INFLUENCE OF TACTILE MODULATION DISORDER IN CHILDREN´S PARTICIPATION WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME

Background: Sensory Modulation Disorder is the dificulty to modulate and regulate the degree, intensity and nature of responses to sensory input in a graded and adaptive manner, so that an optimal range of performance and... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Sensory Modulation Disorder is the dificulty to modulate and regulate the degree, intensity and nature of responses to sensory input in a graded and adaptive manner, so that an optimal range of performance and adaptation to life challenges is manteined (Miller, 2006). Tactile Sensory regulation is particularly important for the development of social adaptative behaviours.
Method:
Case control transversal study, matched by age and sex, including 50 children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and 50 typically developing (TD) children, aged 5-10 years. Sensory Profile was used as assessment tool, focusing on tactile processing outcomes.
Results:
Significant differences were found in the tactile processing between children with AS and TD children in the following items: "avoids getting "messy"; "expresses distress during haircutting, fingernail cutting or face washing"; "prefers long- sleeved clothing when it is warm or short sleeves when it is cold"; "it is sensitive to certain fabrics"; "expresses discomfort at dental work or toothbrushing"; "becomes irritated by shoes or socks"; "avoids going barefoot"; "reacts emotionally or aggressively to touch"; "has difficulty standing in line or close to other people" ; and "rubs or scratches out a spot that has been touched" ( P <0,01).
Conclusion:
Hyper-responsivity to tactile stimuli restricts the participation of children with AS in school, family and social environments, and increase their level of alert, contributing to the lack of attention and anxiety.
Application to practice:
Sensory needs in AS children may contribute to adapting school and family environments improving their quality of life.