This study aimed to compare the prevalence rate of atypical sensory processing in late preterm (LP) and term children at two years of age and to further investigate the co-occurrence of atypical sensory processing and behavioral problems (internalizing/externalizing) in both groups of children. A total of 104 children (52 LP and 52 sex- and birth order-matched term children) were included. The primary caregivers were asked to complete the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile-Chinese version and the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5Y-Chinese version (CBCL-C/1.5-5). We found that the LP group had a similar prevalence rate of atypical sensory processing to the term group. However, neonatal intensive care unit experience (r = -0.356, p = 0.013, with visual processing) and days of ventilation and supplementary oxygen (r = -0.392, p = 0.004, with low registration) after birth were significantly correlated with the atypical sensory processing of LP children. Both LP and term children with behavioral problems seemed to have a higher prevalence rate of atypical sensory processing than their peers without behavioral problems. However, when Bonferroni correction was used to control for the statistical errors of multiple comparisons, only in the LP group did the co-occurrence of atypical sensory processing (auditory and oral sensory processing and sensation avoiding) and behavioral problems reach significance. In conclusion, the influence of late preterm birth on sensory processing may become subtle at age two, with the exception of those LP children experiencing complicated medical management after birth. A high level of co-occurrence of atypical sensory processing and behavioral problems suggests that the administration of a sensory processing assessment may be helpful to clarify the cause of problematic behavior and to recommend an appropriate intervention for LP children with behavioral problems.
Keywords: behavioral problems; child; late preterm; sensory processing.