Selected variables of the risk of sensory processing disorder

The aim of the study was to establish the risk factors for sensory processing disorder (SPD). The study included 332 Caucasian children aged 3 to 12 years. The main inclusion criterion was the occurrence of SPD in the study group. The occurrence of this condition was not found in the control group.

The source of information included: medical records, the author questionnaire. The therapist used: The Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5™), the case report form and the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT).

The risk factors in the SPD group were as follows: intrauterine infection and stressful events during pregnancy, bed rest in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 2, serological conflict, abnormal cardiotocography, cesarean section, premature birth and/or birth weight below 2500 grams and a stay in an incubator.

Children with the above risk factors reported during pregnancy and delivery should be specifically monitored for their development. The frequency of visits assessing skills and behavior should be increased to introduce elements of care and therapy for children with SPD as early as possible. Attention should be paid to bed rest in pregnancy since it has a negative impact on maternal health and on fetal development.