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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Exploratory Analysis of Sleep-Wake Rhythms and Sensory Processing in School-Aged Children with Autistic Spectrum
Yuki Kondo1, Kenji Tsuchiya1,2, Masako Matsushita1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Nagano University of Health and Medicine, Nagano, Nagano, Japan.
Insights
This study found a link between oral sensory scores and longer wake times in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These findings offer insights into sleep patterns and sensory processing in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
- Sleep disturbances are common in children with ASD, impacting their daily functioning and overall well-being.
- Understanding the interplay between sleep-wake patterns and sensory processing is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between objective sleep-wake rhythm measures and sensory processing characteristics in school-aged children with ASD.
- To identify potential correlations between specific sleep variables and sensory processing profiles in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional exploratory study involving 19 school-aged children (6-9 years) diagnosed with ASD.
- Objective sleep-wake rhythms were monitored for at least 14 days using actigraphy (MTN-220).
- Sensory processing abilities were assessed using the Japanese version of the Sensory Profile (SP-J), analyzing quadrant and overall scores. Spearman's rank correlation with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between sensory processing quadrant scores and sleep variables after Bonferroni correction.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between the oral sensory score and mean wake time (r = 0.698, p = 0.006).
- No other significant correlations were identified between sensory processing scores and sleep variables.
Conclusions:
- The association between oral sensory scores and increased wake time persists into the school-age years for children with ASD.
- These findings highlight the clinical relevance of sleep-wake rhythm and oral sensory processing in ASD management.
- Further research is warranted to explore these relationships and inform therapeutic strategies for sleep difficulties in children with ASD.
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore and examine the relationship between sleep-wake rhythms and sensory processing characteristics in school-age children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) using objective sleep measurement indices.
Patients And Methods:
This cross-sectional exploratory study included 30 children with ASD aged 6-9 years. Sleep-wake rhythms were recorded continuously for at least 14 days using a waist-worn actigraph (MTN-220) and analyzed with SleepSign Act. Sensory processing ability was assessed using the Japanese version of the Sensory Profile (SP-J), with SP-J quadrant and sensory processing scores. Associations between sleep variables and SP-J quadrant and sensory processing scores were examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, applying Bonferroni correction within each pre-specified correlation set.
Results:
Of the 30 children initially enrolled, 11 were excluded, yielding data from 19 participants. After Bonferroni correction, no significant associations were found between SP-J quadrant scores and sleep variables (r = -0.411-0.540). Regarding associations with sensory processing scores, the oral sensory score showed a positive correlation with the mean wake time (r = 0.698, p = 0.006). However, no other significant associations were found between sensory processing scores and sleep variables.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that the relationship between oral sensory scores and the average wake time remains strong even during the school-age period when sleep-wake rhythms change. Although exploratory, this study provides foundational insights with clinical significance for understanding and supporting sleep disorders in children with ASD.
