Sensory Responsivity as a Predictor of Adaptive Behavior Development in Toddlers At-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to investigate the explanatory role of sensory responsivity in the development of adaptive behavior for toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prospective, longitudinal data were collected using the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-II). Data were collected for 391 high-familial risk toddlers, 90 of whom received an ASD diagnosis based on clinical best-estimate. A series of multiple linear regression models were computed using sensory responsivity to predict later adaptive behavior development. The current study provided evidence that elevated sensory responsivity profiles, in particular sensory seeking, predict lower adaptive behavior outcomes for three-year-olds with ASD, with potential implications for early intervention. Overall, sensory seeking seems to be an influential predictor for adaptive behavior domain outcomes for toddlers with ASD.