Sensory processing: A missing link to understanding the treatment needs for child-welfare involved traumatized youth

Research demonstrates innumerable poor outcomes for children in child welfare (CW) (e.g., health, social). It is well known that there are high associations between childhood maltreatment and issues across multiple mental health areas. However, research has not yet comprehensively examined the interrelationships between these variables in CW-associated youth which could clarify potential paths to develop effective interventions.

This study examined the rates and interrelationships among fundamental domains of functioning in maltreated youth including executive functioning (EF), sensory processing (SP), intellectual functioning (IF), and post-traumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS).

Data were drawn from CW-involved youth aged 3-12 years old at the time of evaluation who presented between 2022 and 2025 for evaluation (N = 54).

EF, SP, and PTSS were measured via caregiver-report scales; IF via standardized intelligence tests; ADHD and PTSD via multidisciplinary evaluation. Analyses of interrelationships between continuous, dichotomous, and categorical data were performed including Pearson's correlation and Fischer's Exact Test.

Children showed high rates of EF and SP deficits (89% and 80% respectively). SP and EF had a markedly high association (r = 0.71). EF deficits associated with traumatic stress symptoms (r = 0.61). An increase in SP deficits correlated with higher traumatic stress symptoms and lower EF. These variables did not significantly associate with a diagnosis of PTSD or ADHD.

The results of this study in the context of previous research suggest assessment of traumatized youth should incorporate EF and SP evaluation, and that SP may be a key treatment target for this population.