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Brief Report: Exploring the Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Repetitive Behaviours in Williams Syndrome

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Abstract

This study explored the relationship between sensory processing abnormalities and repetitive behaviours in children with Williams Syndrome (WS; n = 21). This is a novel investigation bringing together two clinical phenomena for the first time in this neuro-developmental disorder. Parents completed the Sensory Profile (Short Form; Dunn in The sensory profile manual. San Antonio: The Psychological Corporation, 1999) and the Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire (Turner 1995). A significant correlation was evident between the total scores on each of these measures; suggesting that children with WS who exhibit increased sensory processing abnormalities also display a higher number of repetitive behaviours. Further exploratory analyses of subscales of the measures indicated potentially important relationships that suggest a role for arousal regulation in the relationship between sensory processing abnormalities and repetitive behaviours in WS.

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Abbreviations

WS:

Williams syndrome

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

RBQ:

Repetitive behaviours questionnaire

SSP:

Sensory profile-short form

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Acknowledgments

This study was carried out as part of the work towards a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University, UK. Special thanks to all those families who participated in the study, as well as the research department in the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University, UK, for their unparalleled support and guidance.

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Author notes

  1. Emily Janes

    Present address: Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, Community Team Learning Disability, Benton House, 136, Sandyford Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1QE, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Deborah M. Riby & Emily Janes

  2. Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

    Emily Janes & Jacqui Rodgers

Authors
  1. Deborah M. Riby
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  2. Emily Janes
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  3. Jacqui Rodgers
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Correspondence to Emily Janes.

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Riby, D.M., Janes, E. & Rodgers, J. Brief Report: Exploring the Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Repetitive Behaviours in Williams Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 478–482 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1557-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1557-1

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