Sensory hypersensitivity predicts repetitive behaviours in autistic and typically-developing children
Samantha E Schulz1,2, Ryan A Stevenson1,2,3
11 Department of Psychology, Western University, Canada.
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|September 25, 2018
Summary
Sensory hypersensitivity strongly predicts repetitive behaviors in both children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children. This link is consistent across sensory types, with autism diagnosis not adding further predictive power.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Sensory Processing
- Behavioral Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (RRBs).
- Sensory hypersensitivity is frequently observed in individuals with ASD.
- The relationship between sensory processing differences and RRBs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sensory hypersensitivity and RRBs in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) peers.
- To examine how this relationship varies across different sensory modalities and types of RRBs.
Main Methods:
- Parental reports were collected for 114 children (49 with ASD, 65 TD).
- Participants completed the Sensory Profile 2 - Child Version and the Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire, Second Edition.
- Statistical analyses examined the predictive relationship between sensory hypersensitivity and RRBs.
Main Results:
- Sensory hypersensitivity was strongly correlated with RRBs in both ASD and TD groups.
- This association was consistent across all sensory modalities.
- Sensory hypersensitivity significantly predicted RRBs, with ASD diagnosis offering no additional predictive value.
Conclusions:
- Sensory hypersensitivity is a significant predictor of repetitive behaviors, irrespective of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
- The findings highlight the pervasive influence of sensory processing on behavior across neurodevelopmental profiles.
- Interventions targeting sensory hypersensitivity may be beneficial for reducing RRBs in diverse populations.
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