Parental Perceptions of Sensory Avoidance and Sleep Disturbances among Autistic Children in Lahore: A Cross-sectional Study: Parental Perceptions of Sensory Avoidance and Sleep Disturbances among Autistic Children

Eman Nasim; Mariam Liaquat; Sana Toqueer; Muskan Jaffar; Taimoor Ahmad

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v8i6.1258

Authors

Eman Nasim University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Mariam Liaquat University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Toqueer University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Muskan Jaffar University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Taimoor Ahmad University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i6.1258

Keywords:

Sensory Processing, Sleep Habits, Pediatric Sleep Problems, Sensory Avoidance Behaviours in Autistic Children

Abstract

As literature shows, children with autism often experience sensory processing difficulties and sleep disturbances. Objectives: To determine parent-reported sensory avoidance behaviours and sleep habits in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder in Lahore. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 autistic children. Outcome measures of this study were the prevalence of sensory avoidance behaviours and sleep habits. The standardized tools were the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to assess the sensory avoidance behaviours and sleep problems. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 27.0. Results: 38% were aged 3-7 years, and 61% were aged 8–12 years. Parent reports showed that 17% of children exhibited probable differences and 53% exhibited significant differences in tactile sensory avoidance behaviours. Movement sensitivity issues were definite in 54% and probable in 30% of children. Regarding auditory sensory avoidance, 55% showed significant changes, and 1% showed probable changes. For visual and auditory sensory behaviours, only 44% showed typical performance. Overall, 74% of children demonstrated definite sensory avoidance behaviours across multiple domains, while 8% showed some level of sensory avoidance. Additionally, 20% did not display low energy behaviours. Regarding sleep habits, 16% had typical sleep patterns, 3% faced sleep issues at a minimum level, 22% faced sleep issues at an intermediate level, and the remaining 57% faced sleep issues at a severe level. A p-value was >0.05. Significant association between sensory avoidance behaviour and sleep habits. Conclusion: Sensory avoidance behaviour had a significant association with sleep habits.

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