Sensory Processing Patterns Research Articles

Activity Participation and Sensory Processing Patterns of Preschool-Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A dearth of information is available on the relationship between activity participation and sensory processing patterns in preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To investigate differences in activity participation and sensory processing patterns between preschool-age children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children. Cross-sectional. Clinics, hospitals, early intervention centers, and preschools in Tainan, Taiwan. Forty children with ASD and 40 TD children (ages 36-71 mo). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (2nd ed., Standard Version), Assessment of Preschool Children's Participation, and Short Sensory Profile 2 (SSP-2). Compared with TD children, children with ASD had significantly lower scores on participation diversity in activities across areas of play, physical recreation, and social activities and higher scores in each of the four sensory quadrants. For children with ASD, participation in social activities was significantly negatively correlated with SSP-2 quadrant scores. These findings have implications for how preschool-age children with ASD typically engage in daily activities and suggest that some sensory processing patterns may be associated with participation in social activities. Occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate activity participation for preschool-age children with ASD by using their strengths and the activities that they find interesting; practitioners should consider the role of sensory systems to promote activity participation in natural settings.

Effect of DIR/Floortime Intervention on Adaptive Behavior of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Ebeveyn-çocuk etkileşimi ve oyun becerilerinin geliştirilmesi otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) olan çocuklarda önemli bir hedeftir. DIR Floortime (Gelişimsel, Bireysel Farklılık ve İlişki Temelli) bu hedeflere odaklanan bir müdahale yaklaşımıdır. Çalışmamızdaki amacımız DIR Floortime yaklaşımının kullanıldığı bir yıllık müdahale programının OSB’li bir çocukta sosyal beceri ve adaptif davranış üzerine etkisini incelemekti. OSB tanısı olan 3 yaş 10 aylık erkek çocuk çalışmaya dahil edildi. Duyusal işlemleme becerilerinin değerlendirilmesinde Duyu Profili; adaptif davranışının değerlendirilmesinde ise Amerikan Zeka Geriliği Birliği Uyumsal Davranış Ölçeği (ABS) uygulandı. Müdahale öncesi ve sonrası değerlendirmeler tekrarlandı. Duyusal işlemleme becerilerinde ve uyumsal davranışta gelişmeler belirlendi. Ayrıca anne, ebeveyn-çocuk etkileşiminde ve çocuğun iletişim becerilerinde olumlu değişimler olduğunu belirtti. DIR Floortime yaklaşımı, çocuğun bireysel farklılıklarının ve fonksiyonel duygusal gelişimsel kapasitesinin yetişkin-çocuk etkileşimi sırasında dikkate alınmasını önermektedir. Oyun sırasında, çocuğun liderliğinin takip edilmesi çocuğun oyuna aktif katılımını sağlayarak OSB’li çocuklarda fonksiyonel gelişim kapasitesinin güçlenmesini veya oluşmasını sağlayacaktır.

Caracterização do Processamento Sensorial de Crianças Assistidas em um Programa de Estimulação Precoce

Objetivos: Caracterizar o processamento sensorial de crianças com atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor assistidas em um Programa de Estimulação Precoce. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo, analítico e transversal realizado em um hospital de referência de Pernambuco. Participaram deste estudo 24 responsáveis de crianças com faixa etária de 0 a 35 meses que estavam sendo atendidas pelo serviço. Para o grupo até 6 meses, foi utilizado o instrumento Perfil Sensorial 2 do Bebê e para o grupo acima de 7 meses, o Perfil Sensorial 2 da Criança Pequena, de prática aplicabilidade. Resultados: A maioria das crianças do grupo de até 6 meses apresentaram desempenho não esperado (hiperresponsividade) para os padrões de processamento sensorial. No grupo de crianças acima de 7 meses, foi observado um desempenho esperado para a maioria nos quadrantes e nas seções sensoriais (geral, auditivo, tato e oral) com exceção das seções sensoriais visual, movimento e comportamental (hiperresponsividade e hiporresponsividade). Conclusão: As crianças com atrasos no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor apresentaram respostas diferentes para os padrões de processamento sensorial, seja para mais (hiperresponsividade) ou menos (hiporresponsividade), sendo recomendado o acompanhamento com a equipe multidisciplinar para o planejamento de estratégias direcionadas as respostas que mais afetam a sua participação.

