Sensory processing in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and high-functioning autism

We aimed to assess the status of sensory processing in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, high-functioning autism and typical peers. Participants in this study are children 7 to 10 years old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 30), autistic children with high cognitive function (n = 28) and 30 matched typical children. Parents of children in all the groups have completed the Dunn sensory profile questionnaire (SP). The results of the present study showed that children in high-functioning autism and normal sensory processes act different. The autistic children differ in sensory seeking, emotional reactivity, low muscle tone and endurance, oral sensory sensitive, inattention and distractibility, poor sensory registration, sensory sensitivity, fine movement/perception. Children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder differ in seven factors of the nine factors. These factors were sensory seeking, emotional reactivity, low muscle tone and endurance, inattention and distractibility, poor sensory registration, sensory sensitivity, fine movement/perception. Different sensory processing function in these children may explain their abnormal behaviors. This sensory processing dysfunction affects on child's daily life in areas such as play, academic skills, peer relationships, and self-help activities. Therapists should consider the child's sensory processing functions when they set therapeutic planes.