Research Article
Issue Date: July/August 2016
Published Online: May 20, 2016
Updated: April 30, 2020
Sensory Features of Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kelsey Philpott-Robinson; Alison E. Lane; Karen Harpster
Author Affiliations
  • Kelsey Philpott-Robinson, BOccThy (Hons), is PhD (Occupational Therapy) Candidate, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; kelsey.philpott-robinson@uon.edu.au
  • Alison E. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences and Priority Research Centre Grow Up Well, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
  • Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Article Information
Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   May 20, 2016
Sensory Features of Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2016, Vol. 70, 7004220010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.019497
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2016, Vol. 70, 7004220010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.019497
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We observed sensory features in toddlers ages 12–24 mo with risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explored their relationship to general development and early signs of ASD.

METHOD. Participants (N = 46) included toddlers with higher risk for ASD. All participants were administered standardized assessments of sensory features, early signs of ASD, and general development at a single study visit.

RESULTS. Sensory features in toddlers were characterized as either adaptive or reactive. Toddlers with more difficulties in oral sensory processing displayed more early signs of ASD. Typical oral and auditory processing were associated with higher cognitive function, and toddlers with fewer sensory features overall had more mature language skills.

CONCLUSION. Specific sensory features were associated with both early signs of ASD and less mature general development. Replication of this preliminary study is required.