To assess clinical outcomes and parental experiences following an intensive multidisciplinary intervention (IMI) for children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). A prospective cohort of 28 children (aged 2-8 years) with severe eating difficulties, all meeting ARFID diagnostic criteria at baseline, participated in a 3-day assessment and an 8-day IMI involving guided mealtimes, play-based exposures, nutritional counseling, and caregiver coaching. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Interview (PARDI) at baseline and at 7-15 months post-intervention. Parental experience was evaluated using the Experience of Service Questionnaire (ESQ) and the study-specific Eating Intervention Experience Questionnaire (EIEQ). At follow-up, 27 of 28 children continued to meet ARFID criteria; however, overall symptom severity decreased significantly (M = 3.55 → 2.57, d = 0.80, p < 0.001), with reductions in both the sensory (M = 2.77 → 2.21, d = 0.63, p = 0.002) and low-interest profiles (M = 3.48 → 2.50, d = 0.93, p < 0.001), alongside improvements in nutritional status and growth-related criteria. Parents reported high satisfaction with the intervention, valuing the multidisciplinary approach, tailored support, and practical strategies. Findings suggest that intensive, multidisciplinary, nondirective interventions may yield clinically meaningful benefits for young children with severe ARFID, particularly those with combined sensory sensitivity and low interest in eating profiles. Although full remission was uncommon within the follow-up period, the intervention supported symptom reduction and caregiver competence. Larger controlled studies are needed to establish efficacy and guide development of sustainable models of care.

Sensory profiles and a teacher-mediated classroom intervention for preschool skin-picking behaviours.

To examine the barriers and facilitators of anorexia nervosa (AN) recovery in adults with autism. Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or having recovered from AN. Participants were recruited via advertisements on social media and an eating disorder (ED) forum. Online Zoom interviews with 12 participants were conducted from October to November 2023. Overall, 12 autistic adults who identified as being in recovery or recovered from AN were included (11 women and 1 man; aged between 18-50 years). Four key themes were identified: 'Sensory Experiences', 'Recovery in progress', 'Changing to healthy mindsets' and 'Engaging with treatment'. Results indicated that recovery for participants did not follow a linear path, with the role of autistic traits, such as sensory sensitivities, interoception and the internal voice, making recovery challenging. This study provides insight into the challenges and motivations experienced during the recovery process. Findings highlight the need for further research to improve guidelines and autism awareness in ED services.

Given the absence of a validated Polish method for assessing childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS-PL) and investigate its latent factor structure and the links with sensory processing sensitivity and birth satisfaction. In a cross-sectional descriptive study, a sample of 296 mothers completed an online survey, which included the City BiTS-PL, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, and the questions about the sociodemographic and pregnancy/birth-related characteristics. The City BiTS-PL was found to have generally good measurement properties. In confirmatory factor analysis, the two-factor solution achieved the best fit out of the three tested models. The internal consistency was satisfactory for the subscales and the whole scale (Cronbach's α = .61-.91). Convergent validity with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, and Highly Sensitive Person Scale and divergent validity testing indicated robust validity. The prevalence of CB-PTSD in our sample was 6.1%. The City BiTS is a reliable and valid measure, but difficulties were observed during the analysis in fitting the scale to the models, especially in the context of fitting a four-factor model based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the tool should be considered as a screening, not a clinical, method. Sensory processing sensitivity is positively related to CB-PTSD, shedding light on the importance of temperamental sensitivity to the environment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Autistic adults often report high levels of social anxiety and significant life impacts from this anxiety on well-being and functioning. Although cognitive-behavioural therapy in group settings has been adapted for autistic populations, there is a paucity of research exploring how autistic individuals experience CBT interventions. This qualitative study investigated autistic adults' experiences of a modified cognitive-behavioural therapy group programme for social anxiety. Twenty-seven autistic participants were recruited through clinical services and community outreach. Following the intervention, participants completed semi-structured individual interviews about their experience of the programme. Participants reported both therapeutic benefits and challenges following their participation. Themes included reflections on group dynamics, mental health impacts, social functioning and daily life applications of strategies. Peer connection emerged as a core facilitator of engagement, while structured strategies were credited with bolstering social confidence and self-awareness. However, challenges, such as sensory sensitivities, the role of previous therapeutic experiences and difficulties applying strategies beyond the therapy context, were also highlighted.Lay AbstractAutistic adults often report high levels of social anxiety. To support autistic people with social anxiety, we developed a group therapy programme, the Engage Program, an intervention designed specifically for autistic adults. Our study aimed to better understand what it is like for autistic adults to take part in group therapy and what aspects of the programme were most helpful, or not. The programme aimed to provide a safe space where participants could explore social interactions in a way that felt comfortable and authentic. Rather than encouraging people to hide or 'camouflage' their autistic traits, the programme focused on building confidence, self-understanding and meaningful connections with peers. Sessions included guided discussions, structured activities and shared experiences. We interviewed participants who had completed the group programme to hear directly from them about their experiences. Many said they felt less alone and more socially confident after taking part in the group. They appreciated connecting with others who understood their experiences, and they said this helped them feel more accepted and supported. They also reported that participating in the group helped them understand their social strengths and challenges more clearly. However, not everything worked for everyone. Some participants found aspects of the therapy challenging, especially if they had sensory sensitivities or difficult past experiences with therapy. In the future, we want to explore how to make group therapy more flexible and accessible, especially for those who may struggle in traditional settings. This research shows that group therapy can be a powerful way to support autistic adults, especially when it is designed with their needs and preferences in mind.

