Sensory Processing Patterns Research Articles

Sensory processing and child appetitive traits: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study

BackgroundOral sensory hypersensitivity has been linked with fussy eating predominantly in non-typically developing children. We hypothesized that child ‘Oral’ (touch, smell and taste in the mouth) and ‘Social-Emotional’ (response to social expectations) sensory processing are associated with child appetitive traits in typically developing preteen children. Additionally, we explored relationships between maternal sensory profiles and their offspring’s sensory profile.MethodsThis is secondary analysis of 130 mother-child dyads from the 9–11-year-old follow-up of the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study. The Dunn Sensory Profile (Adolescent/Adult) and the Dunn Child Sensory Profile 2 were used to assess maternal and child sensory profiles, respectively. The Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire was used to assess child appetitive traits. Multiple linear regression examined associations between ‘Oral’ and ‘Social-Emotional’ segments of the child sensory profile and child appetitive traits. Associations between maternal and child sensory profiles were examined using sensory profile quadrants (Dunn’s sensory processing framework). These refer to four distinct patterns of sensory processing that indicate how an individual responds to sensory input.ResultsIn total, 130 mother-child dyads were included. In adjusted analysis child ‘Oral’ sensory processing was associated with higher mean scores in the appetitive traits ‘Desire to Drink’ (B = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.025,0.062) and ‘Food Fussiness’ (B = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.059,0.101) and with lower mean scores in ‘Enjoyment of Food’ (B=-0.038, 95% CI -0.055,-0.022). Child ‘Social-Emotional’ responses were associated with higher mean scores in ‘Desire to Drink’ and ‘Food Fussiness’. Higher scores in the maternal sensory profile quadrants of ‘Sensitivity’, ‘Avoiding’ and ‘Registration’ were positively associated with higher scores in the corresponding child sensory profile quadrants.ConclusionOur findings suggest that in typically developing children presenting with fussy eating, oral sensory hypersensitivity and higher scores in social-emotional responses to sensory processing may be an underlying determinant. The relationship observed between ‘Oral’ and ‘Social-Emotional’ sensory processing segments and ‘Desire to Drink’ requires further research to ascertain the type of drinks being consumed and how this impacts appetite. Further research is also required to explore the influence of maternal sensory profile on their offsprings response to sensory input.

Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study.

Physical inactivity is recognized as a global health challenge. Attachment theory may provide insight into individual physical activity (PA) patterns, informing the development of PA interventions to promote the maintenance of behavior change. This study investigated the associations between attachment orientation and why and how individuals engage in PA. Given the association between attachment and sensory processing, this study also investigated the link between sensory processing and PA participation. Participants (N = 141) completed an online questionnaire that included the Modified Experiences of Close Relationships Scale and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. The relationship between attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns, and preference for PA participation were analyzed using 2-sided independent t tests. Attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and sensory sensitivity were significantly related to participants' preference for PA participation in theoretically consistent ways. Avoidantly attached individuals were less likely to participate in PA as a form of social interaction (mean = 8.57, SD = 2.87, P = .005, d = 0.48). Anxiously attached individuals were more likely to participate in PA to support weight management (mean = 37.02, SD = 11.54, P = .01, d = -0.46) or if recommended by a health professional (mean = 43.55, SD = 12.45, P = .039, d = -0.88). Sensory sensitive individuals were more likely to participate in PA alone (mean = 124.11, SD = 19.23, P = .005, d = -0.510), and more likely to prefer light-intensity forms of PA (mean = 133.29, SD = 12.67, F3,123 = 5.49, P = .001). Findings highlight the potential value of considering an individual's attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns in the development of PA interventions. This may help to address the challenges of PA participation, by individually tailoring interventions to participants.

