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Sensory processing disorder in children ages birth-3 years born prematurely: a systematic review

Anita Witt Mitchell1, Elizabeth M Moore2, Emily J Roberts3

  • 1Anita Witt Mitchell, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; amitchell@uthsc.edu.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy : Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
|January 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants often show signs of sensory processing disorder (SPD), particularly sensory overresponsivity. Early education and screening for SPD in these vulnerable infants are crucial for timely intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects development in young children.
  • Preterm infants represent a population at higher risk for developmental challenges.
  • Understanding SPD prevalence in preterm infants is critical for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the prevalence and patterns of SPD in preterm infants (birth to 3 years).
  • To identify specific SPD subtypes and their occurrence in this population.
  • To inform healthcare providers and caregivers about SPD in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of multidisciplinary literature.
  • Inclusion of 45 articles covering physiological, behavioral, and temperament research.
  • Analysis of 295 findings related to SPD in preterm infants aged birth-3 years.

Main Results:

  • 44% of findings indicated evidence of SPD in preterm infants.
  • Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) was the most common category (43% positive findings).
  • Sensory overresponsivity was the most prevalent SMD subtype (82% of SMD findings positive).
  • Limited evidence was found for sensory underresponsivity, sensory-seeking SMD, sensory discrimination disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports the need for educating neonatologists, pediatricians, and caregivers about SPD symptoms in preterm infants.
  • Findings justify follow-up screening for SPD in children born preterm.
  • Further research utilizing measures based on sensory processing theory is recommended.

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