Effects of Sensory-Motor Issues on The Performance of Activities of Daily Livings in Autism Spectrum Disorder

JRCRS. 2018; 6(1): 3-9

Abstract

Background: Abnormal sensory integration is an important feature of Autism. Due to sensory motor difficulties most of the children with Autism cannot perform their functions independently.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of sensory-motor issues on the performance of activities of daily living skills in Autism spectrum disorder.

Methodology: This study was conducted in The Children’s Hospital Lahore and Rising Sun Institute. Data was collected using purposive non random sampling technique in three months duration from 15th October 2014 to 15th January 2015. Observational and Cross sectional study design was used. 35 patients of both genders were included. Sample selection criteria included the patients affected with Autism of age range 3-15 years. Standardized Barthel index scale and Sensory profile questionnaire based on Ayers sensory integration theory were used to determine the sensory motor issues impact on performance of Activities of daily livings.

Results: Results showed that visual processing disorders were highly correlated with Activities of daily livings (r = 0.436, p = 0.009).

Conclusion: It was concluded that children with Autism on average, showed atypical sensory-motor responses. The poor functional independence in Activities of daily livings was related to and caused in part by their abnormal sensory motor responses, especially their visual processing. Visual processing problems show that children may have difficulties in tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing etc.

Keywords: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Activities of daily livings, sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills