Behavioural Differences in Sensorimotor Profiles: A Comparison of Preschool-Aged Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs) define dysfunctions in modulating, organising, and using information from several sensory channels for regulating motor, behavioural, emotional and attention responses. Although SPD can be identified also as an isolated condition in young children, its presence in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) population is really frequent. The study purpose is to explore the SPD clinical expression and the putative correlation with several behavioural aspects both in children with ASD and in those with isolated SPD. Therefore, 43 preschool-aged children (25 ASD vs. 18 SPD) were recruited, and their parents completed three questionnaires (Developmental Profile-3, Sensory Processing Measure–Preschool, Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised) to evaluate behavioural alterations and developmental levels. The main result is that both ASD and SPD groups had significantly sensory-related behavioural symptoms, although ASD children seem to be more impaired in all areas. Several significant correlations were found between sensory processing difficulties and repetitive behaviours, but in the SPD group a specific relationship between Body Awareness and Ritualistic/Sameness Behaviour was found. Conversely, in the ASD group, more diffuse interlinks between sensory processing difficulties and motor behaviours were significant. In conclusion, the present study confirms the key role of sensory–motor skills in early diagnosis and intervention among children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Current perspectives on perinatal mental health and neurobehavioral development: focus on regulation, coregulation and self-regulation

“…Next to regulatory disorders other disorders can be diagnosed at an early age [e.g. sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorders (ASD)] [41], in which regulation problems are observed. If no underlying organic cause or other infant (mental) health disorders are found, persistent regulation problems exceeding the age of 6 months that impair the functioning of the infant, the family or both, are considered to be disorders which require treatment [37,39,40,42].…”

Sensory Profile of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tip-Toe Behavior: Results of an Observational Pilot Study

“…The sensory-related behavioral symptoms of our ASD sample are similar to the results of previous studies [ 31 , 48 , 49 ]. Furthermore, Purpura and collaborators [ 33 ] suggested the presence of early sensory-motor abnormalities in children with ASD and the link between sensory dysfunctions and motor abnormal behaviors in this population already during the preschool age. This finding is line also with data of Uljarevic’ and colleagues that highlighted the predictive role of early motor development and of motor atypicalities, for example toe walking, on social responsiveness abilities and on the severity of ASD symptoms [ 50 ].…”

“…According to these findings, assessing the sensorial patterns of ASD subjects presenting with gait abnormalities could provide useful information for programming interventions when rehabilitation for TTB in children and adolescents with ASD is necessary. The possible link between motor and sensory problems is supported in literature both in children with ASD and other developmental conditions [ 31 , 32 , 33 ], but the modalities of interconnection and the neurological substrates to these clinical features are not yet clear. Although it is widely accepted that sensory processing differences are a key point in the functioning of individuals with ASD, the study of these features is still essential to the understanding of the effectiveness and usefulness of the various therapeutic approaches.…”

Quantitative assessment of tip‐toe behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability: A cross‐sectional study

“…This is corroborated by literature demonstrating impairments in postural control in people living with ASD with or without ID (Lim et al, 2017; Perin et al, 2020), difficulties in motor planning (Simermeyer & Ketcham, 2015), motor imitation (Williams et al, 2004; Zachor et al, 2010), and gait impairments, such as wider step width, slower walking speed, longer gait cycle, longer stance time, and longer step time, as summarized in a recent systematic review (Lum et al, 2021). Additionally, individuals with ASD may also manifest sensory processing differences, including tactile hypersensitivity and other sensory modulation impairments (Liu, 2013; Purpura et al, 2022; Tomchek et al, 2014; Valagussa et al, 2022). Interestingly, recent literature suggests that interventions aiming to improve motor skills have been effective in also improving social and communication dimensions (Bremer & Lloyd, 2016; Haghighi et al, 2022; Ketcheson et al, 2017).…”