Sensory Features of Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific sensory features were associated with both early signs of ASD and less mature general development. Replication of this preliminary study is required.
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.
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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.
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Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
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D001308:Auditory Perceptual Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002657:Child Development; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003071:Cognition; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012306:Risk; D055698:Touch Perception; D014796:Visual Perception