Sensory Processing in Children With and Without Autism: A Comparative Study Using the Short Sensory Profile

Headnote

KEY WORDS

* autism

* autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

* pediatric

* sensory integration

* sensory processing

* Short Sensory Profile (SSP)

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in sensory processing among age-matched children between ages 3 and 6 years with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who are typically developing.

METHOD. Reported sensory processing abilities of 281 children with ASD were compared to age-matched peers who were typically developing, using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP).

RESULTS. Ninety-five percent of the sample of children with ASD demonstrated some degree of sensory processing dysfunction on the SSP Total Score, with the greatest differences reported on the Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation, Auditory Filtering, and Tactile Sensitivity sections. The ASD group also performed significantly differently (p < .001) on 92% of the items, total score, and all sections of the SSP.

CONCLUSION. These findings, considered with similar published studies, begin to confirm the prevalence and types of sensory processing impairments in autism. Further research is needed to more clearly define patterns of sensory processing in people with ASD.

Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2007). Sensory processing in children with and without autism: A comparative study using the Short Sensory Profile. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 190-200.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication skill, along with a restricted repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). In addition to these core features of autism, researchers have reported that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) respond to sensory experiences differently from peers without disabilities. These sensory processing disorders are well documented in the basic science literature (Ornitz, 1989; Ornitz, Lane, Sugiyama, & de Traversay, 1993; Yeung-Courchesne & Courchesne, 1997), clinical literature (Ermer & Dunn, 1998; Kientz & Dunn, 1997; Watling, Deitz, & White, 2001), and first-person accounts of living with autism (Cesaroni & Garber, 1991; Grandin, 1995). In fact, the initial appearance of these sensory processing findings often predates diagnosis (Adrien et al., 1993; Baranek, 1999; Dahlgren & Gillberg, 1989; Lord, 1995).

Sensory Processing in ASD

The majority of evidence describing sensory processing disorders stems from parental reports, retrospective videotape analysis, and firsthand accounts of living with autism. Findings are limited to...