The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Patterns and Behavioural Responsiveness in Autistic Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Sensory processing (SP) difficulties have been reported in as many as 95% of children with autism, however, empirical research examining the existence of specific patterns of SP difficulties within this population is scarce. Furthermore, little attention has been given to examining the relationship between SP and either the core symptoms or secondary manifestations of autism. In the current study, SP patterns in children with autistic disorder (AD) were investigated via a caregiver questionnaire and findings were correlated with the social, emotional and behavioural responsiveness of participants. Results indicated the presence of specific SP patterns in this sample of children with AD and several significant relationships were found between SP and social, emotional and behavioural function.

Brief Report: Exploring the Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Repetitive Behaviours in Williams Syndrome

“…It has been suggested that children with ASD who experience sensory processing abnormalities may also experience more repetitive behaviours (e.g. Chen, Rodgers, & McConachie, 2009;Baker et al, 2008). Repetitive behaviours may be functional in regulating arousal levels for children with ASD who experience sensory processing abnormalities (e.g.…”

A Computational Agent Model for Hebbian Learning of Social Interaction

“…The model also shows how imitation training (e.g., [7], [13]) can strengthen the empathic responses. Moreover, it shows that when enhanced sensory processing sensitivity [1] occurs (e.g., as an innate factor), the natural learning process is obstructed by avoidance behaviour to downregulate the dysproportional arousal [9].…”

“…200-203, [12], [16]) for context c, stimulus s and body state b; they provide control for the agent's execution of (prepared) actions, such as expressing body states or communications, or regulation of the gaze. Here the context c can be an agent B, which can be another agent (self-other distinction), or the agent self, or c can be sens which denotes enhanced sensory processing sensitivity: a trait which occurs in part of the population, and may affect social behaviour (e.g., [1,4]). One reason why some children do not obtain a sufficient amount of experiences to shape their mirror neuron system, is that they tend not to look at other persons due to enhanced sensory processing sensitivity for face expressions, in particular in the region of the eyes; e.g., [4,15].…”

“…Super mirroring for enhanced sensory processing sensitivity, generates a state indicating in how far the stimulus induces a sensory body representation level experienced as inadequately high. To cover regulation to compensate for enhanced sensory processing sensitivity (e.g., [1]), the super mirroring state for this is the basis for three possible regulations: of the prepared and expressed body state, and of the gaze.…”

“…In addition to variations in social environment, circumstances may differ in other respects as well. From many persons with some form of autistic spectrum disorder it is known that they show enhanced sensory processing sensitivity; e.g., [1], [4]; this was also incorporated in the model. Due to this, their regulation mechanisms to avoid a too high level of arousal may interfere with the social behaviour and the learning processes.…”