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Difficulty in processing and integrating sensory information in patients with autism: a case–control study

Objective Unusual sensory processing can have considerable influence on how children interact with their world and how they participate in daily activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in sensory processing among age-matched autistic children and those with normal development and to explore factors influencing the pattern of sensory processing difficulties in autistic children. Patients and methods Thirty autistic children, aged 3–10 years, were recruited from the outpatient departments of Ain Shams University Institute of Psychiatry and Saudi German Hospital and compared with a matched control group of 20 healthy children. The Sensory Profile questionnaire was used to measure the children’s sensory responses. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured by means of a Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale. The severity of autistic symptoms was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Results Autistic children had significantly lower sensory processing scores in 10 of 14 categories and five of nine factors of the Sensory Profile questionnaire. All autistic patients revealed a definite difference in one or more Sensory Profile scores compared with controls. Older children (7–10 years) showed a higher number of affected Sensory Profile categories. Higher IQ was correlated with a definite difference in a higher number of Sensory Profile scores. Patterns of Sensory Profile affection in autistic children varied by sex. Severity of autism was not correlated with the number of Sensory Profile factors affected. Egyptian patients had lower scores on seven of the categories and factors of the Sensory Profile compared with Saudi patients. Conclusion Autistic children exhibit difficulty in processing and integrating sensory information, which differs according to age, sex, IQ, and culture.