Social Interaction and Atypical Sensory Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders^*

Abstract

Objective/Background: Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have sensory processing disorders (SPDs), which may limit many facets of daily life, including social interaction, an important domain of occupational therapy. Therefore, we examined the relationship between social interaction deficits and SPD in 4e6-year-old children with ASD without intellectual disorders. Methods: The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Japanese Sensory Inventory-Revised (JSI-R) questionnaires were administered to parents of children with ASD and children in the control group (n Z 42 each). Results: Response analyses revealed significant intergroup differences in scores for the questionnaires, with more atypical sensory processing patterns and social interaction deficits observed in children with ASD. Significant correlations were observed between the SRS total raw scores and subcategory scores of all sensory modalities of the JSI-R in the entire experimental group. The SPD symptoms were significantly associated with social interaction deficits in children with ASD. Conclusion: It is important that occupational therapists consider SPD symptoms in children with ASD to provide early intervention for social interaction deficits.

The Role of Sensorimotor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Conditions

“…In addition to the challenging sensory hypersensitivity/overload and hyposensitivity experienced by individuals with ASC, research has also linked sensory reactivity disorders to social communication difficulties ( 85 , 93 , 94 ). Fitzgibbon et al ( 95 ) proposed that both physical pain and social pain are processed atypically in individuals with ASC and insensitivity to pain, for example, could in turn limit empathy and understanding of pain in others.…”

“…The evidence reviewed so far show that sensory and motor difficulties are prevalent in ASC and impact on social functioning ( 86 , 93 ). Evidence also suggests that these difficulties are present from birth, e.g., pre-social skill deficits ( 29 , 100 ), and increase the risk of developing ASC by aged 3 years ( 90 ).…”

Sensorimotor Difficulties Are Associated with the Severity of Autism Spectrum Conditions

“…Research has also identified links between sensory responsivity and the severity of ASC symptoms. For example, a number of studies have shown that sensory responsivity impairments impact social interaction and communication skills (Hilton et al, 2007 ; Reynolds et al, 2011 ; Matsushima and Kato, 2013 ). A more specific example is shown in research by Fitzgibbon et al ( 2013 ), who proposed that as physical and social pain appear to be processed differently in individuals with ASC, their insensitivity to pain could consequently limit the understanding and empathy for pain in others.…”

Video Modeling for Children with Dual Diagnosis of Deafness or Hard of Hearing and Autism Spectrum Disorder to Promote Peer Interaction

“…1 These atypical aspects of behavior may further interfere with the ability of children with ASD to engage with peers as they may appear inflexible or preoccupied. 20 Fluctuating states of regulation in reaction to sensory input may prevent children from orienting to and sustaining engagement in peer interaction. Even for children with ASD that have more advanced joint attention, play skills, and social orientation, peer interaction may still be significantly impacted by rigidity and adherence to their own plans.…”