Problem behaviors (PB) commonly co-occur in individuals with neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes (NGDs) and increase the risk of injury to oneself and others. Despite the prevalence and clinical impact of these behaviors, knowledge regarding the psychological risk markers for PB among individuals with NGDs is currently lacking. To fill this gap, we explored the relative contributions of key developmental (age, speech production) and clinical (emotion regulation, anxiety, sensory sensitivity, social communication) characteristics as predictors of unique PB subdomains in a sample of 255 individuals with NGDs (Mage = 14.16; SDage = 10.45; 51.0% male). Emotion dysregulation was a strong predictor of all subdomains of PB and the strongest predictor of aggression, conduct problems, and property destruction, after controlling for speech level and other clinical features. Lower social communication was the strongest predictor of elopement and self-injury. Distinct facets of anxiety showed unique patterns of associations with PB subdomains, such that higher physiological anxiety was significantly associated with elopement and aggression, while lower worry was associated with elopement. Speech level was a significant negative predictor of conduct problems and elopement. Future research is needed to replicate reported findings and to understand the predictors, maintaining factors, and complex interplay between these factors in the occurrence of PB subdomains among individuals with NGDs.

Demographic profile of Sensory Processing Sensitivity

Comprehensive analysis of spinal cord inflammatory factors in HIV Tat-induced neuropathy in mice.

Insufficient cognitive resources allocation with compensatory sensory enhancement in children with attention difficulties.

Autistic individuals admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) face unique challenges due to sensory sensitivities, communication barriers and behavioural complexities. In such high-acuity environments, families play a critical role in advocating for their loved ones' needs, yet their experiences remain underexplored-particularly in Middle Eastern contexts, where caregiving is deeply embedded in cultural and spiritual responsibilities. To explore the lived experiences of family caregivers supporting autistic relatives during ICU admissions, with particular attention to communication challenges, emotional burdens, cultural values and ethical considerations. This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with family caregivers of autistic ICU patients. Thematic analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework, and the study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines to ensure rigour and transparency. In total, 14 caregivers were interviewed. Three major themes were identified: (1) Advocacy Amid Uncertainty, reflecting the emotional strain, communication barriers and isolation experienced by caregivers advocating in high-stress environments; (2) Negotiating Care Roles, capturing how families collaboratively distributed advocacy tasks while navigating generational and interpersonal tensions; and (3) Cultural and Ethical Framing, illustrating how deeply held values, religious beliefs and moral obligations shaped families' interpretations and decisions. Families of autistic ICU patients navigate multifaceted roles as advocates, interpreters and emotional supports within a culturally complex landscape. Their experiences reflect a need for more inclusive, autism-informed and family-centred critical care practices that respect both neurodiversity and cultural context. ICU nurses and interdisciplinary teams can improve care for autistic patients by engaging families as expert partners, adapting communication strategies and supporting culturally and spiritually grounded advocacy. Integrating family-informed care planning, reducing sensory overstimulation and honouring faith-based practices can enhance trust, emotional stability and care outcomes in neurodiverse ICU populations.

BackgroundDeclining communication is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Not only is this symptom distressing for the person with ADRD, but care tasks may be more challenging as a result of communication deficits. While it is well known that hearing loss is strongly related to communication capacity, a lesser explored area related to communication is that of cortical‐level sensory processing in ADRD. We hypothesized communication impairment would be positively correlated with caregiver burden and sensory processing abnormalities in older adults with ADRD.MethodUsing data collected from a non‐pharmacological randomized controlled trial aimed at behavior modification in ADRD (participants with ADRD confirmed by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR] score of 1+ and their primary caregivers), this study conducted secondary data analysis using Pearson correlation to assess relationships among communication impairment as indicated on the CDR, caregiver burden (as measured by the Zarit Burden Inventory), and sensory processing abnormalities (as measured by the Adult Sensory Profile). Demographic data were assessed using summary statistical assessment.ResultData were analyzed from 19 participants with ADRD. Participants with ADRD consisted of 11 females, 8 males, x̄ age of 78.21 (SD=10.15), and x̄ Standard Global CDR of 1.63 (SD=0.84). All participants had functioning sensory acuity with or without aids (i.e., hearing aids). Care partners consisted of 16 females, 3 males, x̄ age of 62.32 (SD=11.56), and spouses were the most frequent care partners. Analyses indicated a significant strong positive correlation between communication impairment and caregiver burden (r = 0.59, p = 0.007). Additionally, communication impairment was significantly positively correlated with sensory processing abnormalities within the domains of sensory sensitivity (r = 0.64, p = 0.004) and sensory avoiding (r = 0.49, p = 0.037).ConclusionBoth receptive (hearing) and expressive (talking) communication is vital to encourage cooperative completion of care tasks. Communication impairment in ADRD is not only linked to increased caregiver burden, but also is associated with cortical‐level sensory processing abnormalities beyond standard hearing loss. Combined with hearing loss, communication is made even more difficult. Additional exploration is warranted to determine causal mechanisms between sensory processing abnormalities and communication impairment in ADRD.

This retrospective chart review explored the relationship between sensory processing, interoceptive awareness, and occupational performance in 68 adults who received sensory-based occupational therapy. 59% showed high sensory sensitivity and 51% showed low registration, with self-reported interoceptive challenges in Trusting (49%), Not Distracting (41%), and Self-Regulation (28%). Leisure activities reflected the lowest performance (z = 0.61). Significant correlations emerged between low registration and sensory avoiding with relationships (−0.427 and −0.528, respectively) and between interoception and leisure time (from 0.345 to 0.449). Findings suggest meaningful associations that will inform future study. Given the small sample size, results should be considered preliminary, warranting confirmation.

For children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), research on factors contributing to elevated BMI is lacking. Using a sample of children diagnosed with ARFID through an outpatient, multidisciplinary feeding clinic, this study aimed to identify the proportion of children within each BMI category, compare fruit and vegetable (FV) intake between children with sensory sensitivity and non-sensory sensitivity ARFID, and determine whether FV intake was associated with BMI. Data were collected retrospectively from an outpatient, multidisciplinary feeding clinic. The sample included 271 children (2-18 years; Mage = 6.71, SD = 3.05) and one parent/legal guardian per child who completed a feeding evaluation. Child height/weight, demographics, FV checklist, and two items assessing FV intake from the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale were collected. A pediatric psychologist established ARFID diagnosis using a multi-method approach. Classifications of underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity were 9.6%, 64.9%, 11.4%, and 14.0%, respectively. No differences were found in average FV intake between children with sensory sensitivity ARFID versus those with non-sensory sensitivity ARFID. Accounting for relevant covariates, lower FV intake (number of accepted FVs but not frequency of FV intake) was significantly associated with higher BMI z-score. Findings support the existence of ARFID across the BMI spectrum and suggest that among children with ARFID, those with fewer accepted FVs may present with higher BMI. Food selectivity may be a valuable intervention target, particularly among youth with higher BMI. Further research is needed to elucidate factors relevant to BMI in children with ARFID.

This study investigated the factor structure of the Lithuanian version of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) scale and identified sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) subgroups among emerging adults. A total of 651 participants aged 18–29 completed the instrument. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a three-factor model—Ease of Excitation (EOE), Low Sensory Threshold (LST), and Aesthetic Sensitivity (AES)—consistent with previous cross-cultural findings. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinct SPS profiles: High-, Moderate-, Mild-, and Low-sensitivity. Overall, the findings provide evidence for the psychometric robustness of the Lithuanian HSP scale and point to the potential role of developmental context and gender in shaping SPS. This study contributes to cross-cultural validation initiatives and offers a foundation for future research and practical applications in psychological assessment and intervention with young adults.

Background: Paragliders may exhibit enhanced motor and sensory skills compared to the general population, as a result of the intense environmental demands associated with their sport. Understanding whether differences exist can provide insights into how amateur paragliders process sensory information, which can inform training methodologies, safety protocols, and post-injury rehabilitation strategies. Purpose: This exploratory study aimed to investigate sensory processing differences between amateur paragliders and non-extreme sports. Research Design and Study Sample: It is a quantitative comparative study involving 30 paragliding participants and 30 non-paragliding participants, all aged between 19 and 25years. Data Collection: Participants completed the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (ASP). Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the paragliding and non-extreme sports' groups in the low registration, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity quadrants of the ASP (p < .05). Conclusions: This study highlights distinct sensory processing profiles characterized by low registration, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity scores that are more typical of this paragliding sample. These sensory characteristics may help explain individuals' participation in high-risk activities by enabling them to tolerate or adapt to intense environmental stimuli. A better understanding of these traits can inform tailored training or safety strategies, potentially enhancing both performance and risk management among amateur paragliders.

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty in communication, social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior patterns. Physical therapy becomes essential from the first months of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of physical therapy intervention on the global motor development of children with ASD. METHODOLOGY: The present work is na integrative review, carried out using a qualitative research approach. The research sources used were the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PUBMED), Journal Portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES PERIODICOS), and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). The inclusion criteria were: scientific articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, electronically available in full; published in the last five years (2020–2025). The exclusion criteria were: duplicate studies, incomplete studies, those without clinical outcomes, studies published before 2020, and those whose title, abstract, and/or objective were not aligned with the proposed theme of the present study. RESULTS: The analyzed studies demonstrate that different modalities of physical therapy intervention, such as aquatic exercises, aerobic activities, and structured martial arts techniques (such as kata), promote positive and complementary effects on motor, emotional, and behavioral development in children with ASD. Interventions that integrate sensory-motor stimuli promote gains in balance, postural control, planning, organization, self-control, and working memory, in addition to enhancing physical and emotional confidence. Evidence also shows a reduction in stereotyped behaviors, improved sensory sensitivity, and greater social engagement. Thus, physical therapy stands out as na essential and integrative resource to meet the functional and cognitive needs of these children. CONCLUSION: Physical therapy, integrated with multisensory and structured motor approaches, is essential for the global development of children with ASD.

The physical design of learning environments plays a critical role in shaping student regulation, engagement, and access to learning, particularly within special school settings where learners often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. This literature-based review examines the impact of key sensory design dimensions—acoustics, lighting, and breakout zones—on student self-regulation and learning in special schools, drawing on peer-reviewed research and policy literature published between 2015 and 2025. Guided by a regulation-as-access perspective, the review integrates evidence from environmental psychology, autism-responsive architectural frameworks, and special education research to explore how sensory conditions mediate students’ capacity to remain regulated and instructionally engaged. Findings from the reviewed literature indicate that poor acoustic conditions and inappropriate lighting can increase cognitive load and dysregulation, while sensory-responsive design features and structured breakout spaces can support emotional regulation, de-escalation, and re-engagement with learning. However, the review also identifies significant gaps in the literature, including fragmented examination of sensory dimensions, reliance on short-term and perception-based outcomes, and limited special-school-specific empirical evidence. By synthesizing research across disciplines and policy contexts, this review highlights the need for integrated, evidence-informed sensory design approaches that support regulation as a prerequisite for meaningful participation and learning in special school environments.

Our overarching objective was to determine whether autonomic reflex dysfunction and heightened sensory sensitivity contribute to orthostatic intolerance (OI) in patients with migraine. Adults with migraine (N = 30) underwent autonomic function tests summarized as the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS) and vagal/adrenergic baroreflex sensitivity (BRS-V/A). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension/hypertension were diagnosed during tilt table testing. A cold pressor test (CPT) evaluated sympathetic vasomotor function. Participants completed the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), the 2011 Fibromyalgia (FM) Survey Criteria, and chronic overlapping pain condition (COPC) screening. The number of headache days per month correlated with CASS (p = 0.001), BRS-V (p < 0.001), and the CPT (p = 0.003) in the expected direction, with increasing autonomic nervous system (ANS) reflex dysfunction correlating with increasing number of headache days. During tilt testing, OI was prevalent (25/30; 83%) and was reported by all patients with chronic migraine. An abnormal cardiovascular response to tilt was present in 63%; POTS was the most common etiology (56.2%). Patients reporting OI during tilt table testing despite a normal cardiovascular response (33%) had higher FM scores (15.8 ± 3.6 vs. 7.5 ± 4.6; p < 0.01) and a greater prevalence of non-headache COPCs (88.8% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.02) than asymptomatic patients. Increased headache frequency correlates with increasing ANS reflex dysfunction. The high prevalence of OI in patients with migraine may be due to both autonomic reflex dysfunction and an abnormal cardiovascular response to tilt (i.e., concordant OI) and heightened sensory sensitivity (i.e., discordant OI).

ABSTRACT Touch is an important aspect of human experience, linked to emotional and social connection. In contexts of physical distancing, isolation, or sensory sensitivities, alternative ways of engaging with touch must be considered. This article explores participants’ experiences during the outdoor sensory performance ‘Until We Meet,’ which used guided audio-recordings to remotely engage participants with their sense of touch and connection. The project took place in a public park and involved 22 participants who engaged with touch-focussedaudio-recordings. Participants’ responses were gathered through feedback forms and creative contributions to an accompanying installation. A thematic analysis was applied to interpret the qualitative data. The insights revealed that participants experienced non-physical forms of touch, including self-touch, imagined touch, and emotional touch, despite physical seperation and these enhanced their body awareness and supported feelings of social connection despite physical separation. The insights suggest that touch-focused audio-recordings may serve as a low-barrier way to support sensory well-being, especially for individuals with limited access to physical touch. Future work will prioritise enhancing accessibility and co-creating audio-recordings with specific populations to ensure they are more closely tailored to participants’ needs.

Aim: This study explored autistic girls’ lived experiences of emotional wellbeing in mainstream secondary schools. Despite heightened mental health risks for autistic individuals, particularly during adolescence, research on autistic girls remains scarce. They are often overlooked in school support models, which leads to mislabelling, delayed diagnoses, and adverse emotional outcomes. Method: This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the experiences of four autistic adolescent girls in mainstream secondary schools. Each pupil participated in one semi-structured interview, discussing their experiences of emotional wellbeing in mainstream secondary school. The structured approach by Smith et al. (2022) was used to analyse data. Findings: Five group experiential themes were interpreted to influence emotional wellbeing: the mainstream environment, classroom dynamics, relationships, use of coping mechanisms, and perceptions of inclusion and belonging. Relationships were central, with peers providing support and acceptance, and positive teacher interactions fostering engagement and emotional stability. Sensory sensitivities and rigid school structures posed challenges to wellbeing. Limitations: With only four participants, findings reflect this specific group and may not transfer to other contexts. Data collection relied on verbal interviews, requiring participants to have sufficient language proficiency, potentially limiting data depth. Future research should consider mixed methods and the use of visual or quantitative measures to improve accessibility and triangulate findings. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of inclusive environments that nurture relationships, support sensory needs, and promote acceptance for autistic girls’ wellbeing. Educational Psychologists play a role in enhancing staff understanding and promoting relational approaches to support autistic girls’ wellbeing.