Patterns of sensory processing in children with an autism spectrum disorder

•We conducted exploratory factor analysis to identify patterns of sensory processing in 400 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).•We identified 6 parsimonious factors: low energy/weak, tactile and movement sensitivity, taste/smell sensitivity, auditory and visual sensitivity, sensory seeking/distractibility, and hypo-responsivity.•Identified sensory patterns of those with an ASD differed from those of children with typical development.•Findings provide insights about practice and future research.

The literature describing individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) commonly includes descriptions of differences in sensory processing. The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of sensory processing found in 400 children with an ASD. Exploratory factor analysis identified 6 parsimonious factors: low energy/weak, tactile and movement sensitivity, taste/smell sensitivity, auditory and visual sensitivity, sensory seeking/distractibility, and hypo-responsivity. These factors are consistent with other reports about differences in sensory processing. Findings provide insights about practice and future research.