title: Observational characterization of sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors.
abstract: Sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors (SIRS) are common among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) and involve unusual actions that intensify or reinforce a sensory experience. Researchers and practitioners typically use parent-report measures or informal clinical observations to understand the presence and nature of SIRS. In this study, we used a scoring supplement to the Sensory Processing Assessment for Young Children, an observational measure, to characterize SIRS across three groups of children-those with ASD (n=40), DD (n=37), and typical development (n=39). Group differences were identified in frequency and intensity of overall SIRS, complexity of SIRS, and incidence of particular types of SIRS (i.e., posturing, sighting, proprioceptive seeking, spinning). Facial affect was also explored and found to be primarily neutral during engagement in SIRS across groups. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
authors: Anne V. Kirby, MS, OTR/L, is Doctoral Candidate, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; avkirby@gmail.com.
authors: Anne V
authors: AV
authors: Kirby
authors: Lauren M. Little, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy Education, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City.
authors: Lauren M
authors: LM
authors: Little
authors: Beth Schultz, MS, OTR/L, was Project Coordinator, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at the time of the study.
authors: Beth
authors: B
authors: Schultz
authors: Grace T. Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Associate Chair for Research, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors: Grace T
authors: GT
authors: Baranek
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012677:Sensation