Effects of Sensory Processing Patterns on Social Skills and Problem Behaviors

Abstract

Sensory processing affects daily life activities including social participation. Numerous research studies have examined the effects of sensory processing on socialization in children with conditions, while limited research examined these effects in children from the general population including typical children. Drawing from a national sample, this study included 54 children aged 3-14, and investigated how sensory processing patterns predicted social skills and problem behaviors. This study focused on shared sensory patterns rather than sensory patterns specific to children with conditions. Multiple linear regression models showed that sensory processing predicted social skills and problem behaviors with sensory avoiding having significant negative partial effect on the social skills outcome. Canonical correlation models revealed strong relationships between sensory processing patterns, and social skills and problem behaviors domains. Findings suggest sensory processing preferences should be considered for all children, not just those with conditions, to enhance social skills and reduce problem behaviors.Keywords: sensory processing, social behavior, adaptive behavior iv Acknowledgements My PhD study was a successful and a very special journey that I couldn't get through without the love and support from the people around me. It is hard for me to explain even a small piece of my gratitude which is beyond what can I write in this section. Many thanks to my parents, Taleb and Nihad, who always believed that one day I will be Dr. Noor! They were always very near, in my heart, surrounding me with love, protection and guidance. Many thanks to my brothers Mohamad, Abdulrahman and Omar, and my sister Sara for visits, phone calls, and wonderful gifts. Not to forget my in-law family for their love and support. I'm blessed to have my life partner and amazing husband Ala'a as a colleague in the same doctoral program. I have learned a lot from his experience in many courses. We always discuss our specialty differences in a way that enriches our knowledge. Together, we split our days to manage study, work, and watching our children! I'm very thankful for all his love, support and patience. I'm also thankful for our amazing children Abdallah and Zaina with their innocence, laughter and play times. They motivate me to finish my work on time to go back home to enjoy my time with them.

The Mediating Effects of Attachment Styles on the Relationship between Sensory Processing Styles and Interpersonal Problems in Healthy University Students

“…We also examined the relationship between sensory processing styles and interpersonal problems and found that only low registration and sensory avoidance had impacts on interpersonal problems. It appears that individuals with a high tendency of low registration are less responsive respond to external stimulation and have difficulty with interpersonal relationships [10,[29][30][31]. Also, individuals with a high tendency of sensory avoidance experience tension and anxious, maladaptive behavioral tendencies toward external stimulation and others, resulting in difficulties with interpersonal relationships [6,[11][12][13][29][30][31].…”

“…Sensory processing affects an individual's daily life activities such as social participation and social skills [8][9][10]. Specifically, individuals with sensory avoidance and sensory sensitivity styles may experience tension and anxiety, and they can show maladaptive behavioral tendencies in the relationships with others [6,[11][12][13].…”

Participation patterns in elementary school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders and their typically developing peers

“…Studies showed that children with ASD participate in a limited variety of activities (Hilton et al, 2008;LaVesser and Berg, 2011). This may be due to certain ASD characteristics like sensory processing differences (Ismael et al, 2018a(Ismael et al, , 2018b, challenging behaviors and limited social functioning (Askari et al, 2015). In addition, environmental factors, like family support and social attitudes, play an important role in children with ASD's participation (Askari, et al, 2015).…”