Sensory Profile in Children with Developmental Disabilities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59519/mper8105Keywords:
sensory processing, sensory profile, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilitiesAbstract
Sensory dysfunctions are common in children with developmental disabilities and can significantly affect their behavior, learning, and everyday functioning. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of the sensory profile of children with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, with regard to their responsiveness to sensory stimuli, different sensory modalities, as well as differences related to sex and age. The study was conducted on a sample of 33 children with developmental disabilities aged five to ten years, using the Short Sensory Profile as a standardized instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that sensory processing was not uniform, with the most pronounced deviations observed in tactile and olfactory modalities, as well as in multisensory regulation. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and subscale scores. Sex differences were identified in a limited number of domains, specifically in olfactory and vestibular processing. Statistically significant differences related to diagnosis were found in the domains of tactile and visual processing. The findings indicate the need for individualized assessment and planning of interventions aimed at supporting sensory functioning in children with developmental disabilities.
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