Participation in leisure activities and sensory modulation deficiencies of children with atopic dermatitis

To examine whether the complexity of atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and the sensory modulation deficiencies (SMD) that accompany it may limit child's preference to participate in leisure activities.

Thirty-seven children diagnosed with AD and 104 healthy peers aged 6-11 years participated in this study. Disease severity was assessed using SCORAD scores. Both groups were compared in regard to their sensory modulation abilities measured by the 'Short Sensory Profile' (SSP) and in regard to their activity preference measured by the 'Preference for Activities of Children' (PAC).

Children with AD showed lower preference to participate in leisure activities as compared with healthy peers (F = 4.63, p < 0.0001). Among children with AD, significant correlations were found between SMD in several modalities and preference to participate in specific leisure activities. No significant correlations were found between AD severity and the child's preferred activities.

Children with AD may show lower preference to participate in activities in comparison with their typical peers. This lower preference may be impacted by their SMD. Multidisciplinary intervention may be beneficial for children with AD. This intervention should refer to AD symptoms and considers the child's sensory profile and participation in daily living.