Association between sensory processing patterns and stress among communitydwelling people with metabolic syndrome

Background: Stress is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). High and low sensory stimulation can trigger high stress, but no research exists on the relationship between sensory processing patterns and stress among people with MetS. Objective: This study examined the association between sensory processing patterns and stress. Materials and methods: A total of 117 people with MetS in the Nam Phrea subdistrict, Hang-Dong District, Chiang-Mai Province, Thailand, aged 35-85, completed the Thai Sensory Patterns Assessment-Adult Version (TSPA) and the Thai Stress Test (TST-24). Demographic and metabolic variable information was gathered. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics and stress. Spearman’s correlation and regression analysis examined the associations between the sensory processing patterns in each sensory modality and stress scores. Results: A total stress score was significantly correlated with preferences in visual and auditory senses, as well as with arousal levels in visual and smell-taste senses (r =-0.397, -0.199, -0.358, 0.268, and p<0.05). Regression analysis revealed that stress can be predicted by preferences and arousal levels in visual and smell-taste senses (R2 =0.156, 0.039, 0.174, and 0.050, respectively; p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that sensory processing patterns might associated with stress, which is a predictor of MetS. Health professionals can utilize acquired knowledge to implement sensory-based interventions for individuals with MetS to address their stress issues.

The Connections Between Alexithymia, Childhood Maltreatment, Impulsivity and Extreme Sensory Processing Patterns in Relation to Bipolar Symptoms in Inpatients With Bipolar Disorder.

Childhood maltreatment, alexithymia and impulsivity are related to bipolar disorder (BD), but the role of potential underlying mechanisms of this link, such as extreme sensory processing, in BD are unclear. This study compared sensory processing patterns between individuals with BD-I or BD-II and between those with and without alexithymia and childhood maltreatment. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the role of extreme sensory processing in the relationship between childhood trauma, alexithymia and impulsivity with both depression and mania in a sample of hospitalized individuals with BD (n = 300). Participants completed self-report and clinician-rated scales. Patients with BD-II exceeded those with BD-I in low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensation avoidance, whereas patients with BD-I exhibited a more heightened sensation-seeking pattern. Patients with BD who had alexithymia and a history of childhood maltreatment exhibited more heightened sensory processing patterns, apart from sensory seeking, compared to those without alexithymia and childhood maltreatment. Additionally, the same pattern was more pronounced in individuals with BD who had both alexithymia and childhood maltreatment compared to those with either condition or neither of these conditions. The pathways from childhood maltreatment and alexithymia to depressive symptoms were mediated by low registration and sensation avoidance. Sensory seeking indirectly affected the link between alexithymia and manic symptoms. Childhood maltreatment and challenges in effectively processing emotional information, along with their related hypo- and hypersensitivity, may characterize BD individuals and its manifestation of depressive and manic symptoms.

Effects of Mindfulness App on Parental Stress & Sleep

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This study explored the effects of a 4-week mindfulness app-based intervention on measures of parental stress, sleep, and sensory processing patterns. Primary Author and Speaker: Megan C. C. Chang Additional Authors and Speakers: Emily Boykin, Molly Cluff, Devin Cornish, Laura Labrador, Winnie Lee, Taylor McLaughlin

An Exploratory Study of Sensory Processing Patterns of Undergraduate College Students: Implications for College Campuses

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This study explored sensory processing patterns of a diverse college population today. Findings indicate diversity in sensory processing and support the need for varied sensory-informed learning and living environments to support student success. Primary Author and Speaker: Alexis Viray Additional Authors and Speakers: Teresa Sharkey Eustace, Brittany Dreyhaupt, Hogai Balouch, Catherine Cavaliere Contributing Authors: John A. Damiao

Exploring Patterns of Sensory Processing Behavior in Adults With & Without COVID-19 Experience in Taiwan

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 This research poster will discuss (1) the occurrence of COVID-19–related sensory changes in adults with prior COVID-19 experience and (2) compare the sensory processing patterns between adults with and without prior COVID-19 experience in Taiwan. Primary Author and Speaker: Ying-Chia Kao Additional Authors and Speakers: Yun-An Tsai, Chia-Ying Liao, Chiao Yin Lin, Yong-Xin Liang, Megan C. C. Chang

Sensory processing patterns among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using short sensory profile and evoked potentials: a case–control study

BackgroundBoth autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are early neurodevelopmental disorders that present notable diagnostic problems and share clinical features. The current research intends to clarify the sensory profile, visual-evoked potential (VEP), and auditory-evoked potential of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). We have observed sensory processing problems in 42–88% of children diagnosed with autism and approximately 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD.ResultsThe parents of 37 children diagnosed with ASD, 41 children diagnosed with ADHD, and 43 children who were typically developing completed the short sensory profile (SSP) along with standardized questionnaires used to assess the symptoms and autistic behaviors. We assessed intellectual functioning and evoked potential in all the groups. There were more sensory problems in the ASD and ADHD groups than in the control group (P < 0.001); however, autism and ADHD differed in all subscales except unresponsiveness, auditory filtering, and visual/auditory subscales. Also, the ASD group and ADHD group showed a more significant delay in visual-evoked potential VEP than the control group (mean and SD of right eye p100 latency 150.85 ± 48.70 in ASD vs 119.28 ± 18.06 in ADHD vs 103.42 ± 5.19 in typically developing group, left p100 latency 141.09 in ASD ± 32.55 vs 116.51 ± 10.1 in ADHD vs 103.0 ± 5.91 typically developing group). Additionally, the ASD group significantly deviated from norms in the absolute latency of waves I, III, and V, as well as the inter-wave intervals of I–III and III–V in the auditory-evoked potential. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant distinction between the ADHD and the TD groups in terms of left wave III and V latency and left interpeak latency between I–III and III–V.ConclusionChildren diagnosed with ASD and ADHD have a greater likelihood than typically developing children to experience sensory processing abnormalities; as a result, we recommend basic assessment, follow-up, and designing the most appropriate intervention.

Sensory Processing Difficulties and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Occupational therapy (OT) consensus recommendations and articles outlining a sensory-based OT intervention for functional neurological disorder (FND) have been published. However, limited research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of OT interventions for FND. We performed a retrospective cohort study aimed at independently replicating preliminarily characterized sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and reporting on clinical outcomes of a sensory-based OT treatment in this population. We hypothesized that (1) a history of functional seizures, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder would be associated with increased sensory processing difficulties and (2) the number of OT treatment sessions received would positively relate to clinical improvement. Medical records were reviewed for 77 consecutive adults with FND who received outpatient, sensory-based OT care. Data from the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile characterized self-reported sensory processing patterns across 4 quadrants (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory avoidance) in this population. Following univariate screenings, multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify neuropsychiatric characteristics associated with discrete sensory processing patterns. Clinical improvement was quantified using an estimated, clinician-determined improvement rating ("improved" vs "not improved"), and relationships between clinical participation, baseline neuropsychiatric factors, and outcomes were investigated. Patients with FND reported sensory processing patterns with elevated scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance compared with normative values; differences in sensory processing scores were not observed across FND subtypes (i.e., motor, seizure, and speech variants). In linear regression analyses, lifetime history of an anxiety disorder, history of migraine headaches, current cognitive complaints, and a comorbid major neurologic condition independently predicted individual differences in sensory processing scores. Following a sensory-based OT intervention, 62% of individuals with FND were clinician determined as "improved." In a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline characteristics associated with improvement ratings, number of treatment sessions positively correlated with clinical improvement. These findings support the presence of sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and provide Class IV evidence for the efficacy of an outpatient, sensory-based OT intervention in this population. Controlled prospective trials are warranted.