Defining clusters of young autistic and typically developing children based on loudness-dependent auditory electrophysiological responses

BackgroundAutistic individuals exhibit atypical patterns of sensory processing that are known to be related to quality of life, but which are also highly heterogeneous. Previous investigations of this heterogeneity have ordinarily used questionnaires and have rarely investigated sensory processing in typical development (TD) alongside autism spectrum development (ASD).MethodsThe present study used hierarchical clustering in a large sample to identify subgroups of young autistic and typically developing children based on the normalized global field power (GFP) of their event-related potentials (ERPs) to auditory stimuli of four different loudness intensities (50, 60, 70, 80 dB SPL): that is, based on an index of the relative strengths of their neural responses across these loudness conditions.ResultsFour clusters of participants were defined. Normalized GFP responses to sounds of different intensities differed strongly across clusters. There was considerable overlap in cluster assignments of autistic and typically developing participants, but autistic participants were more likely to display a pattern of relatively linear increases in response strength accompanied by a disproportionately strong response to 70 dB stimuli. Autistic participants displaying this pattern trended towards obtaining higher scores on assessments of cognitive abilities. There was also a trend for typically developing participants to disproportionately fall into a cluster characterized by disproportionately/nonlinearly strong 60 dB responses. Greater auditory distractibility was reported among autistic participants in a cluster characterized by disproportionately strong responses to the loudest (80 dB) sounds, and furthermore, relatively strong responses to loud sounds were correlated with auditory distractibility. This appears to provide evidence of coinciding behavioral and neural sensory atypicalities.LimitationsReplication may be needed to verify exploratory results. This analysis does not address variability related to classical ERP latencies and topographies. The sensory questionnaire employed was not specifically designed for use in autism. Hearing acuity was not measured. Variability in sensory responses unrelated to loudness is not addressed, leaving room for additional research.ConclusionsTaken together, these data demonstrate the broader benefits of using electrophysiology to explore individual differences. They illuminate different neural response patterns and suggest relationships between sensory neural responses and sensory behaviors, cognitive abilities, and autism diagnostic status.

Atypical Sensory Processing Profiles and Their Associations With Motor Problems In Preschoolers With Developmental Coordination Disorder

The aims of this study were to identify sensory processing profiles specific to preschoolers with DCD in a community sample and examine the association of sensory processing problems with motor coordination difficulties in these children. Sixty-three 5-year-old children with DCD and without other neurodevelopmental disorders and 106 age-matched typically developing children participated in this study. Sensory processing problems were assessed using the Sensory Profile. Our results demonstrated problems in wide sensory processing patterns (low registration, sensitivity and avoiding) and areas (auditory, vestibular, touch and oral) in children with DCD compared with typically developing children. Additionally, the association of problems in sensory processing patterns (sensitivity and avoiding) and areas (touch and auditory) with motor coordination difficulties were identified in children with DCD alone. Our findings indicate that sensory processing abnormalities may contribute to the pathophysiology of DCD, suggesting the importance of assessing sensory processing functions in children with DCD.

Copy number variations of SHANK3 and related sensory profiles in Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundCurrent estimates indicate that >80 % of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit concomitant sensory processing problems and hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. These are now included as diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fifth Edition. Chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variations (CNVs), and coding sequence variants involving >100 genes have been identified in patients with ASD. Studying the CNVs of one such gene, SHANK3, and the associated phenotype in patients with ASD could provide insights that will guide future ASD treatments and interventions. ObjectiveTo assess SHANK3 CNVs in children with ASD and investigate their sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Subjects and methodsForty children with ASD were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. SSP was used to evaluate atypical sensory behavior, e.g., hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests. SHANK3 CNVs were assessed in these children using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification. ResultsOf the 40 cases, 77.5 % showed sensory reactivity symptoms. The greatest difference from normality was observed in the under-responsive/seeks sensation domain, followed by the tactile sensitivity domain, whereas hypo-activity (low-energy/weak domain) was closest to normal. The sensory reactivity symptoms were significantly correlated with the severity of ASD. However, only three of the 40 cases had de novo duplications at 22q13.33. The duplications included SHANK3 in two of the cases and only the distal flanking region of SHANK3 in the third case. All three duplication cases also showed symptoms associated with the low-energy/weak domain. ConclusionWe found that children with ASD exhibited sensory processing problems. The SHANK3 copy number gains found demonstrate the gene dosage effect of SHANK3 in ASD pathogenesis. This study adds to the growing understanding of 22q13 duplications that include SHANK3.

Sensory processing patterns affect headache severity among adolescents with migraine

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between pain catastrophizing level, sensory processing patterns, and headache severity among adolescents with episodic migraine.BackgroundCatastrophizing about pain is a critical variable in how we understand adjustment to pain and has a unique contribution in predicting pain intensity. Recent reports found that migraine is also related to enhanced sensory sensitivity. However, the relationship between pain severity, pain catastrophizing level and sensory sensitivity requires greater study especially among adolescents.MethodsParticipants were 92 adolescents aged 13–18 years, 40 with episodic migraine and 52 healthy controls. The migraine patients were prospectively recruited from outpatient pediatric neurology clinics. All participants completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for children (PCS-ch). The migraine groups also completed the PedMIDAS, which measures Headache related disability.ResultsAdolescents with migraine had significantly lower tendency to seek sensory input than healthy controls. Elevated rumination and helplessness correlated with higher migraine pain severity. Tendency to avoid sensory input predicted the migraine related disability level. They also significantly higher pain catastrophizing level than healthy controls, as seen in enhanced rumination (p ≤ 0.001) and helplessness (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsSensory processing difficulties are common among adolescents with episodic migraine. Sensory avoidance may be related to pain experience, and pain catastrophizing and disability level.

Sensory-based interventions with adult and adolescent trauma survivors

PurposeAn emerging evidence base, and increased awareness of the effects of trauma on the body, advocates a sensory-based approach to treatment with posttraumatic stress and complex trauma survivors. This paper aims to identify, analyse and summarise the empirical evidence for the sensory-based interventions, which occupational therapists are using in the treatment of adult and adolescent trauma survivors.Design/methodology/approachAn integrative review of the literature was undertaken. Both empirical and conceptual papers were included. An inductive approach and constant comparative method were used to understand and synthesise the research.FindingsThe literature search yielded 18 papers describing the types of sensory-based interventions used, sensory processing (SP) patterns and the context and evidence for sensory-based occupational therapy practice with trauma survivors. Nine of the studies were empirical and nine were conceptual and review papers. Themes identified included: atypical SP patterns; type of sensory-based intervention used with trauma survivors; and transdisciplinary treatment programmes can reduce the symptoms of trauma.Practical implicationsSensory-based interventions with adult and adolescent trauma survivors are emerging as promising areas of practice and research in the literature. Although empirical data is limited, the sensory needs of the body in processing trauma experiences is becoming more recognised and are supported by the atypical SP patterns identified in survivors. A sensory-based, transdisciplinary approach to treatment has the potential to be effective in treating the trauma survivor.Originality/valueWith a skill base in sensory integration and occupational analysis, occupational therapists have much to offer the field of trauma studies. This review begins to address the gap in the literature, recommending more rigorous controlled outcome research with larger sample sizes, person-centred studies focussing on the trauma survivor’s perspective and continuing professional development and mentorship for occupational therapists working with this population.

Sensory Processing Difficulties in Youths With Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Difficulty modulating sensory information has been described in children with developmental disorders. However, the relation of sensory processing difficulties (SPD) to emotional regulation problems remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to determine the rate and patterns of SPD in youth with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Participants were DMDD patients aged 6–16 years presenting at a university hospital in outpatient or inpatient facilities (n = 30). For each participant, the parent-reported Sensory Profile, the Affective Lability Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition, the Child Behavior Checklist/4–18, and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children–Present and Lifetime Version were completed. The scores of the Sensory Profile of the DMDD youths were compared to those obtained in a clinical control group and to the manual scores for same-age typically developing youths. SPD were reported in 53% of the subjects in the DMDD group compared to 33% in the clinical control group (p = 0.405). Youths with DMDD showed a significant difference on almost all items of the Sensory Profile compared to typically developing youth. The Sensory Profile was found to discriminate best between the participants with DMDD and those in the clinical control group with regard to the category “Behavioral outcomes of sensory processing” and the factor “Fine motor/perceptual behavior.” All types of sensory processing patterns were reported in the DMDD youths: sensation avoiding (40%), low registration (27%), sensory sensitivity (20%), and sensation seeking (10%). As a group, youths with DMDD have significantly more SPD when compared to typical youths. Therefore, SPD could be an important factor to consider in youths with DMDD when providing comprehensive assessment and therapeutic interventions.

Sensory Processing Difficulties in Functional Neurological Disorder: A Possible Predisposing Vulnerability?

