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Sensory Subtypes in Preschool Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Given the heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), research has investigated how sensory features elucidate subtypes that enhance our understanding of etiology and tailored treatment approaches. Previous studies, however, have not integrated core developmental behaviors with sensory features in investigations of subtypes in ASD. Therefore, we used latent profile analysis to examine subtypes in a preschool aged sample considering sensory processing patterns in combination with social–communication skill, motor performance, and adaptive behavior. Results showed four subtypes that differed by degree and quality of sensory features, age and differential presentation of developmental skills. Findings partially align with previous literature on sensory subtypes and extends our understanding of how sensory processing aligns with other developmental domains in young children with ASD.

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Author Contributions

SDT conceived of the study, participated in the design, performed data collection and drafted the manuscript; LML conceived of the study, participated in the design, performed statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript; JM participated in the design and performed statistical analysis; WD conceived of the study, participated in the design, and drafted the manuscript.

Funding

Dr. Dunn acknowledges funding from Pearson Publishing for instrument development of the Short Sensory Profile used in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Weisskopf Center/UofL Autism Center, Louisville, KY, USA

    Scott D. Tomchek

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Child and Adolescent Health Research Design and Support (CAHRDS) Unit, Louisville, KY, USA

    John Myers

  3. Department of Occupational Therapy Education, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Lauren M. Little

  4. Department of Occupational Therapy Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

    Winnie Dunn

  5. Department of Occupational Therapy Education, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA

    Scott D. Tomchek, Lauren M. Little & Winnie Dunn

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  1. Scott D. Tomchek
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  2. Lauren M. Little
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  4. Winnie Dunn
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Scott D. Tomchek.

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Conflict of Interest

Drs. Tomchek, Little and Myers declare they have no conflicts of interest. Dr. Dunn receives royalties from Pearson Publishing for sales of the Short Sensory Profile used in this study, though Pearson maintains copyright ownership.

Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Tomchek, S.D., Little, L.M., Myers, J. et al. Sensory Subtypes in Preschool Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 48, 2139–2147 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3468-2

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