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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Sensory processing in children with and without autism: a comparative study using the short sensory profile
1Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center, University of Louisville (HSC), School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show significant sensory processing differences compared to typically developing peers. Most children with ASD experienced issues with underresponsiveness, auditory filtering, and tactile sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication.
- Sensory processing differences are frequently reported in individuals with ASD, but require further investigation.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sensory processing abilities in young children (3-6 years) with ASD versus typically developing controls.
- To identify specific areas of sensory dysfunction in children with ASD.
- To contribute to the growing body of evidence on sensory processing in autism.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 281 children diagnosed with ASD and age-matched typically developing children.
- Utilized the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) to assess and quantify sensory processing abilities.
- Statistical analysis to compare performance between the two groups.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of sensory processing dysfunction was observed, with 95% of children with ASD exhibiting issues on the SSP Total Score.
- Significant differences were noted in specific areas, including Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation, Auditory Filtering, and Tactile Sensitivity.
- The ASD group demonstrated statistically significant differences across 92% of SSP items, the total score, and all sub-sections (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the high prevalence and specific types of sensory processing impairments in autism spectrum disorder.
- These results align with existing literature, reinforcing the link between ASD and sensory processing challenges.
- Further research is recommended to delineate distinct sensory processing patterns within the ASD population.
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Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...