Pattern of sensory processing disorder in school-aged preterm children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Premature birth is linked to neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Sensory processing differences can impact a child's development and behavior.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sensory processing patterns in school-aged children born preterm.
• To compare sensory processing between preterm children with and without ADHD.
• To identify specific sensory and behavioral difficulties associated with ADHD in this population.

Main Methods:

• The study included 48 school-aged children born preterm.
• Participants were categorized into an ADHD group (n=38) and a non-ADHD group (n=10).
• Sensory processing was assessed using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2), examining sensory patterns and behavioral sections.

Main Results:

• Two-thirds (66.7%) of participants displayed sensory scores outside the typical range.
• ADHD was significantly associated with higher scores in the Sensitivity quadrant and Auditory section.
• Children with ADHD showed more difficulties in Conduct and Attention behavioral sections compared to their peers.

Conclusions:

• Preterm children with ADHD demonstrate more significant sensory processing difficulties than those without ADHD.
• ADHD may exacerbate sensory processing challenges in children born preterm.
• Findings highlight the importance of addressing sensory processing in the management of ADHD in preterm populations.