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Sensory Processing Patterns, Activity Choice and Participation of Children with Autism Across Ireland
Participation in daily activities is fundamental to children’s social, cognitive and physical development (Law et al., 2004). Many studies highlight that children and young people with autism participate less frequently in less diverse activities than children with other developmental disabilities and typically developing peers (Rodger and Umaibalan, 2011; Marquenie et al., 2011; LaVesser and Berg, 2011; Houchhauser and Engel-Yeger, 2010; Hilton et al., 2008),
Participation in all activities of daily living requires exposure to a plethora of sensory stimuli. Previous research suggests that the sensory preferences of children with autism are related to decreased participation in school, social, physical, leisure and family activities (Zingervich and LaVesser, 2009; Hochhauser and Engel, 2010; Bagby et al., 2012). However, these studies used small sample sizes and are limited by geographic location; no large scale research has investigated the impact of sensory preferences on activity choice and participation of children with autism in Ireland.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the sensory preferences of children with autism and the types of activity which they choose to participate in and to examine if the level of participation in these activities is affected by sensory preferences.
Methods:
Ethical approval was gained from the University of Ulster Ethical Filter Committee. A convenience sample of parents of children with autism were recruited from all over Ireland (N = 161) through Middletown Centre for Autism. Participants completed and returned two questionnaires, Participation and Environment Measure -Children and Youth (Coster et al., 2010) and the Sensory Profile (Dunn, 1999). All data were analysed using SPSS software (Version 21). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the type and frequency of participation in each activity and to identify the sensory characteristics of the population. Multiple regression was used to examine the extent to which sensory preferences and family demographics were related to the PEM-CY categories.
Results:
This study demonstrated significant relationships between sensory processing patterns and participation and engagement in activities. Multiple regression analysis revealed that having atypical responses to sensory stimuli accounted for a small (<20%) but significant (p<.05) amount of the variance in the frequency and intensity children with autism engaged in a range of activities.
Conclusions:
Results of this study contribute to current knowledge by suggesting that sensory preferences influence the frequency and level of engagement children with autism participate in a range of activities in the home, school and community environment.