Comparing Predictive Effects of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions on Self-care Activities in Pre-school Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face some challenges with performing self-care. Many performance components, including sensory and cognitive functions, are effective in performing self-care.

This study aimed to compare the role of sensory processing and executive functions in performing self-care among preschool children with ASD.

In this cross-sectional study, 70 children with ASD aged 3-6 years were selected and investigated by adopting convenience sampling. The instruments included the Short Sensory Profile-2 (SSP-2), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.

The results of the correlation revealed that executive functions (P≤0.01) and sensory processing (P ≤ 0.005) had a small yet significant inverse relationship with performing self-care activities. The results of stepwise linear regression showed that executive functions and sensory processing were equally capable of predicting self-care activities.

It was recommended that therapists should pay enough attention to both executive functions and sensory processing in order to solve the self-care problems of preschool children with ASD. Due to the low correlation between variables, it was also suggested that a multifactorial approach to self-care activities should be employed as well as the role of other factors along with sensory processing and executive function should be considered.