Types and Frequency of Dysfunction of Sensory Integration in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aims: To determine the frequency and the types of dysfunctions in sensory integration in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Study Design: Quantitative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Centre for rehabilitation of pathology of verbal communication – Skopje, between January and December 2022.

Methodology: We surveyed 40 patients (32 boys, 8 girls; age range 3 – 7 years) with ASD. The research method used was qualitative description. Content analysis and documentation analysis were used as research tools. Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire was used as an instrument.

Results: Out of 40 patients, 33 patients displayed definite differences at least in one of the Sensory Profile sections. The most frequent differences in Sensory Processing section were observed in Vestibular and Multi-Sensory Processing (39,4% in each of both sections, out of the total number of children with total score in definite differences range). In Modulation score pattern, definite differences were most frequent in Modulation of Sensory Input affecting Emotional Responses (48,5% of the total number of children in the definite differences range). In Behavior and Emotional Responses score pattern, the most frequent were the definite differences in Behavioral Outcomes of Sensory Processing (45,5% of children with total score in definite differences range). Referring to the Factors section, most of the participants had definite differences in Emotionally Reactive and Fine Motor/Perceptual factors (39,4% in each of both sections) Regarding the Quadrants section, 54,5% out of the total number of children with total score in definite differences range had definite differences in Sensory Avoiding.

Conclusion: Sensory abnormalities in children with ASD may be the key to understand many of their challenging behaviors, and thus it is a relevant aspect to be taken into account in their management. A formal evaluation of sensory integration processes should be performed in these children.