Relationship between social competence and sensory processing in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between social competence and sensory processing in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders.MethodologyChildren, ages 6–10 (N = 36), with high functioning autism spectrum disorders were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Sensory Profile (SP). A bivariate correlational design was used to compare the scores (Spearman Rank Correlational Coefficient).ResultsSignificant differences were seen between mild to moderate and severe categories of SRS scores, based on Mann–Whitney U test (p < .05). Moderate to strong correlations were found between the SRS scores and all four sensory processing quadrant scores.ConclusionsThis study adds a clearer understanding of the relationship between sensory processing and social competence for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. The degree of correlation indicates that sensory processing is a function of severity within autism spectrum disorders and may be an important factor to consider when addressing the social performance of these children.