Objectives: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory processing difficulties that interfere with daily functioning, particularly self-care, yet their specific relationships remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between sensory processing patterns and self-care skills in children with ASD aged 3-6 years, examining sensory quadrants, sensory sections, and behavioral domains based on the Sensory Profile-second edition (SP-2).
Materials & methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 93 children with ASD. Sensory processing patterns were assessed using the SP-2, while self-care skills were evaluated with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Researchers conducted multiple linear regression analyses to investigate how sensory processing patterns relate to self-care skills.
Results: The analysis revealed prevalent sensory processing difficulties in sensory sensitivity (M = 42.2, SD = 13.1), low registration (M = 46.0, SD = 14.4), touch (M = 23.0, SD = 9.2), movement (M = 18.1, SD = 7.4), and body position (M = 16.0, SD = 8.0). Regression analyses showed that overall sensory processing patterns significantly predicted self-care skills (R² = 0.151, p = 0.030). Among specific sensory patterns, the movement domain approached significance (β = -0.289, p = 0.063), suggesting its potential importance in predicting self-care abilities.
Conclusion: Sensory processing difficulties may predict self-care skills in young children with ASD. Motor-related sensory challenges seem particularly significant, but it is crucial to approach these findings carefully due to the study's cross-sectional design and dependence on parents' reports. Future research should include longitudinal studies with objective measurements to provide more definitive insights.
Keywords: Activities of daily living; Autism spectrum disorder; Self-care; Sensory processing disorders.