Sensory processing patterns in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case–control study

Sensory processing patterns in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case–control study

Autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers: Role of sensory profiles and home environment

ObjectiveThis study aims to 1) explore the association between autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers; 2) explore the mediating role of sensory processing patterns on the relation of autistic traits and eating-related behaviors; and 3) examine home nurturing environment as a moderator between autistic traits and eating-related behaviors. We hypothesize that there is a significant association between autistic traits and eating behaviors, which is mediated by sensory processing patterns and moderated by the home nurturing environment. Method509 children aged 3–4 years participated in this cross-sectional research. They were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2) for autistic traits, the Chinese Preschoolers' Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CPEBQ) for eating-related behaviors, the Short Sensory Profile-Second Edition (SSP-2) for sensory processing patterns, and the Children Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) for home nurturing environment. Mediation regression analyses were used to examine the role of sensory processing patterns, while moderation analyses to examine the role of home nurturing environment. ResultsWe observed a positive association between autistic traits and eating behavior problems among typically developed children. Sensory processing patterns significantly mediated the impact of autistic traits on children's eating-related behaviors and home nurturing environment also moderated this relationship. DiscussionOur research suggests that Chinese preschoolers with higher autistic traits may face more eating challenges when they possess more heightened sensory processing patterns, while living in supportive home environments helps to improve their eating behaviors. These findings contribute to the understanding of how and to what extent eating problems are influenced by autistic traits, and they offer insight into the alleviation of eating problems from the perspectives of sensory patterns and family nurturing environments.

Sensory Processing Patterns of Women in a Reintegration Facility: An Exploratory Study

Female inmates may be more likely to experience sensory processing concerns due to higher rates of mental illness and trauma compared to the general population. To investigate this, we administered the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile to 66 women incarcerated in a reintegration center in the US Midwest. The female inmates demonstrated no statistically significant difference from the general population in sensory-seeking behaviors (p = 0.100). However, they were statistically different in low registration (p < 0.000), sensory avoiding (p < 0.000), and sensory sensitivity (p < 0.000). These findings highlight the importance of recognizing differences in sensory processing patterns among female inmates, as sensory processing can have an impact on behavior, life skills, and reintegration efforts. In light of these results, this paper provides suggestions for sensory-specific intervention and discusses future collaborations and research.

Exploring the Link Between Sensory Processing and Psychopathology in a Community Sample of Young Adults: Bayesian Network Analyses

AbstractSensory processing is a fundamental aspect of human experience, and varies significantly between individuals, potentially affecting individual functioning, behaviour, and mental health. This study investigated the associations between sensory processing and psychopathology in a sample of the general population. Participants responded to a general psychiatric screening tool (DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure-Adult) and to the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire. The sample comprised 1108 young adults (77.25% females, mean age 22.6). Data were analysed using item response theory and Bayesian network analyses, revealing specific associations between sensory profiles and psychopathological dimensions. Specifically, we detected associations between the low registration sensory profile and the dimensions of psychosis, substance use, and mania. Sensation seeking was associated with mania. Sensory sensitivity was related to depression and mania, while sensation avoiding was inversely correlated with mania. These findings suggest that reduced external sensory awareness may be linked to a predisposition to psychosis, while a multifaceted sensory processing pattern may indicate vulnerability to mood disorders. Assessing sensory processing could yield crucial insights into individual susceptibilities to mental disorders and help identify targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies

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.

Brain-Inspired Agents for Quantum Reinforcement Learning

In recent years, advancements in brain science and neuroscience have significantly influenced the field of computer science, particularly in the domain of reinforcement learning (RL). Drawing insights from neurobiology and neuropsychology, researchers have leveraged these findings to develop novel mechanisms for understanding intelligent decision-making processes in the brain. Concurrently, the emergence of quantum computing has opened new frontiers in artificial intelligence, leading to the development of quantum machine learning (QML). This study introduces a novel model that integrates quantum spiking neural networks (QSNN) and quantum long short-term memory (QLSTM) architectures, inspired by the complex workings of the human brain. Specifically designed for reinforcement learning tasks in energy-efficient environments, our approach progresses through two distinct stages mirroring sensory and memory systems. In the initial stage, analogous to the brain’s hypothalamus, low-level information is extracted to emulate sensory data processing patterns. Subsequently, resembling the hippocampus, this information is processed at a higher level, capturing and memorizing correlated patterns. We conducted a comparative analysis of our model against existing quantum models, including quantum neural networks (QNNs), QLSTM, QSNN and their classical counterparts, elucidating its unique contributions. Through empirical results, we demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing quantum models inspired by the brain, which outperform the classical approaches and other quantum models in optimizing energy use case. Specifically, in terms of average, best and worst total reward, test reward, robustness, and learning curve.

The Predictor Effect and Relationship Between Brain-Behavioral Systems, Cognitive Flexibility, Sensory Processing and Anxiety in Iranian Immigrant Students in Canada

Background: The rising prevalence of mental and psychological issues among immigrants has garnered increased attention due to the significant growth in immigrant populations in recent years. In this context, exploring the connection between psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing in Iranian immigrants in Canada is becoming an essential research goal. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing among Iranian immigrants in Canada. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, gathering data from 400 Iranian students (198 males and 202 females) enrolled at universities in Canada and Iran. We collected participants' demographic details and assessed their psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing through standardized instruments. Psychological health was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, cognitive flexibility was measured with the Dennis and Vander Wall Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire, and sensory processing was appraised via the adolescent/adult sensory profile. The Carver and White behavioral inhibition system (BIS)/behavioral activation system (BAS) scales were utilized to measure brain-behavioral systems. Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis and multivariate regression, were conducted to investigate the relationships among these variables. Results: The correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between anxiety and low registration (r = 0.283, P &lt; 0.001), sensory sensitivity (r = 0.442, P &lt; 0.001), and sensory avoiding (r = 0.307, P &lt; 0.001) in immigrant students. Anxiety also showed nonsignificant negative correlations with the behavioral activation system-drive (r = -0.042, P = 0.551) and behavioral activation system-reward responsiveness (r = -0.090, P = 0.203). The multivariate regression analysis found that low registration (B = 0.177, P = 0.036), sensory sensitivity (B = 0.336, P &lt; 0.001), and cognitive flexibility (B = 0.119, P = 0.025) significantly predicted anxiety levels in immigrant students. An adjusted R-squared value of 0.191 indicated that these variables together explained 19.1% of the variance in anxiety levels. Conclusions: This study underscores the significant links between sensory processing patterns, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and anxiety among Iranian immigrant students. These findings highlight the need for interventions focusing on teaching cognitive skills strategies and increasing awareness of sensory needs to help reduce anxiety levels in this population.

Sensory processing in skin picking disorder

BackgroundSkin Picking Disorder (SPD) is an oftentimes disabling disorder wherein people compulsively pick their skin. While sensory processing abnormalities have been examined in body-focused repetitive behaviors more broadly, relatively little attention has been played to the role of sensory processing in SPD specifically. MethodsA total of 183 adults, 118 with SPD and 65 healthy controls, completed the Adolescent Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) to assess sensory processing patterns. Those with SPD also completed measures to assess skin picking severity, quality of life, and functional impairment. We examined whether scores on the four AASP subscales differ between individuals with SPD and healthy controls, and whether sensory processing among those with SPD affects disorder severity, quality of life, or functional impairment. ResultsParticipants with SPD scored significantly higher on the AASP subscales of low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding than healthy controls (all p's < 0.01). There were no differences in sensation seeking between the two groups. Among those with SPD, those scoring “high” on the low registration subscale reported significantly greater skin picking severity and reduced quality of life as compared to those scoring lower on this subscale (p's < 0.001) Additionally, those scoring “high” on sensory sensitivity reported greater functional impairment than those scoring lower on this subscale (p < 0.01). ConclusionsThese data suggest that individuals with SPD display abnormalities in sensory processing relative to unaffected individuals. Future research should examine whether targeting sensory abnormalities among a subset of individuals with SPD may reduce the severity and associated burden caused by the disorder.

