Sensory Processing Correlates of Occupational Performance in Children with Fragile X Syndrome: Preliminary Findings

Document Type

Article

Source

American Journal of Occupational Therapy

ISSN

0272-9490

Volume

56

Issue

5

First Page

538

Last Page

546

Publication Date

9-1-2002

Department

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. This preliminary study examined sensory processing and its relationship to occupational performance in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) to guide research and evidence-based practice. METHOD. Fifteen school-aged boys with full-mutation FXS were assessed with three occupational performance measures (School Function Assessment, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, play duration) and three sensory processing measures (Sensory Profile, Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test–Revised, Sensory Approach–Avoidance Rating). Data were analyzed using partial correlation procedures. RESULTS. Several significant correlations were found, independent of effects of age and IQ. Avoidance of sensory experiences (internally controlled) was associated with lower levels of school participation, self-care, and play. Aversion to touch from externally controlled sources was associated with a trend toward greater independence in self-care—opposite of expectations. CONCLUSION. This study links sensory processing vulnerabilities with individual differences in occupational performance and supports a dynamic view of self-organizing systems. Children’s uses of avoidant versus independent behaviors may reflect different self-regulatory or coping strategies that potentially mediate the relationship between sensory processing deficits and occupational behaviors and warrant further investigation.

Rights

Copyright © 2002 American Occupational Therapy Association. All rights reserved.

PubMed ID

12269508

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