Sensory processing issues associated with Asperger syndrome: a preliminary investigation

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to identify the sensory processing patterns of children with Asperger syndrome. METHOD. Researchers compared the performance of 42 children with Asperger syndrome and 42 children without disabilities on section and factor scores of the Sensory Profile. RESULTS. As reported by parents on the Sensory Profile, the children with Asperger syndrome were significantly different from children without disabilities on 22 of 23 items. This result was obtained with good power estimates (.997-1.00) and large effect sizes (O2 =.267-.732). Both groups of children performed the same on modulation of visual input affecting emotional responses and activity level. CONCLUSION. This study provides initial evidence that clear differences exist in the sensory processing patterns of children with Asperger syndrome when compared with peers without disabilities.