The incidence of autism has increased from an average of one in 88 to one in 110 (Center for Disease Control, 2010; ADDM Network, 2012). Autism spectrum disorders are an important health and educational problem affecting many areas of daily living, (CDC, 2012; Cermak, S., et al, 2010). Over 80 percent of children diagnosed with autism demonstrate sensory modulation symptoms and related behaviors such as sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, self-stimulation, etc, (Kintwell, et al, 2011; Ben-Sasson, et al, 2009; Tomchek & Dunn, 2006).
There is some beginning evidence found in the literature that sensory processing of children on the autism spectrum interferes with their daily routines (Nadon, et al, 2011; Stein, et al, 2011/2012; Schaff, et al, 2011), and there is a paucity of research which addresses the impact sensory processing has on the daily routine of eating. This study will contribute to this expanding body of knowledge.
Eating difficulties are a frequent problem for children on the autism spectrum (Nadon, et al, 2011; Schreck & Williams, 2006) which impacts their physical health (Lukens & Linscheid, 2008), their functioning in the family (Schaff, et al, 2001) and their functioning in educational settings (Koenig & Rudney, 2010). This study assesses the differences in sensory processing and eating problem behaviors between two groups of children, aged 5 -12 years, those identified on the autism spectrum (N=34) and those typically developing (N=34).
Data was collected through parent and child questionnaires that assessed sensory processing and eating behaviors (BAMBI, Short Sensory Profile, Sensory Eating Checklist, and Touch Inventory for Elementary-Aged Children). Results of the t test, anovas and correlation analyses revealed statistically significant differences on all measures between both samples (p
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UMASS/oai:scholarworks.umass.edu:open_access_dissertations-1778 |
| Date | 01 May 2013 |
| Creators | Zobel-Lachiusa, Jeanne |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst |
| Source Sets | University of Massachusetts, Amherst |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Open Access Dissertations |
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