism manifest more atypical sensory processing than typically developing children. Furthermore, children with autism show differences in sensory patterns and systems, which indicate greater problems and greater concern within sensory processing. These results highlight the importance of developing treatments and interventions aimed at improving sensory processing in children with autism and alleviating the symptoms of atypical sensory processing.

Investigation of the Relationship between Sensory-Processing Skills and Motor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory-processing skills and gross motor functions, bimanual motor functions, and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 47 patients between the ages of 3 and 10, diagnosed with CP, who received or applied for treatment in our physical therapy and rehabilitation unit were included in the study. Sensory profiling (SP), assisting hand assessment (AHA), the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) were used in the evaluation of the children with CP who participated in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to classify the children based on functional abilities and limitations, and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was used to classify the children based on manual dexterity. The SP parameters were compared with AHA, GMFM-66, and PBBS results, and with GMFCS and MACS levels. Statistically significant relationships were found between AHA and SP, PBBS, and SP and between GMFM-66 and SP (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there are some disorders in sensory processing in children with CP. We think that sensory evaluations should be included in the CP rehabilitation program.

Relationship between play skills and sensory processing in children with autism

Play skills in children with autism are limited due to autism symptoms. It is important to determine the effect of sensory processing skill, which is one of these symptoms, on play skills. Therefore, we aimed to investigate of the relationship between play skills and sensory processing of children with autism. A total of 58 children with autism (n = 29) and typically developing children (n = 29) participated. We used the Sensory Profile and the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used. Children with autism demonstrated a significantly lower developmental play age and were rated lower on all dimensions of the RKPPS than typically developing children. Moreover, the results of this study showed that there are complex correlations between play skills and sensory processing in children with autism. Sensory processing and play skills have complex relationships in children with autism.

Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Despite the evidence of elevated autistic behaviors and co-occurring neurodevelopmental difficulties in many children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we have a limited understanding of the sensory processing challenges that may occur with the condition. This study examined the sensory profile of children and adolescents with NF1 and investigated the relationships between the sensory profiles and patient characteristics and neuropsychological functioning. The parent/caregivers of 152 children with NF1 and 96 typically developing children completed the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), along with standardized questionnaires assessing autistic behaviors, ADHD symptoms, internalizing symptoms, adaptive functioning, and social skills. Intellectual functioning was also assessed. The SP2 data indicated elevated sensory processing problems in children with NF1 compared to typically developing children. Over 40% of children with NF1 displayed differences in sensory registration (missing sensory input) and were unusually sensitive to and unusually avoidant of sensory stimuli. Sixty percent of children with NF1 displayed difficulties in one or more sensory modalities. Elevated autistic behaviors and ADHD symptoms were associated with more severe sensory processing difficulties. This first detailed assessment of sensory processing, alongside other clinical features, in a relatively large cohort of children and adolescents with NF1 demonstrates the relationships between sensory processing differences and adaptive skills and behavior, as well as psychological well-being. Our characterization of the sensory profile within a genetic syndrome may help facilitate more targeted interventions to support overall functioning.

Some children with idiopathic toe walking display sensory processing difficulties but not all: A systematic review.

Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a diagnosis for children who toe walk without another diagnosis known to cause toe walking. Recent research has suggested that children with ITW may have mild motor planning challenges and sensory processing differences. The primary aim of this systematic review was to determine whether children diagnosed with ITW have differences in their sensory processing compared to typically developing children. Secondary aims included determining how sensory processing was assessed in this population and documenting the broad clinometric and psychometric properties of any assessment tools. MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED and Embase were searched for relevant literature in English. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they described children aged 3 and 18 with idiopathic toe walking and reported a sensory processing domain. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria; however, only two papers included data permitting meta-analysis. Meta-analyses of vibration perception threshold using a random effect model were not significant (p = 0.31). Other data were synthesised by narrative and showed a high heterogeneity across multiple sensory processing domains. This study highlights that despite children with ITW often conceptualised as possessing sensory processing challenges, there is little evidence supporting this theory. Further research on sensory processing in children with this gait pattern is necessary.

Sensory profiles, behavioral problems, and auditory findings in children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective This study examined the relationship between sensory processing (SP) differences and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also investigated whether audiological test results could objectively detect auditory processing differences. Method Forty-six children with ASD, ages 3–9 years, were enrolled in the study. Problematic behaviors and sensory processing of children were assessed using scales. The otolaryngologist performed a detailed head and neck examination and a formal audiological examination was performed by an audiologist. Results Stereotypy, hyperactivity, and irritability were related to sensation seeking. Stereotypy was also associated with visual processing. Touch processing differences was related to irritability and inappropriate speech. Lethargy was associated with auditory processing. There were no differences in SP and behavior problems in the children whose audiological profiles could be measured between those who passed or failed the test. Conclusion There was an association between SP differences and behavioral problems in children with ASD, supporting previous studies. Audiological test results did not reveal the SP differences documented in the parent forms.

Comparing sensory processing in children with Down syndrome to a mental age matched sample of children with autism, other developmental disabilities, and typically developing children

BackgroundAtypical sensory processing impacts children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research has focused on SP in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); comparatively, little has been written regarding individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and IDDs. AimsWe compared patterns of sensory processing in children with DS to children with ASD, other IDDs, and typically developing (TD) peers examining the relationship among different sensory processing measures. Methods and proceduresWe analyzed cross-sectional data using two caregiver questionnaires (SP, SEQ) and one observational measure (SPA). Groups were compared on three sensory processing patterns: hyporesponsiveness; hyperresponsiveness; and sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking (SIRS) via ANOVA. We assessed concordance through correlations. Outcomes and resultsChildren with DS, IDD, and ASD demonstrated more atypical sensory processing behaviors than TD peers. Children with ASD exhibited the most atypical responses across all measures, significantly more than DS children on all but one subscale. The IDD and DS groups differed on several measures. Measurement concordance was higher between caregiver-report versus observational assessment. Conclusions and implicationsDifferences between three clinical groups indicate that sensory processing features may differ across clinical populations regardless of cognitive functioning. Lower concordance between caregiver-report and observation measures highlights the need to understand sensory processing expression across different tasks and environments.

Sensory processing in children and adolescents shortly after the onset of anorexia nervosa: a pilot study

BackgroundAlterations in sensory processing, such as vision, taste, and interoceptive sensation, have been reported in adult anorexia nervosa (AN). Whether these symptoms are traits, states, or “scars” due to chronic starvation has not been fully established. Based on the hypothesis that alterations in sensory processing also occur in adolescent AN in the early stages of the disease, the present study was conducted using both self-administered and parent-administered sensory processing questionnaires.MethodsChildren and adolescents with anorexia nervosa treated at a single tertiary eating disorder treatment center in Japan (AN group) and female junior high school students attending a public junior high school in Saitama Prefecture, Japan (healthy control group: HC group) were included in the study. The Sensory Profile (SP) and Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP) were administered to the participants and their caregivers. In addition, we collected demographic data and administered the Children’s Eating Attitude Test and Autism-Spectrum Quotient Children’s version.ResultsSeventeen children and adolescents were enrolled in the AN group, and 63 were enrolled in the HC group. There was no statistically significant difference between the AN and HC groups in the quadrant scores of the AASP. In the SP, the Sensory Avoiding score and the Emotional/Social response score were higher in the AN group than in the HC group.ConclusionFrom the parents’ point of view, the patient avoids unexpected sensory stimuli, but the patients are unaware of their own avoiding behavior in the early stages of the disease. The results suggest that sensory sensitivity in AN may be a “scar” symptom due to chronic starvation and a state symptom. Longitudinal studies from shortly after the onset with larger sample sizes are needed to gain insight into the dynamic relation between sensory processing and eating disorder pathology.

Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: The aim is to assess the sensory processing difficulties in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods: In all, 38 ADHD children of the age group 6–14 years and 34 age- and gender-matched typically developing controls were included in the study. Sensory processing was assessed on Child Sensory Profile-2. The child behavior checklist and Weiss functional impairment rating scale were applied to assess behavioral problems and functional impairments, respectively. Results: A significantly higher sensory processing difficulties were seen in children with ADHD than typically developing controls. There were positive correlations between the scores of Child sensory profile 2 with internalizing (with Sensitivity p = .036, Avoiding p = .001, and Auditory p = .029) and externalizing T scores (with Seeking p = .031, Movement p = .025, and Visual p = .018) of CBCL and also with scores of Weiss functional impairment rating scale (with Seeking p = .001, Sensitivity p = .019, and Registration p = .045). Conclusions: Sensory problems were common in children with ADHD and add to the functional impairments.

3.45 IQ as an Underlying Factor to Altered Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents With ASD

The objectives are to describe the pattern of sensory processing according to sensory over-responsivity (SOR), sensory under-responsivity (SUR), and sensory seeking (SK), in a sample of children and adolescents with ASD, and to analyze some particularities in the sensory factors, including their relations with age, sex, and IQ.

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functions and Sensory Processing in Daily Life in Children Aged Between 8 to 11 Years: A Pilot Study

The relationship between emotional intelligence, executive functioning, and sensory processing has been independently studied. The present study investigated the relationship among executive functions, sensory processing and emotional intelligence in children aged between 8 and 11 years (n = 71). Executive functions and sensory processing were measured using EPYFEI and Clocks Subtest of NEPSY-II and emotional intelligence was measured with EQ:i-YV, Affect Recognition and Theory of Mind subtests of NEPSY-II. Children with lower emotional intelligence showed differences in sensory processing. The current research provides initial evidence of relations between emotional intelligence, stress management and sensory processing in children.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Child Sensory Profile 2 (CSP2) Among Children with Dyslexia

Background: Sensory integration is a necessary skill for acquiring reading skills because it strongly depends on the rapid and strong relation between written and verbal symbols. There is no standardized test for Iranian children with dyslexia to investigate their sensory processing problems. Therefore, understanding the validity and reliability of the child sensory profile 2 (CSP2) would be essential for a detailed assessment of sensory impairments in dyslexic children. Objectives: The current research aimed to establish the internal consistency, factor analysis, and convergent validity of the Persian version of CSP2 in children with dyslexia. Methods: The sample of this study included 200 dyslexic children aged 6 to 12 years who were referred to learning disabilities centers in Qom from September 2019 to February 2020 by using the multistage sampling method. To collect data, the CSP2 questionnaire and the dyslexia test (NEMA) were used. The factor structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency of the CSP2 was examined by using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent validity was assessed by examining the relationship between CSP2 and NEMA. Results: Internal consistency was obtained as 0.89, 0.92, 0.77, and 0.94 for the four subscales of sensory processing, namely registration, seeking, sensitivity, and avoiding, respectively. The result of confirmatory factor analysis gained support for Dunn's four-factor model. Total scores of NEMA were correlated with the scores of CSP2 subscales (seeking, avoiding, sensitivity, and registration). Conclusions: The Persian version of the Child Sensory Profile 2 is a valid (via confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity) and reliable (via internal consistency) tool for assessing sensory processing in children with dyslexia.

Sensory Processing in Williams Syndrome: Individual differences and changes over time

This study examined individual differences as well as the development of sensory processing difficulties in children with Williams syndrome (WS) using a cross-sectional (Experiment 1) and longitudinal design (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, a clustering approach of sensory processing scores suggested two groups. Experiment 2 showed that the clusters identified in Experiment 1 were not stable across development, especially for those with high sensory impairments at either time point. Yet, most children experienced high impairments in sensory registration at both time points, suggesting impaired registration is a core phenotype of sensory processing in children with WS across development. Possible mechanisms, limitations and implications are discussed.

