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Published on: December 7, 2018
Pattern of sensory processing disorder in school-aged preterm children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Marina Estima Neiva Nunes1, Carla Andrea Tanuri Cardoso Caldas1, Nelson Macedo Liporaci2
1Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brazil.
Insights
Children born preterm with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more sensory processing difficulties. These challenges are particularly evident in auditory and behavioral aspects, impacting conduct and attention.
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.
Aim:
To evaluate sensory processing in school-aged children born preterm with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), focusing on sensory processing patterns and sensory and behavioral sections of the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2).
Methods:
Forty-eight school-aged children born preterm were enrolled. The mean age was 7.9 years, and 62.5% were boys. Participants were divided into an ADHD group (n = 38) and a non-ADHD group (n = 10) and were assessed using the SP-2.
Results:
Thirty-two participants (66.7%) showed overall sensory scores outside the typical range, of whom 28 (87.5%) had ADHD. Non-parametric analyses revealed significantly higher scores in the Sensitivity quadrant, the Auditory section, and the Conduct and Attention behavioral sections among children with ADHD.
Conclusion:
Children without ADHD showed fewer sensory processing difficulties than those with ADHD, suggesting that ADHD may be associated with more pronounced sensory processing difficulties among children born preterm.
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