Comparison of Two Tools to Assess Sensory Features in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Am J Occup Ther. 2018 Jan/Feb;72(1):7201195010p1-7201195010p9. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2018.024604.

Abstract

Objective: This article documents the convergent validity of the Sensory Profile (SP) and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)-Home Form for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Metho: . Parents of 34 children with ASD between ages 5 and 8 yr filled out both measures. Through correlations, χ² tests, and levels of agreement between classifications, the results for the SP and the SPM-Home Form were compared.

Results: The raw scores were correlated for some sensory domains (hearing, vision, touch, and proprioception) and for social functioning. The classifications showed a significant level of agreement for most scales (κs = .247-.589, p ≤ .05) and for the total scores (κ = .324, p ≤ .01).

Conclusion: This study provides further evidence of convergent validity between both tools. The SPM-Home Form identifies more children with ASD who present with sensory features for every domain measured by both tools.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Therapy*
  • Psychomotor Disorders
  • Severity of Illness Index