Sensory Profiles in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Study Using the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2)

Abstract

Background: Sensory reactivity is considered one of the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and has been associated with poorer functional outcomes, behavioral difficulties, and autism severity across the lifespan. The characterization of the sensory processing in ASD has thus become crucial to identify the sensory and motor features influencing the development of personal autonomy. Objectives: The present study has two aims: (1) to compare the sensory processing between school-aged children with ASD and typically developing peers (TD); (2) to evaluate whether, within the ASD sample, the cognitive level and reported sensory symptoms explain the scores exhibited at the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2). Methods: The SPM-2 test was administered to the parents of 105 children with ASD and 70 TD. The ASD group was further subdivided into two groups, namely high and low functioning based on their cognitive level (High Functioning (HF), IQ > 80; Low Functioning (LF), IQ < 80). Results: ASD children exhibited higher scores throughout the SPM-2 total score and its multiple subscales. Within ASD, while HF and LF children did not differ in terms of the SPM-2 total score, a significant difference was found for the hearing, social participation, and balance and motion subscales. Conclusions: Aside from classical knowledge that the ASD population suffers from sensory processing disorders, we revealed that different sensory patterns are associated with high or low cognitive functioning. Beyond its neurobiological interest, such knowledge may be of fundamental importance for individualizing psychoeducational interventions in preschool- and school-aged children and later developmental stages.

Sensory phenomena in children with Tourette syndrome or autism spectrum disorder

“…Furthermore, tactile physical sensations (82.9%) and look “just-right” perceptions (75.6%) are more frequent in our ASD-group. Of note, atypicality in visual and tactile processing were frequently reported as a typical sensory difficulty in children with ASD ( 43 ). Certainly, it would be desirable to make a thorough assessment of SP in ASD, comparing USP-SPS with other tools evaluating abnormalities in sensory processing.…”

Findings of a Multidisciplinary Assessment of Children Referred for Possible Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Insights from a Retrospective Chart Review Study

“…Another study among Saudi Arabian children, by Al-Heizan et al, reported similar results, with a higher prevalence of sensory dysfunction in children with ASD [ 21 ]. Other studies have pointed to the effect of such sensory difficulties on social communication [ 57 ], more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors [ 58 ], feeding [ 59 ], and sleep problems [ 60 ] in children with NDDs. The results of our current study indicate increased rates of motor difficulties in most children with NDDs, with 31% and 58% scoring below average and low in the motor skills domain, respectively.…”

PARK2 microdeletion in a multiplex family with autism spectrum disorder

“…The Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scale‐Revised: short form (CPRS‐R:S and CTRS‐R:S) were used to assess inattention and hyperactivity problems and to rule out a possible ADHD comorbidity. Sensory processing difficulties, praxis and social participation were assessed using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) (Narzisi et al, 2022).…”