Patterns of sensory processing in young children with autism: Differences in autism characteristics, adaptive skills, and attentional problems.

Researchers found four different patterns of sensory processing in autistic children. Some children had sensory differences in many areas (sight, sound, touch, etc.), while others only had differences in specific areas like taste/smell and hearing. Children with more widespread sensory differences also had more challenges with social skills, daily living skills, and attention problems. This helps explain why autistic children can be so different from each other in their sensory experiences.

This study used latent profile analysis to identify distinct sensory processing patterns in autistic children using the Short Sensory Profile. Four sensory classes emerged: Multi-Sensory with Movement (35.5%), Multi-Sensory High (8.5%), Multi-Sensory (14.6%), and Selective-Sensory (41.1%). The classes varied in severity and types of sensory differences across modalities. The Multi-Sensory High class demonstrated the most significant difficulties across social, adaptive, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, while the Selective-Sensory class showed fewer overall problems.

This research provides evidence for heterogeneity in sensory processing profiles among autistic children and suggests these profiles may predict broader developmental and behavioral outcomes.

Results suggest sensory assessment should consider both severity and modality patterns. Children with widespread sensory differences may need more intensive support across multiple domains. Sensory profiling could help predict broader developmental needs and guide intervention planning.

Sample size not reported. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Relies on single sensory measure (Short Sensory Profile). Unknown demographic characteristics and recruitment methods limit generalizability.

Research has found differences in responding to various sensory stimuli among autistic individuals, which are associated with social and adaptive skills. However, our understanding of sensory profiles in autism has been complicated due to the variable presentation of sensory symptoms. One way to better understand variability in sensory symptoms is to use advanced statistical approaches, such as latent profile analysis, that allow for the identification of more similar sensory classes in otherwise variable groups. We used the Short Sensory Profile to identify homogeneous classes of sensory reactivity in autistic children based on both severity and modality and examined whether sensory classes differed in terms of autism characteristics, adaptive skills, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Based on the pattern of both severity and modality, four sensory classes emerged and were named(35.5%; probable-to-definite differences in all modalities except in movement sensitivity and low energy/weakness),(8.5%; definite sensory differences in all modalities except in low energy/weakness),(14.6%; probable-to-definite differences in all modalities), and(41.1%; typical scores in most modalities with probable differences in taste/smell sensitivity, under-responsive/seeks sensation, and auditory filtering). Theclass exhibited greater problems in a variety of areas such as social, adaptive, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, whereas theclass showed overall fewer problems. This may provide insight for clinicians and researchers aiming to understand whether autistic children who exhibit distinct sensory patterns are more or less likely to also experience social, adaptive, and/or attention/behavior-related difficulties.