Sensory Profile in Infant/Toddler: Birth to 36 Months

Abstract

Objectives: Sensory processing patterns refer to a person’s ability to receive and respond to sensory events which are important to succeed in daily routine activities. This study aims to determine the sensory processing patterns in infants/toddlers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 518 infants/toddlers participated in this study. Their ages ranged from birth to 36 months. Parents completed the infant/toddler sensory profile for all participants. Results: No significant difference was observed between girls and boys in sensory processing from birth to 6 months; however, there is a significant difference between girls and boys in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoidance from 7-36 months. In addition, no significant difference was detected between children born by cesarean and those born through natural childbirth in terms of sensory processing (quadrants and scores) from birth to 6 months and 7-36 months. There is a significant difference between preterm and full-term children (birth to 6 months) in auditory processing. The findings also indicate only a significant difference in oral sensory processing between the preterm and full-term children (7-36 months). Discussion: We discussed sensory processing patterns in children and their differences based on different factors. The results of this study can provide considerations for Iranian occupational therapists and psychologists.