BackgroundFunctional neurological disorder (FND) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition characterized by sensorimotor difficulties. Patients with FND at times report that sensory experiences trigger and/or exacerbate their symptoms. Sensory processing difficulties are also commonly reported in other psychiatric disorders frequently comorbid in FND, suggesting that contextualizing sensory profiles in FND within a biopsychosocial model may be clinically relevant. ObjectiveTo address this literature gap, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine sensory processing patterns and their relationship to other neuropsychiatric characteristics in patients with FND. MethodsA retrospective chart review design was used to investigate sensory processing patterns, established with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile self-report questionnaire, in 44 patients with FND. Univariate analyses of cross-sectional screening tests followed by multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify clinical factors associated with sensory processing scores in the FND cohort. ResultsCompared to normative data, most patients with FND reported sensory processing tendencies toward low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding. In multivariate regression analyses, the presence of a lifetime anxiety disorder independently predicted elevated low registration scores, while female gender and number of current medications independently predicted increased sensory sensitivity scores. In uncorrected univariate analyses only, individuals with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures were more likely to report increased sensory sensitivity and elevated low registration. ConclusionThese preliminary findings support sensory processing difficulties in some patients with FND. Prospective and large sample size studies are needed to investigate relationships between sensory processing profiles and neuropsychiatric comorbidities, FND subtypes, and treatment outcomes.

Sensory processing patterns in developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and typical development

BackgroundSensory processing difficulties (SPD) are present in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about sensory processing variability in these disorders. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore SPD among children with DCD, ADHD and co-occurring symptoms in comparison to children with typical development (TD) and to determine how potential social confounders may influence these associations. MethodsThe study involved 452 children aged 6–12 years. The Short Sensory Profile-2 was used to assess sensory processing patterns. Multiple linear regressions were utilized to investigate the relationship between DCD, ADHD and co-occurring symptoms and sensory processing patterns, adjusting for social covariates. ResultsChildren with DCD and ADHD symptoms showed greater variability of atypical sensory processing patterns compared with TD children. Low registration and sensory sensibility issues were more prevalent in the DCD group. ADHD children showed higher rates of low registration, sensory sensibility and sensory seeking, and all children in the co-occurring symptoms group presented sensory sensibility. ConclusionThis study reports significant variability in sensory processing among children with DCD, ADHD and co-occurring symptoms using a population-based sample. These differences can contribute to understand how neurological and social factors correlates across diagnoses.

Sensory Processing Patterns and Fusiform Activity During Face Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A growing body of evidence has indicated that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit abnormal reactions to sensory stimuli and impaired face processing. Although behavioral studies have reported that individual differences in sensory processing patterns are correlated with performance in face processing tasks, the neural substrates underlying the association between sensory processing patterns and face processing remain unknown. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the present study examined the relationships between sensory processing patterns assessed with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and brain activity during a one‐back task with two types of stimuli (face or house pictures). We enrolled 18 Japanese adults with ASD and 19 age‐ and IQ‐matched controls. Sensation Avoiding scores, which were assessed using the AASP, were positively correlated with right fusiform activity during the presentation of pictures of faces in the ASD group, but not in the control group. This suggests that abnormal sensory processing patterns in ASD are associated with abnormal face‐related brain activity, possibly resulting in impaired face processing. Autism Res 2020, 13: 741–750. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummarySensory abnormalities are one of the most common symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study shows that individuals with ASD who react abnormally to sensory stimuli also exhibit atypical brain activity when recognizing faces. Abnormal sensory processing may partly explain the difficulty that people diagnosed with ASD have in identifying others' faces.

The Infancia y Procesamiento Sensorial (InProS-Childhood and Sensory Processing) Project: Study Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Parental and Children's Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Features and Children's Sensory Processing.

Sensory processing difficulties may have potential detrimental consequences on the physical, social and intellectual development of children. It includes serious disturbances affecting emotional regulation, motor performance, social behavior and daily life functioning, among others factors. Since these symptoms are more frequent among children with disabilities, most research has been carried out in clinical populations. However, recent studies have suggested that sensory problems may be prevalent in around 20% of children without clinical conditions. To date, epidemiological research on sensory dysfunctions in normally developing children is lacking; therefore, it is unknown whether or not sensory processing difficulties are significant factors that affect child’s development. Hence, this study has a double general purpose: (1) to determine the sensory profile of school-aged children; (2) to examine the associations between atypical sensory processing patterns and socio-demographic, health and lifestyle features of these children and their parents. The Infancia y Procesamiento Sensorial (InProS, Childhood and Sensory Processing in English) project is a population-based cross-sectional study of Spanish children aged 3–7 years. Data were gathered from different ad hoc questionnaires and several standardized tests. We propose an objective and reliable methodology using statistical and research procedures to describe and determine associations with sensory processing outcomes. We believe that this project will contribute to filling the gap in epidemiological research on sensory issues by providing more convincing evidence. Nevertheless, the potential results should be corroborated in other larger samples.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns, trait anxiety, and health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis.

Sensory processing patterns may predict health-related quality of life. This study examined this relationship in persons with multiple sclerosis considering trait anxiety as a potential mediator. Participants (n = 94) completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and other self-report measures at one time point. Sensory processing patterns were significantly associated with trait anxiety and health-related quality of life. Direct and indirect effects of sensory processing patterns were identified on physical health-related quality of life, and indirect effects were identified on mental health-related quality of life. Facilitating adaptive behavioral responses to sensory information may promote health-related quality of life in this population.

Sensory Processing Patterns and Internalizing Behaviors in the Pediatric and Young Adult General Population: A Scoping Review

Background: While research has largely focused on the relationship between sensory processing patterns and internalizing behaviors (e.g., anxiety, depression) in children with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this relationship is not fully understood among the general population or across development.

Sensory Processing Patterns and Sleep Quality in Primary School Children.

Sensory processing and sleep quality affect children's academic performance and their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sensory processing patterns and sleep quality in primary school children. In this cross-sectional study, 231 primary school students aged 7 to 12 years old (133 girls and 98 boys, the mean age of 8.68±1.51) who were studying in schools in Tehran were randomly selected through cluster sampling. The researchers distributed a questionnaire on children's sleep habits to assess the quality of sleep and a sensory profile questionnaire to assess the sensory processing patterns (avoidance, sensitivity, seeking, and registration) among the students. In this study, we found a meaningful moderate relationship between sensory processing patterns and overall scores of sleep habits (p <0.001). Moreover, each of the sensory processing patterns had a negative relationship with areas of sleep habits (p = 0.005). There was also a significant difference between children who had more challenges with sleep maintenance and children with normal sleep patterns in sensory processing; mean differences were significant in all the four sensory quadrants (registration, seeking, sensitivity, and avoiding) (p <0.001). The sensory processing patterns are moderately correlated with sleep habits in primary school children. Occupational therapists and other specialists working in the field of children's sleep should consider the relationship between sensory challenges and sleep habits while making decisions about sensory challenges and sleep problems. Better sleep may occur with attention to sensory needs in sleep routines. Better sleep may lead to improved quality of life in families and enhanced student performance at school.

Comparison of the sensory processing patterns of autism individuals with their normal counterparts

Comparison of the sensory processing patterns of autism individuals with their normal counterparts

Psychometric Properties of Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Checklist (SPSRC).

Background Some children may encounter difficulties in processing sensory stimuli, which may affect their ability to participate in activities of daily living. Self-regulation abilities may also affect children on how to process different sensory experiences. The Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Checklist (SPSRC) was developed as a single, parent-reported instrument for the examination of sensory processing and self-regulation difficulties in children. Aims This study is aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the SPSRC and examine the patterns of self-regulation and sensory processing in children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods and Procedures The contents of the SPSRC were validated by a group of experts, and a field test was subsequently conducted to examine the reliability and validity of this instrument in a sample of 997 typically developing children and 78 children with ASD. Outcomes and Results The results of the validation and field test analyses suggest that the SPSRC exhibits high internal consistency, good intrarater reliability, and a valid ability to measure and discriminate sensory processing and self-regulation in children aged 3–8 years with and without ASD. Conclusions and Implications The current results supported the reliability and validity of SPSRC to assess a child's sensory processing and self-regulation performance in activities of daily living. The study findings warrant further investigation to compare the performance of the SPSRC with laboratory-based tests, as this would better elucidate sensory responsivity in children with sensory modulation disorders from both clinical and research perspectives.

Associations Among Sensory Processing Patterns, Trait Anxiety, and Physical Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

(1) To identify associations among sensory processing patterns, trait anxiety, and physical quality of life (QOL) among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). (2) To identify whether sensory processing patterns predict physical QOL after controlling for demographics, disability, and trait anxiety.

Sensory processing in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders

ABSTRACT Sensory symptoms are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but the patterns of these symptoms vary. Early assessment of sensory processing is therefore crucial for diagnosis and early intervention. However, studies in this area are conducted almost exclusively in English-speaking populations. In our study, we examined sensory processing in 380 toddlers: 96 with ASD, 42 with other developmental disabilities (DD), and 242 typically developing (TD) controls. Caregivers completed a Polish version of the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP). Results showed that children with ASD and those with DD were more hypo- and hypersensitive and showed more avoidance of stimulation than TD controls. Children with DD had less severe symptoms than those with ASD and showed higher levels of sensation seeking than the ASD and TD groups. Furthermore, we identified four sensory subtypes with different sensory thresholds and regulatory strategies. Two of them reflected healthy patterns of sensory processing: a healthy-active and a healthy-passive subtype. The third subtype was characterized by mild sensory symptoms. The fourth pattern was specific to toddlers with ASD and included severe sensory symptoms and avoidance of stimulation. The Polish ITSP may be a useful instrument in early diagnosis of ASD, as well as in future research.