Links between sensory processing, adaptive behaviours, and attention in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dellapiazza, Florine; Vernhet, Christelle; Blanc, Nathalie; Miot, Stéphanie; Schmidt, Richard; Baghdadli, Amaria
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 270(2018)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Autism -- Sensory processing -- Adaptive behaviour -- Attention -- Children -- Systematic review; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.09.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Links between sensory processing, adaptive behaviours, and attention skills in children with autism spectrum disorder are investigate. High prevalence of atypical sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder are found. A significant impact of sensory abnormalities on adaptive behaviour is found. Interrelations between sensory processing and attention skills are found. The current literature is too limited to definitively conclude the direction of these interactions. Abstract: Atypical sensory processing has been described in autism spectrum disorder. The goal of this systematic review is to investigate the links between sensory processing, adaptive behaviours, and attention skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. The PRISMA guidelines were followed and a search was conducted using electronic databases: Medline, PsychInfo and Eric. Among the 11 studies about sensory processing that were selected, 7 investigated the association with adaptive behaviours and 5 with attention. Atypical sensory processing was reported in 82% to 97% of the participants with ASD, depending on the study. This review found a significant impact of sensory abnormalities on adaptive behaviour. In addition, we found interrelations between sensory processing and attention skills. However, the current literature is too limited to definitively conclude the direction of these interactions and the theories concerning perceptive functioning are conflicting.