Assessments of sensory processing in infants: a systematic review

Abstract

AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and clinical use of assessments of sensory processing function, within the first 2 years of life, and to identify which assessment is the most appropriate and precise in measuring the construct of sensory processing.METHOD The literature was comprehensively searched, and assessments used to measure sensory processing in infancy were systematically selected and reviewed for clinical use, reliability, validity, and responsiveness.RESULTS Thirty-four assessments were identified; three met the predefined inclusion criteria. All discriminative assessments, the Sensory Rating Scale, and Infant ⁄ Toddler Sensory Profile are parent-reported questionnaires and can be administered from birth up to 3 years of age. The Test of Sensory Function in Infants is a performance-based assessment and is suitable for infants aged 4 to 18 months. Studies evaluating the psychometric properties of these three assessments differed in the properties addressed and reported poor to adequate reliability.

Young Children's Food Neophobia Characteristics and Sensory Behaviors Are Related to Their Food Intake ,

“…Although an association between food selectivity and oral sensory sensitivity has been reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (40,41) and premature infants (42)(43)(44), it has not been examined often as a predictor of food selectivity or pickiness in typically developing children. The associations between atypical SBs, food neophobia, and food acceptance patterns are worthy of additional investigation in larger samples with more rigorous dietary intake measures and with the use of longitudinal designs.…”

Comparison of three screening tests for autism in preterm children with birth weights less than 1,500 grams

“…In extensive meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in persons with ASD, different versions of the sensory profile, including ITSP, were found to be the most frequently used methods for measuring sensory processing 35. Unlike M-CHAT and CSBS-DP-ITC, ITSP is not generally used for screening;36 however, early on we concluded that ITSP might be a useful screening tool because autistic children often display unusual behavioral responses to sensory input, such as hypersensitivity to auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory stimuli 37,38. Our study may be the first to evaluate its use as a screening tool.…”

Assessment of Sensory Processing Characteristics in Children between 3 and 11 Years Old: A Systematic Review

“…The processing of information allows individuals to respond automatically, efficiently, and comfortably to the specific sensory inputs received (2, 3). The neurobiological process comprises a series of five stages, registration, modulation, discrimination, integration, and praxis (4), and is central to cognitive processes such attention, visual perception, memory, and planned action (5). …”

“…Eeles et al report that SPDs may be the cause of learning and development difficulties found in some children (4). …”

“…More specifically, 5% of children between 0 and 3 years of age exhibit sensory processing differences (15). Consequently, for early detection of these differences, it is essential to identify the most appropriate and precise tool for assessing sensory processing, to determine whether SI difficulties are a significant factor in a child’s behavior and to provide appropriate intervention (4). …”