SENSORY PROCESSING AND PARTICIPATION AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is commonly associated with sensory processing differences that may influence children's participation in everyday activities.Although sensory modulation difficulties are widely reported in ASD, limited evidence exists regarding their direct relationship with occupational participation among school-aged children.This study aimed to examine sensory processing patterns and occupational participation and to explore the relationship between these variables among school-going children with ASD aged 6-12 years.A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 100 children diagnosed with ASD were recruited using purposive sampling.Sensory processing patterns were assessed using the Child Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) Caregiver Questionnaire, while occupational participation was evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP).Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and scale scores, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between sensory processing patterns and occupational participation.The findings revealed that children with ASD demonstrated atypical sensory processing patterns across all sensory quadrants and domains.Occupational participation was relatively higher at home settings and comparatively restricted in school and community contexts.Correlation analysis showed weak and non-significant associations between sensory processing patterns and