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Autism

Distinct Sensory Profiles Identified in Preschool Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Sapienza University of Rome have identified distinct sensory-emotional profiles in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language disorder (LD), and other neurodevelopmental disorders (ONDD). The study, published in the journal Children, aimed to examine the associations between sensory processing, emotional-behavioral functioning, and cognitive/developmental levels in this population. The research found three distinct sensory profiles, with varying levels of sensory and emotional difficulties, and associations with emotional-behavioral and cognitive functioning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study recruited 263 children aged 21-71 months with ASD, LD, or ONDD, and assessed their sensory processing, emotional-behavioral functioning, and cognitive/developmental levels.
  • Three sensory profiles emerged: Multisystemic Sensory Dysfunction (20.1%), Typical Sensory Processing (44.9%), and Mixed Subclinical Sensory Processing (35%).
  • The Multisystemic Sensory Dysfunction group showed pervasive sensory and emotional difficulties, primarily observed in ASD.
  • The Typical Sensory Processing group showed normative sensory and emotional functioning, predominantly in LD.
  • Sensory profiles were strongly associated with emotional functioning, independently of diagnostic status.
  • Early sensory assessment may offer clinically meaningful insights into emotional vulnerability and inform targeted interventions in preschool populations with NDDs.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering sensory processing in the diagnosis and treatment of NDDs.

Statistics:

  • 263 children with NDDs were recruited for the study.
  • 20.1% of participants were classified as Multisystemic Sensory Dysfunction.
  • 44.9% of participants were classified as Typical Sensory Processing.
  • 35% of participants were classified as Mixed Subclinical Sensory Processing.
  • Higher cognitive functioning (p = 0.01) and fewer internalizing symptoms (p = 0.05) significantly predicted membership in the Typical Sensory Processing profile.
  • A gradient of symptom severity was observed across profiles, with the Multisystemic group showing the most pronounced emotional-behavioral impairments.

Sources:

  • Feeling the World Differently: Sensory and Emotional Profiles in Preschool Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Children, 2025, 12(7):958. (Children - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/children)
  • NewsRx. Sapienza University of Rome Researchers Update Current Study Findings on Autism Spectrum Disorders (Feeling the World Differently: Sensory and Emotional Profiles in Preschool Neurodevelopmental Disorders). Mental Health Weekly Digest. August 11, 2025; p 876.

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