Sensory experiences questionnaire unravels differences in sensory profiles between MECP2-related disorders.

The methyl CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene is located on the Xq28 region. Loss of function mutations or increased copies of MECP2 result in Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), respectively. Individuals with both disorders exhibit overlapping autism symptoms, yet few studies have dissected the differences between these gene dosage sensitive disorders. Further, research examining sensory processing patterns in persons with RTT and MDS is largely absent. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze and compare sensory processing patterns in persons with RTT and MDS. Towards this goal, caregivers of 50 female individuals with RTT and 122 male individuals with MDS, between 1 and 46 years of age, completed a standardized measure of sensory processing, the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire. Patterns detected in both disorders were compared against each other and against normative values. We found sensory processing abnormalities for both hyper- and hypo-sensitivity in both groups. Interestingly, abnormalities in MDS were more pronounced compared with in RTT, particularly with items concerning hypersensitivity and sensory seeking, but not hyposensitivity. Individuals with MDS also exhibited greater sensory symptoms compared with RTT in the areas of tactile and vestibular sensory processing and for both social and nonsocial stimuli. This study provides a first description of sensory symptoms in individuals with RTT and individuals with MDS. Similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders, a variety of sensory processing abnormalities was found. These findings reveal a first insight into sensory processing abnormalities caused by a dosage sensitive gene and may ultimately help guide therapeutic approaches for these disorders.

Associations of sensory sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, and alexithymia with dental anxiety.

We aimed to reveal interrelationships between alexithymia, catastrophic thinking, sensory processing patterns, and dental anxiety among 460 participants who were registrants of a Japanese research company. Measures used were the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, the Adult Sensory Profile, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The interrelationships among the constructs were analyzed using structural equation modeling, adjusting for age, gender, and negative dental treatment experience. Data from 428 participants were used in the analyses. Sensory sensitivity and pain catastrophizing were independently associated with anticipatory and treatment-related dental anxiety, while difficulty identifying feelings was not. In the mediation model, sensory sensitivity and pain catastrophizing served as full mediators between difficulty identifying feelings and the dimensions of dental anxiety (indirect effects were between 0.13 and 0.15). The strength of the associations was 0.55 from difficulty identifying feelings to both pain catastrophizing and sensory sensitivity, and between 0.24 and 0.26 to anticipatory and treatment-related dental anxiety. The association between trait-like phenomena, such as alexithymia, and dental anxiety may be mediated by neurophysiological and cognitive factors such as sensory sensitivity and pain catastrophizing. These findings could be crucial for new and innovative interventions for managing dental anxiety.

Autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors in preschoolers: Mediating effects of sensory processing patterns

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association between autistic traits and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)-associated eating behaviors in preschool-age children and investigated whether this association was mediated by sensory processing patterns. MethodA cross-sectional, parent-reported study was conducted between July 2022 and March 2023 among 503 preschoolers aged 4–6 years in China. Parents provided assessments of their children's autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale, sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile 2, and ARFID-associated eating behaviors using the Nine Items ARFID Screen. The mediation model based on ordinary least squares regression was employed to test the mediating effects of sensory processing patterns between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. ResultsThe results indicated significant associations among autistic traits, ARFID-associated eating behaviors, and sensory processing patterns. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that sensory processing patterns played a partial mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. Specifically, autistic traits were observed to weaken ARFID-associated eating behaviors, particularly picky eating and poor appetite, through Registration, while simultaneously fostering them through Sensitivity and Avoiding. DiscussionOur study is limited to some extent by the inability to draw longitudinal conclusions from cross-sectional data. Nevertheless, it underscores the significance of early identification and intervention for food avoidance/restriction behaviors due to sensory processing abnormalities in children with heightened autistic traits. This proactive approach may contribute to mitigating ARFID-associated eating behaviors that might drive clinical symptoms of ARFID.