Relationship between social competence and sensory processing in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders

Claudia Hilton, Kathleen Graver, Patricia LaVesser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between social competence and sensory processing in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Methodology: Children, ages 6-10 (N = 36), with high functioning autism spectrum disorders were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Sensory Profile (SP). A bivariate correlational design was used to compare the scores (Spearman Rank Correlational Coefficient). Results: Significant differences were seen between mild to moderate and severe categories of SRS scores, based on Mann-Whitney U test (p < .05). Moderate to strong correlations were found between the SRS scores and all four sensory processing quadrant scores. Conclusions: This study adds a clearer understanding of the relationship between sensory processing and social competence for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. The degree of correlation indicates that sensory processing is a function of severity within autism spectrum disorders and may be an important factor to consider when addressing the social performance of these children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)164-173
Number of pages10
JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Volume1
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Asperger's disorder
  • Pervasive developmental disorders
  • Social responsiveness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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