title: A pilot study examining activity participation, sensory responsiveness, and competence in children with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: This pilot study explored activity patterns in children with and without ASD and examined the role of sensory responsiveness in determining children's level of competence in activity performance. Twenty-six children with high functioning ASD and twenty-six typically-developing children 6-12 years old were assessed using the Sensory Profile and the Child Behavior Checklist. Results reflect differences in the types of activities and jobs/chores engaged in by children with ASD compared to children without ASD. Significant differences were seen in overall level of competence in activities, social, and school performance. Children demonstrating more frequent Sensory Sensitivity and Sensory Avoiding had significantly lower competence scores than children with fewer behaviors in these domains, suggesting that sensory responsiveness may impact the ability to participate successfully.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980008, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. reynoldsse3@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Stacey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.forename: Roxanna M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bendixen
authors.forename: Tami
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Shelly J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000523:psychology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards