A Comparative Study using the Short Sensory Profile by the Caregivers on the Performance of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of the study was to compare the performance of children with and without ASD by using SSP. The SSP was filled up by the caregivers of the children. Age and Gender matched 50 children with and without ASD were approached on different platforms and incorporated in the study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy Eight (78 %) children with ASD diagnosed with definite and probable difference and performed differently than children without ASD. These children demonstrated some degree of sensory processing dysfunction. Eighty six (86 %) children with ASD obtained a combined score of definite difference and probable differences in Tactile Sensitivity and Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation and 64 % in Auditory filtering. Tactile Sensitivity, Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation and Auditory filtering sections become the most sensitive sections for children with ASD. The sample does not represent the entire population of children with ASD and without ASD, therefore the study can be done with larger sample size. From this study it has been concluded that the total score shows high significance difference, therefore SSP can be used as a satisfactory evaluatory tool to evaluate sensory processing abilities of children with ASD which can be really very helpful to occupational therapists in assessing and programme planning. Cultural adaptations of SSP increase its effectiveness and will become more understandable for caregivers of India.