Sensory processing correlates of occupational performance in children with fragile X syndrome: preliminary findings.
OBJECTIVE
This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupational performance in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) to guide research and evidence-based practice.


METHODS
Fifteen school-aged boys with full-mutation FXS were assessed with three occupational performance measures (School Function Assessment, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, play duration) and three sensory processing measures (Sensory Profile, Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test-Revised, Sensory Approach-Avoidance Rating). Data were analyzed using partial correlation procedures.


RESULTS
Several significant correlations were found, independent of effects of age and IQ. Avoidance of sensory experiences (internally controlled) was associated with lower levels of school participation, self-care, and play. Aversion to touch from externally controlled sources was associated with a trend toward greater independence in self-care--opposite of expectations.


CONCLUSIONS
This study links sensory processing vulnerabilities with individual differences in occupational performance and supports a dynamic view of self-organizing systems. Children's uses of avoidant versus independent behaviors may reflect different self-regulatory or coping strategies that potentially mediate the relationship between sensory processing deficits and occupational behaviors and warrant further investigation.
Baranek
Grace T
GT
Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7120, USA. gbaranek@med.unc.edu
Chin
Yuki H
YH
Hess
Laura M Greiss
LM
Yankee
Jann G
JG
Hatton
Deborah D
DD
Hooper
Stephen R
SR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015588:Observer Variation; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011930:Reaction Time; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis