Comparison of Sensory Processing between Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning Disorder and Typical Individuals

Sensory processing represents a significant factor in influencing behavioral responses. The purpose of the present study was to compare sensory processing in patients with autism and specific learning disorder and typical people.

The research method was descriptive-causal-comparative. The study population consisted of 30 children with autism spectrum disorder, 30 children with learning disorder, and 30 typical individuals, who were selected using targeted sampling. Sensory processing of information was assessed using a questionnaire of the child's sensory profile 2. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data.

The findings showed that individuals with autism had a significant difference in all sensory processing components of the sensory profile 2, except for the two components of tactile and body position compared with those of the normal individuals (P <0.05) and individuals with learning disorder had a significant difference with normal individuals in auditory and visual components of the sensory profile (p < 0/05).

Since the present study shows that there is a difference between several sensory processing components in children with autism and learning disorder and those in typical people, and these variations can cause a wide range of problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and specific learning disorder, it seems necessary to support children in considering proper sensory diet and taking measures to resolve their sensory problems and thus improve their sleep patterns. Besides, it is suggested that therapists should implement this test in other groups of vulnerable populations like developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, infertility, and Down syndrome.