Parent Reports of Sensory Symptoms in Toddlers with Autism and Those with Other Developmental Disorders

Abstract

The Short Sensory Profile was used to assess parental report of sensory reactivity across four groups of young children (n = 102). Groups were autism (n = 26), fragile X syndrome (n = 20), developmental disabilities of mixed etiology (n = 32), and typically developing children (n = 24). Groups were comparable on overall mental age (x = 22 months), and clinical groups were comparable on chronological age (x = 31 months). Significant differences were detected at alpha <.01 for tactile sensitivity [F(3,99) = 10.01], taste/smell sensitivity [F(3,99) = 11.63], underreactive/seeks stimulation [F(3,99) = 4.56], auditory filtering [F(3,99) = 19.67], and low energy/weak muscles [F(3,99) = 14.21]. Both children with fragile X syndrome and children with autism had significantly more sensory symptoms overall than the two comparison groups, and children with autism did not differ significantly from children with fragile X syndrome. Both groups were more impaired than developmentally delayed and typically developing children in tactile sensitivity and auditory filtering. Children with autism were more abnormal in responses to taste and smell than all other groups. Children with fragile X syndrome were more abnormal than all other groups in low energy/weak muscles. Sensory reactivity of children with developmental delays was comparable to mental age-matched typically developing toddlers. Correlational analyses indicated that neither overall developmental level nor IQ was related to abnormal sensory reactivity in children with autism or general developmental disorders. However, abnormal sensory reactivity had a significant relationship with overall adaptive behavior.

Odor detection threshold, but not odor identification, is impaired in children with autism

“…Leekam et al [6] reported that over 90% of children with autism had sensory abnormalities and had sensory symptoms in multiple sensory domains. Abnormal behavioral responses have been confirmed by parent report studies [7][8][9]. Results from these studies suggested that sensory abnormalities in autism are global in nature (involving several modalities) but have the potential to improve with age [10].…”

Sensory Sensitivities and Performance on Sensory Perceptual Tasks in High-functioning Individuals with Autism

“…Parent and caregiver questionnaires have often been used to study sensory reactivity in individuals with autism, and these consistently confirm elevated rates of sensory problems in toddlers (Rogers, Hepburn, & Wehner, 2003), preschool children (Ornitz, Guthrie, & Farley, 1977) and children of school age (Kientz & Dunn, 1997), as well as in adults (Harrison & Hare, 2004) and across the life-span (Kern et al, 2006). Rogers et al (2003) administered a questionnaire -the Short Sensory Profile -to parents of toddlers who either had autism, fragile X syndrome, developmental disorders of mixed etiology, or who were typically developing.…”

“…Rogers et al (2003) administered a questionnaire -the Short Sensory Profile -to parents of toddlers who either had autism, fragile X syndrome, developmental disorders of mixed etiology, or who were typically developing. Children with autism and children with fragile X syndrome had markedly elevated scores in sensory reactivity and sensory sensitivities in relation to the other groups.…”

“…Early clinical accounts described sensory dysfunction as central to the condition (Bergman & Escalona, 1949), and some clinicians continue to hold this view (Talay-Ongan & Wood, 2000). Further, sensory sensitivities and peculiarities have been incorporated as diagnostic features of the syndrome (DeMyer, 1976;Hermelin & O'Connor, 1964;Ornitz, 1989;Rogers, Hepburn, & Wehner, 2003;Wing, 1969). In the most recent revisions to the diagnostic system, clinical features associated with autism include "odd responses to sensory stimuli" (e.g., high pain tolerance, over-sensitivity to sound or touch, and excessive reaction to light or odors) (DSM-IV-TR: American Psychiatric Association, 2000).…”

Are Autistic Traits Measured Equivalently in Individuals With and Without An Autism Spectrum Disorder? An Invariance Analysis of the Autism Spectrum Quotient Short Form

“…Intellectual disability, physical disorders and sensory symptoms are also commonly associated with ASDs Matson and Shoemaker 2009;Rogers et al 2003).…”