Effects of Sensorimotor Problems on the Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Sensory-motor problems are the main clinical features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Due to sensory-motor problem, individual with autism spectrum disorder face difficulties in performing their daily living skills. The objective of this study was to determine how sensory-motor problems affect the performance of activities of daily living in children of autism spectrum disorder. The study conducted in Rehab care school for special children and Hamza Montessori School for special children. Data was collected by using purposing non-random sampling technique in the duration of 4 months. Cross sectional study design was used. 60 patients from both genders were included. Sample selection criteria included the children with autism spectrum disorder with age range of 4-15 years. Sensory profile questionnaire based on Ayers sensory integration theory and Standardized Barthel index scale were used to determine the impact of sensory-motor problems on the performance of activities of daily living The results showed that visual processing disorders were highly affecting the performance of activities of daily living. It was concluded that most of the children with autism spectrum disorder have sensory-motor problems. The performance in activities of daily living is affected by sensory-motor problems especially the visual processing problems. Visual processing shows that children have difficulty in performing activities like dressing, eating and toileting.

Comparing Predictive Effects of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions on Self-care Activities in Pre-school Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…There is abundant evidence suggesting that several performance components (e.g., sensory processing and ex-ecutive functions) affect self-care activities (4)(5)(6). Sensory processing and executive functions are regarded as the lower level and higher levels of the central nervous system (CNS), respectively (7).…”