Longitudinal Study of Sensory Features in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background. Between 45 and 95% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present sensory features that affect their daily functioning. However, the data in the scientific literature are not conclusive regarding the evolution of sensory features in children with ASD. The main objective of this study was to analyze the sensory features of children within the age of 3-4 (T1) when they received their ASD diagnosis and two years later (T2) when they started school. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess sensory features in 34 children with ASD over time. The data were collected using a standardized assessment tool, the Sensory Profile. Results. Our analyses show that sensory features in children with ASD are stable from the age of three to six years. The stability of sensory scores is independent of correction by covariates, such as cognitive level and autism severity scores. Conclusions. Children with ASD have sensory features that persist from the time of diagnosis at the age of 3 to 4 years to school age. This persistence of sensory features from an early age underscores the need to support these children and their parents. Sensory features should be detected early and managed to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes.

Longitudinal assessment of stability of sensory features in children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities

“…This result is consistent with declines observed in cross-sectional and meta-analytic research (e.g., Kern et al, 2006; Ben-Sasson et al, 2009; Cheung & Siu, 2009). However, our findings diverge from the lack of change reported in prior longitudinal analyses (Green et al, 2012; McCormick et al, 2016; Perez Repetto et al, 2017). One reason for this discrepancy may be our inclusion of a longer follow-up window.…”

“…The remaining sensory response pattern, hyperresponsiveness, did not change significantly over the longitudinal interval, a finding that is more consistent with previous longitudinal studies [Green et al, ; Perez‐Repetto et al, ]. However, our observed downward trend in hyperresponsiveness, in conjunction with results from the majority of cross‐sectional studies, leaves open the possibility that at least moderate reductions in hyperresponsiveness may occur during pre‐age to school‐age years.…”

“…A second limitation pertains to sample attrition, a problem similarly observed in earlier studies of stability in sensory features among children with ASD (McCormick et al, 2016; Perez Repetto et al, 2017). In the present study, the causes of attrition (e.g., family relocation) seemed largely independent of changes in sensory features, and none of the variables in Table 1 predicted attrition at T2.…”

“…ASD and DD groups had more sensory features than typically developing controls, and group-based averages for both clinical groups remained elevated over time. Finally, a study by Perez Repetto et al (2017), in which 34 children with ASD aged 3–4 years were observed over a two-year interval, indicated a lack of change over time for both sensory-specific modalities and more global sensory constructs (e.g., sensory sensitivity). However, the authors noted slight decreases in seven of nine sensory categories, and indicated that the absence of group-based change could reflect a lack of statistical power.…”

Modern Technologies in Studying the Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review)

“…[21]. There is evidence that sensory dysfunction in ASD persists with age in adolescents and adults [22,23].…”