Sensory Processing Disorder and its Relationship to Social Maturity and Stereotypical Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

The study aimed to identify sensory processing disorder and its relationship to social maturity and stereotypical behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. A random sample of (65) children with autism spectrum disorder in the age group (7-13 years) affiliated with special education centers in Amman was selected. The results showed that the prevalence of sensory processing disorder in children with autism spectrum disorder was severe in (touch sensitivity, taste and smell sensitivity, movement sensitivity, proprioceptive response, auditory filtering, low energy, and visual-auditory sensitivity). It was also found that the degree of social maturity in the study sample was at a low level with mean of (2.26), and there were no differences in the areas of social maturity in children with autism spectrum disorder attributed to the severity of autism (mild, moderate, severe). The results also showed differences in social maturity as a whole and in the areas of (ability to make decisions, ability to help others) attributed to the severity of autism (mild, moderate, severe) in favor of mild autism. The results showed that the level of stereotypical behaviors as a whole in the study sample was high with mean of (3.99), and there were differences in the areas of stereotypical behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder attributed to the severity of autism (mild, moderate, severe) and in the tool as a whole, and the differences were in favor of the severity of autism (severe). It also showed a statistically significant effect of sensory processing disorders on social maturity, and a statistically significant effect of sensory processing disorders on stereotypical behaviors. In light of the results, the study recommended implementing guidance and training programs that work to reduce stereotypical behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder.