A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between sensory processing differences and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Sensory processing differences (SPDs) are increasingly recognized as a factor in the mental health of autistic individuals.
• Understanding the specific links between various SPDs and internalizing/externalizing problems is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the association between eleven types of SPDs and internalizing/externalizing problems in autistic people.
• To identify which SPD subtypes have the strongest links with mental health challenges in autism.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL) from 1990 to August 2024.
• Included studies involved autistic individuals under 65 years old and reported correlations between SPDs and internalizing/externalizing problems.
• Meta-analyses (three-level, random-effects) and narrative synthesis were employed to analyze data from 63 articles (11,659 participants).

Main Results:

• All SPD subtypes were associated with increased internalizing and externalizing problems.
• Hypersensitivity and sensory sensitivities (visual, auditory, tactile) showed strong associations.
• Sensation seeking was highly linked to externalizing problems but less so to internalizing problems.

Conclusions:

• SPDs are significantly associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems in autistic individuals.
• Specific sensory sensitivities and sensation seeking behaviors warrant further investigation for their role in autism mental health.
• Future research should address heterogeneity, explore externalizing problems more, and include longitudinal designs.