Sex differences in sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder

Despite the high prevalence of sensory processing difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little research has focused on the sex differences in sensory processing. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge on the female‐specific symptoms of ASD, contributing to later referral, diagnosis and intervention. In this study, we examined the sex differences in sensory processing symptoms in large cohorts of ASD children (N = 168; 26 females, 142 males) and typically developing (TD) children (N = 439; 209 females, 230 males). For this, we translated the sensory processing measure (SPM) and SPM – Preschool (SPM‐P) Home Forms to French. The SPM/SPM‐P are parent/caregiver questionnaires that assess typical behavioral responses to sensory stimuli. Overall, our results showed that the magnitude of the differences in sensory processing between males and females is larger in ASD children relative to TD children, with females showing more severe symptoms in Hearing, as well as Balance and Motion subscales. Additionally, linear discriminant analysis showed that the SPM/SPM‐P are good at discriminating TD children from ASD, children with higher accuracy rates for females than for males. These findings are discussed in light of the heterogeneity of sensory processing difficulties present in ASD. Overall, our results suggest that there seem to be female‐specific profiles in sensory processing difficulties in ASD. Implications of findings concerning sex differences in sensory processing and their potential for improving identification and diagnosis of ASD females are discussed.Lay SummaryThe present study examined sex differences in behavioral responses to sensory stimuli in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and typically developing (TD) children. While there is a small trend for TD males to show more sensory processing atypicalities, female ASD children show significantly more atypical responses compared to their male counterparts. This has important implications for characterizing female autism profiles, and ultimately improving the chance for earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment.

An Investigation of Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents in Congregate Foster Care

Children in congregate foster care are at great risk for behavioral manifestations resultant from trauma. This pilot study explores sensory processing patterns among 41 youth living in congregate foster care. A retrospective chart review was utilized to explore Sensory Profile data of children in two age groups. 88% of the child sample, and 92% of the adolescent group, showed atypical sensory processing. Preliminary evidence suggests an association between sensory processing patterns and constructs of attention, social emotional functioning and conduct. Understanding patterns of sensory processing can inform strategies for self-regulation and environmental adaptations to support participation in everyday activities.

A longitudinal exploratory study of changes in sensory processing in children with ASD from the ELENA cohort.

Atypical sensory processing (SP) is a diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about its course during development. In this exploratory longitudinal study, we aimed to investigate the course of SP among children with ASD and identify clinical variables associated with changes. We used a subsample of 51 children with confirmed ASD, aged from 3 to 10years, recruited from the ELENA cohort. SP was assessed using the Sensory Profile questionnaire at baseline and three years later. Our preliminary results highlight the heterogeneity of the evolution of SP during the children's development and the existence of three subgroups based on the course of SP (improvement, stable, and worsening). In addition, the children's adaptive skills and maladaptive behaviors were related to the course of SP. These results could be confirmed in future studies with a larger sample size using a longitudinal approach to capture individual variability in SP. In addition, our results highlight the importance of accounting for temporal changes in the sensory needs of individuals with ASD in clinical practice.

Predictive Factors for Sensory Processing Disorders

Background: Identifying sensory processing differences in children with sensory reactivity problems (both with and without prenatal and perinatal problems) is essential to providing interventions that enhance development and participation in everyday life. Methods: This study conducted a statistical analysis between the Sensory Profile-2 sensory questionnaire and the study variables: pregnancy, fertility treatment, delivery and prematurity (n=69). Results: This study yielded statistically significant differences in sensory processing at the visual level (p-value=0.003), in proprioception (body position) (p-value&lt;0.001) and in emotional problems relating to stressful and traumatic pregnancy, prematurity (p-value=0.026) and high-risk pregnancy, respectively, among children with and without perinatal and prenatal problems. Conclusions: These findings confirm that there are differences in the sensory processing of children with sensory processing disorders who have suffered perinatal and postnatal problems compared to those who have not.