Prikkelverwerking en IQ bij kinderen met autisme

Poor sensory processing is highly prevalent in autistic children but the association with IQ is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association of IQ with overall sensory processing and nine sensory processing patterns, i.e., hypo- and hyperreactivity and the seven domain scores of the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) in autistic children. Clinically referred autistic children (n = 128) were included (mean age: 7.54 years; total IQ-range: 50-141). Proxy questionnaires (SSP, Child Behavior Checklist) and IQ-tests were administered. Associations were assessed between IQ (total, verbal, performance) and sensory processing, using logistic regressions with adjusting for age, sex, internalizing and externalizing behaviors. No significant associations of total, verbal, performance IQ with overall sensory processing and the nine patterns occurred. We conclude that in this study IQ is not associated with sensory processing in autistic children. IQ thus seems not to explain the heterogeneity in sensory processing patterns among autistic children. This implies that assessment of sensory processing is warranted, regardless of IQ. Further research in more diverse samples is needed.