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Sensory Modulation in Children Exposed to Continuous Traumatic Stress

Aviva Yochman1, Ruth Pat-Horenczyk2

  • 11School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine of Hadassah and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem , 24026, Mount Scopus, 91240 Jerusalem, Israel.

Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
|April 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may experience sensory processing deficits. This study found a significant association between PTS symptoms and sensory processing difficulties in children exposed to trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Preliminary evidence suggests a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sensory modulation disorder (SMD).
  • Research on this relationship in children, particularly those exposed to ongoing political violence, is limited.
  • Understanding sensory processing in children with trauma is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and sensory processing in children exposed to continuous traumatic stress.
  • To compare mothers' perceptions of sensory responses in children with and without PTS symptoms.
  • To determine if sensory processing deficits predict PTS symptom classification.

Main Methods:

  • Mothers of 134 non-referred children (aged 5-11) exposed to political violence completed the UCLA-RI and Short Sensory Profile questionnaires.
  • Children were assessed for varying levels of PTS symptoms.
  • Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to examine associations and predictive relationships.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in sensory processing modalities were found between children with different levels of PTS symptoms.
  • Approximately half of the symptomatic children exhibited potential clinically significant sensory processing deficits.
  • PTSD symptoms were significantly correlated with most sensory processing scores, with overall sensory processing predicting group classification.

Conclusions:

  • Children experiencing PTS symptoms may be at a higher risk for sensory processing deficits.
  • Routine evaluation of sensory processing should be considered for children with trauma exposure.
  • Interventions should address both trauma-related and sensory processing needs for improved daily functioning.

Keywords:
HyperarousalPost-traumatic stress disorderRegulationSensory processingSensory profile

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