Exploring self-regulation deficits in sensory over-responsivity disorder: A preschool comparative analysis

Sensory Over-Responsivity Disorder (SORD) is characterized by extreme sensitivity to everyday sensory input, which can interfere with children's emotional, behavioral and social development. Despite growing interest, limited research has explored its developmental effects in the absence of other psychiatric diagnoses. This study investigated self-regulation and related clinical features in preschool children with SORD who did not meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The sample included 15 children with SORD and 15 typically developing controls, matched by age and gender. Diagnoses were made using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment, and comorbidities were excluded using Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: Revised Edition criteria. Self-regulation was assessed through the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders-Revised task. While no significant differences were found in autistic traits, repetitive behaviors or executive functioning, children with SORD demonstrated significantly poorer self-regulation (p < .001). Poorer self-regulation was strongly associated with greater SORD severity, elevated ADHD symptoms, lower social interaction and increased emotional and sensory reactivity. These findings suggest that self-regulation difficulties are a core feature of SORD, even in the absence of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Early identification and interventions targeting self-regulation may help improve long-term outcomes for children affected by SORD.