Developmental trajectories and correlates of sensory processing in young boys with fragile X syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
No longitudinal study on sensory processing in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exists. This study examined developmental trajectories and correlates of sensory processing from infancy through preschool years in 13 boys with FXS.


METHODS
Participants were assessed using observational and parent-report measures 2-6 times between 9 and 54 months of age.


RESULTS
Over time, an increasing proportion of boys displayed sensory processing that differed significantly from test norms. Observational measures were more sensitive than parent-reports early in infancy. Age and developmental quotient significantly predicted levels of hyporesponsiveness; there was a trend for hyperresponsiveness to increase with age. Baseline physiological and biological measures were not predictive.


CONCLUSIONS
Sensory processing problems are observable early and grow increasingly problematic from infancy through the preschool ages. Early identification and intervention may attenuate long-term difficulties for children with FXS.
Baranek
Grace T
GT
Division of Occupational Science, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. gbaranek@med.unc.edu
Roberts
Jane E
JE
David
Fabian J
FJ
Sideris
John
J
Mirrett
Penny L
PL
Hatton
Deborah D
DD
Bailey
Donald B
DB
D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires