Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Sensory Response Patterns in Nonverbal Children with ASD
Elena Patten1, Karla K Ausderau, Linda R Watson
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of North Carolina, Greensboro, 300 Ferguson Building, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA.
Autism Research and Treatment
|August 20, 2013
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who exhibit sensory hyporesponsiveness or sensory seeking behaviors are less likely to develop verbal communication skills. These sensory patterns may hinder functional speech development in young children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
- Sensory processing differences are frequently observed in individuals with ASD, impacting their interaction with the environment.
- The relationship between specific sensory response patterns and the development of verbal communication in young children with ASD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between sensory response patterns (hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, sensory seeking) and verbal status in young children with ASD.
- To examine these associations using both cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs.
- To identify potential factors influencing the development of verbal communication in children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted on children diagnosed with ASD.
- Seventy-nine children (29 verbal, 50 nonverbal) participated in cross-sectional analyses (Study 1).
- Fourteen children (6 verbal, 8 nonverbal) participated in longitudinal analyses (Study 2).
- Data collected included sensory response patterns and verbal ability assessments.
Main Results:
- Hyporesponsiveness and sensory seeking behaviors were significantly associated with verbal status in both study designs.
- Nonverbal children with ASD were more likely to exhibit higher levels of sensory hyporesponsiveness and sensory seeking.
- No significant differences in hyperresponsiveness were found between verbal and nonverbal groups.
Conclusions:
- Sensory hyporesponsiveness and sensory seeking behaviors may impede the development of functional verbal communication in children with ASD.
- These sensory patterns are observable early in development and may predict communication outcomes.
- Findings can inform early interventions targeting verbal or alternative communication strategies for young children with ASD.
