Factors influencing the sensory profile in patients with autism spectrum disorder from 16 months to 14 years: results of an observational study - Report - MDSpire

Factors influencing the sensory profile in patients with autism spectrum disorder from 16 months to 14 years: results of an observational study

  • By

  • Nadia Marani

  • Davide di Gennaro

  • Raffaele Garotti

  • Valeria Maffettone

  • Rosamaria Siracusano

  • Maria Pia Riccio

  • Simone Pisano

  • Carmela Bravaccio

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Determinants of Sensory Characteristics in Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients

Overview

This study identifies adaptive functioning as a predictor of sensory outcomes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Age also plays a modifying role in sensory profiles, with distinct patterns observed during preschool and later childhood.

Background

Sensory processing abnormalities are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding the determinants of sensory characteristics is important for exploring the relationship between sensory profiles and clinical variables in ASD.

Data Highlights

VariableImpact on Sensory Profile
Adaptive FunctioningHigher functioning correlates with reduced atypical patterns
Autism SeverityNo significant impact on sensory outcomes
SexNo significant impact on sensory outcomes
Cognitive FunctioningLinked to increased sensory avoiding behaviors
AgeNon-monotonic trends with distinct peaks in preschool and 8-12 years

Key Findings

  • Adaptive functioning is a predictor of sensory outcomes.
  • Higher cognitive functioning is associated with increased sensory avoiding behaviors.
  • Age modifies sensory profiles, showing distinct patterns at different developmental stages.
  • Preschool children exhibit more sensory seeking behaviors, while older children show hypersensitivity.
  • Autism severity and sex generally do not significantly impact sensory outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider adaptive functioning when assessing sensory profiles in children with ASD.

Conclusion

The findings indicate the importance of adaptive functioning and age in understanding sensory characteristics in ASD.

Related Resources & Content

  1. ASHA, Practice Portal, 2025 -- Autism Spectrum Disorder
  2. NICE, Guideline CG170, 2025 -- Autism Spectrum Disorder in Under 19s
  3. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2025 -- Occupational Therapy Using Sensory Integration
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Atypical modulation of electrodermal reactivity during exposure to graded unisensory and multisensory stimuli in autistic children and adolescents
  5. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Investigation of Plasma and Urinary Neurotransmitter Levels in Chinese Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  6. npj Digital Medicine — Quantitative Evaluation of Atypical Facial Expression Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Naturalistic Interaction Dynamics
  7. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Enhanced Cognitive Abilities and Sleep Quality in Preteens with High-Functioning Autism After Engaging in a Structured Exercise Program
  8. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Atypical modulation of electrodermal reactivity
  9. BMC Psychiatry — Investigation of Plasma and Urinary Neurotransmitter Levels
  10. npj Digital Medicine — Quantitative Evaluation of Atypical Facial Expression Patterns
  11. Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
  12. Occupational Therapy Using Sensory Integration for Enhancing Occupational Performance in Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Springer Nature Link
  13. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT - NCBI Bookshelf
  14. Practice Smart | AOTA
  15. Neurophysiological alterations during sensory processing in autism - a meta-analysis - PubMed
  16. Frontiers | Interoception in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
  17. Pain perception in autism. A study of sensory reactivity in children and adolescents with autism using quantitative sensory testing and psychophysiological correlates - PubMed
  18. September 2025 exceptional surveillance of autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (NICE guideline CG170) | Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management | Guidance | NICE

Original Source(s)

Factors influencing the sensory profile in patients with autism spectrum disorder from 16 months to 14 years: results of an observational study

  • by Nadia Marani, Davide di Gennaro, Raffaele Garotti, Valeria Maffettone, Rosamaria Siracusano, Maria Pia Riccio, Simone Pisano, Carmela Bravaccio

  • May 25, 2026

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