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The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Patterns and Behavioural Responsiveness in Autistic Disorder: A Pilot Study

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Abstract

Sensory processing (SP) difficulties have been reported in as many as 95% of children with autism, however, empirical research examining the existence of specific patterns of SP difficulties within this population is scarce. Furthermore, little attention has been given to examining the relationship between SP and either the core symptoms or secondary manifestations of autism. In the current study, SP patterns in children with autistic disorder (AD) were investigated via a caregiver questionnaire and findings were correlated with the social, emotional and behavioural responsiveness of participants. Results indicated the presence of specific SP patterns in this sample of children with AD and several significant relationships were found between SP and social, emotional and behavioural function.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to express our gratitude to the participating children and their parents, and to Ms Carrie Partington, for her involvement in data collection of behavioural data. This study was supported in part by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, South Australia.

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Correspondence to Amy E. Z. Baker.

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Baker, A.E.Z., Lane, A., Angley, M.T. et al. The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Patterns and Behavioural Responsiveness in Autistic Disorder: A Pilot Study. J Autism Dev Disord 38, 867–875 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0459-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0459-0

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