Short sensory profile and its relation with repetitive behavior and anxiety symptoms in children with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background Sensory processing abnormalities have been reported in 42%–88% of children with autism. Atypical sensory features are thought to result from aberrant sensory processing, and may be evident across all sensory modalities, including auditory, tactile, vestibular, oral, olfactory, movement, and visual domains. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of anxiety in autistic children, although they have difficulties expressing their emotions. In this study, the relation between abnormal sensory profile, repetitive behavior, and anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will be elucidated. Results Those with the definite difference in short sensory profile (SSP) represented 63.3% of the cases. As for the SSP domains, Under-responsiveness/Seeks sensation was the domain with the highest percentage of those with the definite difference (65%) followed by Auditory sensitivity (46.7%) and then Low energy (40%), whereas Visual/Auditory sensitivity was the domain with least cases showing definite difference (11.7%). Sensory abnormality is more evident in older children. Autism severity is related to the severity of the sensory abnormality. The total score of SSP showed a significant correlation with the total Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised score. Anxiety Scale for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder − Parent Version showed a significant correlation with the total score of SSP. Conclusion Sensory processing abnormalities are common among children with ASD and it is related to the severity of ASD, repetitive behaviors, and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, using these scales for individualization of the characteristics of sensory profile and their behavioral response and anxiety symptoms in basic assessment and follow-up is recommended, as well as promoting changes in therapeutic intervention through the possibility of choosing and designing the most appropriate intervention based on the individualized profile of the patients.