Brief report: exploring the relationship between sensory processing and repetitive behaviours in Williams Syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Feb;43(2):478-82. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1557-1.

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between sensory processing abnormalities and repetitive behaviours in children with Williams Syndrome (WS; n = 21). This is a novel investigation bringing together two clinical phenomena for the first time in this neuro-developmental disorder. Parents completed the Sensory Profile (Short Form; Dunn in The sensory profile manual. San Antonio: The Psychological Corporation, 1999) and the Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire (Turner 1995). A significant correlation was evident between the total scores on each of these measures; suggesting that children with WS who exhibit increased sensory processing abnormalities also display a higher number of repetitive behaviours. Further exploratory analyses of subscales of the measures indicated potentially important relationships that suggest a role for arousal regulation in the relationship between sensory processing abnormalities and repetitive behaviours in WS.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arousal / physiology*
  • Child
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sensation Disorders / complications
  • Sensation Disorders / physiopathology
  • Sensation Disorders / psychology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Williams Syndrome / complications
  • Williams Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Williams Syndrome / psychology*