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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Associations between sensory processing difficulties and dysregulation/deficient self-regulation in preschool
Yao Lee1, Yi-Shan Sung2, Shan-Chu Yang3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
Background:
Sensory processing difficulties and dysregulation/deficient self-regulation are prevalent features in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the specific associations between distinct sensory patterns and dysregulation/deficient self-regulation remain underexplored, particularly in non-Western populations.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the associations between sensory processing patterns, measured by the Short Sensory Profile-2 (SSP-2), and dysregulation/deficient self-regulation, indexed by the Child Behavior Checklist-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-AAA), in a cohort of Taiwanese preschoolers with ASD.
Methods:
A total of 80 preschool children with ASD (aged 36-73 months) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Sensory processing patterns were categorized into Seeker, Avoider, Sensor, and Bystander quadrants using the SSP-2. Dysregulation/deficient self-regulation was quantified using the CBCL-AAA composite score, which aggregates Attention Problems, Aggressive Behavior, and Anxious/Depressed subscales.
Results:
The results indicated a high prevalence of atypical sensory processing, with most participants scoring in the "more/much more than others" range for the Avoider and Sensor patterns. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between sensory processing difficulties and dysregulation/deficient self-regulation. Specifically, the Seeker, Avoider, and Sensor quadrants demonstrated strong correlations with the CBCL-AAA score, whereas the Bystander quadrant showed a moderate correlation. Both Sensory and Behavior composite scores were strongly associated with the severity of dysregulation/deficient self-regulation.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that heightened sensory reactivity, particularly in low-threshold patterns (Avoider and Sensor) as well as sensory seeking behaviors, is closely linked to dysregulation/deficient self-regulation in young children with ASD. The study highlights the clinical importance of profiling sensory patterns to identify children at elevated risk for dysregulation. Interventions that directly target sensory processing strategies may provide a critical pathway for supporting self-regulation in preschool children with ASD.
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