Sensory processing at 18 months is associated with social challenges at 3 years.

Researchers followed 180 children from 18 months to 3 years old. They found that children who had sensory processing differences as toddlers (being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures, movement, etc.) were more likely to have social challenges at age 3. This suggests that paying attention to how young children respond to sensory experiences might help identify autism earlier, allowing families to access support and interventions sooner.

This prospective study followed 180 children to examine whether sensory processing differences at 18 months could predict social challenges at 3 years. Parents completed the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile at 18 months and the Social Responsiveness Scale at 3 years. Results showed significant correlations between early sensory processing patterns and later social difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest that sensory processing assessments in toddlers may help identify children at risk for ASD earlier than current methods.

The researchers propose that incorporating sensory evaluations into screening protocols could enhance early detection accuracy, potentially leading to earlier intervention and support for children and families.

Results suggest sensory processing evaluations could enhance early ASD screening protocols. Earlier identification may enable timely access to interventions and family support. However, more research needed to establish clinical utility and implementation guidelines.

Study design type not specified in available information. Sample characteristics and methodology details are limited. Correlational findings cannot establish causation. Generalizability unclear without demographic details.

This study investigated the relationship between sensory processing characteristics at 18 months and social responsiveness at 3 years of age in children, to explore the potential utility of sensory processing assessments in the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants included 180 children (91 boys, 89 girls) born at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Mothers completed the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP) when children were 18 months old and the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2) at 3 years. The ITSP assesses sensory processing patterns based on neurological threshold and behavioral response/self-regulation, while the SRS-2 measures ASD severity, including Social Communication, Interpersonal Interactions, and Restricted Interests/Repetitive Behaviors.

The results revealed significant correlations between the ITSP quadrant and section scores at 18 months and SRS-2 scores at 3 years, suggesting that sensory processing characteristics in early childhood may be associated with subsequent social difficulties associated with ASD. These findings highlight the potential value of assessing sensory processing in young children to improve early identification of ASD risk. Incorporating sensory processing evaluation into screening protocols may provide a new perspective and enhance the accuracy of early detection efforts, enabling earlier intervention and support for children with ASD and their families.