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Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Making a Case for the Inclusion of Sensory Integration Functions

  • S:I: .Developmental Approach and Targeted Treatment of Sensory Alterations
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Abstract

Sensory features are part of the diagnostic criteria for autism and include sensory hypo/hyper reactivity and unusual sensory interest; however, additional sensory differences, namely differences in sensory integration, have not been routinely explored. This study characterized sensory integration differences in a cohort of children (n = 93) with a confirmed diagnosis of autism (5–9 years) using a standardized, norm-referenced battery. Mean z scores, autism diagnostic scores, and IQ are reported. Participants showed substantial deficits in tactile perception, praxis, balance, visual perception, and visual-motor skills. Relationship with autism diagnostic test scores were weak or absent. Findings suggest additional sensory difficulties that are not typically assessed or considered when characterizing sensory features in autism. These data have implications for a greater understanding of the sensory features in the autism phenotype and the development of personalized treatments.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the children and families who participated in this study, and Drs. Joanne Hunt, John Eboli, and Anna Keenaghan, who served as independent evaluators. This study was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clinical trial number (NICHD #RO1HD082814). Dr. Zoe Mailloux is an of the authors of the Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Roseann C. Schaaf, Zoe Mailloux & Rachel L. Dumont

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA

    Elizabeth Ridgway

  3. The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA

    Alaina S. Berruti & Catherine Sancimino

  4. Queens College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA

    Emily A. Jones

  5. Division of Biostatistics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Benjamin E. Leiby & Misung Yi

  6. Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA

    Sophie Molholm

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  1. Roseann C. Schaaf
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Schaaf, R.C., Mailloux, Z., Ridgway, E. et al. Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Making a Case for the Inclusion of Sensory Integration Functions. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 4759–4771 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05763-0

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