Batya Engel-Yeger

A meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Sensory modulation symptoms are common in persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however have a heterogeneous presentation. Results from 14 studies indicated a significant high difference between ASD and typical groups in the presence/frequency of sensory symptoms, with the greatest difference in under-responsivity, followed by over-responsivity and sensation seeking. Three moderators that reduced the variability in findings among studies were: chronological age, severity of autism, and type of control group. Sensory differences were highest for studies of children ages 6–9 years, samples with more than 80% with an autism diagnosis, and compared to a CA matched versus a MA or DD matched group. It is important to consider these moderators in the design of studies and interventions addressing sensory symptoms.

Participation patterns of school-aged children with and without DCD

UNLABELLED Participation is recognized as a key to ones health and well-being and is considered to be a vital part of the development of children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the participation patterns of children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in their out-of-school-time (OST) activities, and to see whether there is a relationship between the childrens motor abilities and their choices and participation. METHODS 50 children (5-7 years old), 25 who met diagnostic criteria of DCD and 25 without DCD, completed the Children Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and were administered the Motor Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). RESULTS A relationship was found between participation patterns and motor ability. Children with DCD had limited participation diversity in which they participated less frequently, and chose activities that were quieter and more socially isolated compared to children without DCD; there were no differences in their levels of enjoyment. CONCLUSIONS The present study emphasizes the importance of looking at the childrens participation from a broad perspective, and the many difficulties children with DCD experience in OST participation. Future studies might consider other factors (e.g., environment) while examining participation among children with DCD.

Executive Dysfunctions among Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Performance-Based Test and Parents Report.

Difficulty in executive functions (EF) is a core symptom of ADHD. Yet, the EF assessments are still in controversy. It is still unclear whether the everyday implementation of EF can be assessed under laboratory conditions. Therefore, the purposes of the present study are: (a) to examine EF among boys with ADHD both in everyday behavior (as reported by parents) and in a performance-based test. (b) To examine correlations between the two tests. Both the Behavior Assessment of Dysexecutive Functions for Children (BADS-C) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) were independently applied to 25 boys aged 8-11 years with ADHD and 25 age-matched typical boys. Results of the two assessments were compared between the two groups to indicate differences in EF. Correlations between the two assessments for all participants were evaluated. Overall, significant differences in EF were found between the two groups on both assessments. Significant correlations were found between BADS-C and BRIEF, specifically in metacognition but not in behavioral regulation. Findings indicate that poor EF manifests itself in everyday behavior. These difficulties are found in metacognitive and behavioral regulation components. Nevertheless, applying a valid ecological assessment of behavior regulation merits future research.

The Relationship between Sensory Processing Difficulties and Anxiety Level of Healthy Adults

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between extreme sensory reactivity as expressed in daily living situations, and trait and state anxiety, among healthy individuals. Procedures: One hundred and thirty-five healthy individuals filled in the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile regarding their responses to daily sensory experiences. Anxiety was assessed by Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Findings: Participants with sensory hypersensitivity, as well as those with Low Registration of sensory input, showed elevated trait anxiety and state anxiety. Men with lower registration had more elevated trait anxiety than women. Sensation Avoiding was found to be the significant predictor for state anxiety. Conclusion: Trait anxiety and state anxiety might be related to extreme sensory processing patterns. Occupational therapy intervention with people who express enhanced anxiety level should refer to their sensory reactivity as a means to optimise intervention outcomes, increase their self-confidence, improve their functioning and participation in daily living, and enhance their wellbeing.

Childhood Participation in After-School Activities: What is to be Expected?

Participation is recognised as a key to health and wellbeing and is considered to be a vital part of the development of children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the participation patterns of children and adolescents in their time outside formal school. More specifically, the influence of age and gender on after-school participation patterns was explored. Method: Three hundred and thirty-two children and adolescents (5 to 18 years old) were divided into five age groups and completed the Childrens Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). To test the interaction effect of gender and age on participation measures, ANOVAs were conducted. Results: The results indicated differences with moderate to high effect size in participation patterns across age, where a decline in participation was detected as children made the transition to adolescence. Differences with negligible effect size in participation were found between boys and girls in some of the activity types. No interaction effect between age and gender was observed. Conclusion: Participation patterns change with age, particularly as children make the transition to adolescence; however, this change does not depend on gender. Intervention strategies might take into account these inherent changes. Future studies might consider additional factors (for example, environment) while examining participation throughout age.

Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC): Establishing construct validity for Israeli children

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) is one of the most accepted tools, both in clinical practice and in research, for the diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCDs) in children. The present study aimed to: (1) establish the construct validity of M-ABC in Israel by comparing the motor performance of typically developed children in four age groups (ranging from 6 to 12 years) and (2) examine the impact of socio-demographic parameters on childrens motor performance. Participants were 249 typical children, between 4.1 and 12.08 years old, whose motor performance was evaluated by the M-ABC. The results showed that age, gender, mothers education level, and socioeconomic status had an impact on childrens motor performance. Thus, the M-ABC may serve as a suitable tool for examining the motor performance of children in Israel. This examination should also refer to socio-demographic factors in order to shed light on the contribution of environmental disadvantages to childrens motor performance.

The relationship between sensory processing difficulties and leisure activity preference of children with different types of ADHD.

Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) are prevalent among children with ADHD. Yet, the question whether different SPD characterize children with different types of ADHD has not received enough attention in the literature. The current study characterized sensory processing difficulties (SPD) of children with different types of ADHD and explored the relationship between SPD and leisure activity preference. Participants were 58 boys aged 6-10 years: 29 boys with ADHD: 15 with hyperactive-impulsive type and 14 characterized as inattentive. The controls were 29 typical peers. SPD were evaluated by The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) completed by the parents. Participants answered the preference for activities of children (PAC). According the results, SPD were manifested among children with both ADHD types. Children with both ADHD types showed significantly lower preference to participate in leisure activities than the controls. Their lower preference correlated with SPD. The findings suggest that children with different ADHD types may share common SPD, which may negatively impact their activity preference. In this study it seemed that children with ADD were more vulnerable to these impacts. SPD and participation should be considered in evaluation and intervention programs for children with ADHD in order to focus on childs abilities, needs and preferences, and enhance intervention success, childs relationships with peers and childs well-being.

Exploring the Relationship between Affect and Sensory Processing Patterns in Adults

Purpose: Growing evidence exists regarding the relationship between sensory processing and affective disorders. However, most of this evidence relates to children. This study aimed to explore the relationship between positive/negative affect and sensory processing patterns as expressed in daily situations among healthy adults. Procedure: Two hundred and thirteen healthy individuals aged 18–50 years completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: Negative affect correlated positively with Sensory Sensitivity, Sensation Avoiding and Low Registration. Positive affect correlated with Sensation Seeking. Conclusion: Sensory processing patterns might be related to the persons affect. In practical terms, this relationship among typical individuals suggests that people could benefit from knowledge about the impact of their sensory processing patterns on everyday life or, in some cases, from occupational therapy intervention. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to elucidate this relationship and its impacts on participation, quality of life and wellbeing.

Sensory Hypersensitivity as a Contributing Factor in the Relation Between Sleep and Behavioral Disorders in Normal Schoolchildren

Despite growing interest in the relationship between sleep disturbances and behavioral disorders—specifically, symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children—the underlying structure of this relationship is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to explore the contribution of sensory hypersensitivity to this relationship. Parents of 56 schoolchildren completed questionnaires reporting sleep habits, behavior, and sensory processing. Significant correlations were found between global scores of all 3 constructs; however, the relationship between sleep and behavior decreased when controlling for sensory processing. Among different sensory modalities, tactile sensitivity was a significant predictor for sleep, accounting for 25% of the variance, F = 16.30, p < .001; and sensation seeking and tactile sensitivity were significant predictors for behavior, accounting for 42% of the variance, F = 17.56, p < .001. If confirmed by further objective investigation, the results of this study suggest that sensory profiles of children with sleep or behavioral disorders should be routinely assessed in clinical practice.

Sensory Processing Patterns and Daily Activity Preferences of Israeli Children

Background. One determinant of participation is activity preferences, which may be influenced by sensory processing patterns. Purpose. To compare daily activity preferences of Israeli children who have typical versus atypical sensory processing patterns, according to age and gender. Methods. Twenty-five children with atypical sensory processing patterns and 109 typical peers aged 6 – 10.75 years completed the Preference for Activities of Children (PAC) questionnaire. Sensory processing patterns were determined according to the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Results. Children with atypical sensory processing patterns showed greater preference for active physical activities. Lower energy level was correlated with greater preference for self-improvement activities. Practice implications. Activity preferences may be affected by childrens sensory processing patterns. These effects are minimal among children with atypical sensory processing but no other co-morbidities. Evaluating these effects may assist in establishing occupational therapy interventions, facilitate childrens engagement in the intervention, and enhance their participation in daily living.