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Background: Physical inactivity is recognized as a global health challenge. Attachment theory may provide insight into individual physical activity (PA) patterns, informing the development of PA interventions to promote the maintenance of behavior change. This study investigated the associations between attachment orientation and why and how individuals engage in PA. Given the association between attachment and sensory processing, this study also investigated the link between sensory processing and PA participation. Methods: Participants (N = 141) completed an online questionnaire that included the Modified Experiences of Close Relationships Scale and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. The relationship between attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns, and preference for PA participation were analyzed using 2-sided independent t tests. Results: Attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and sensory sensitivity were significantly related to participants' preference for PA participation in theoretically consistent ways. Avoidantly attached individuals were less likely to participate in PA as a form of social interaction (mean = 8.57, SD = 2.87, P =.005, d = 0.48). Anxiously attached individuals were more likely to participate in PA to support weight management (mean = 37.02, SD = 11.54, P =.01, d = −0.46) or if recommended by a health professional (mean = 43.55, SD = 12.45, P =.039, d = −0.88). Sensory sensitive individuals were more likely to participate in PA alone (mean = 124.11, SD = 19.23, P =.005, d = −0.510), and more likely to prefer light-intensity forms of PA (mean = 133.29, SD = 12.67, F3,123 = 5.49, P =.001). Conclusions: Findings highlight the potential value of considering an individual's attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns in the development of PA interventions. This may help to address the challenges of PA participation, by individually tailoring interventions to participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the role that Autistic identity, sensory processing and camouflaging behaviours have on eating disorder symptomology in Autistic adults. Previous research has focused on cognitive and sensory factors to explain the association between autism and eating disorders, but the roles of social identity and camouflaging are yet to be explored. Autistic participants (N = 180) were recruited from NHS settings and community groups. The participants completed online questionnaires measuring autistic identity, camouflaging behaviours, sensory processing, autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. Multiple regression revealed that camouflaging significantly predicted eating disorder symptoms. Although sensory processing was related, it did not significantly predict eating disorder symptom severity. In addition, there was no significant relationship between autistic identity and eating disorder symptom severity. This study highlights the impact that camouflaging behaviours and sensory processing can have on eating disorder symptomatology in autism and may indicate important considerations for the treatment of eating disorders in Autistic people. This study aimed to explore the impact of Autistic identity (i.e. feeling like you belong to the Autistic community), sensory profiles (e.g. being over or under responsive to sensations) and camouflaging behaviours (i.e. masking) on eating disorder symptoms in Autistic adults. 180 Autistic people were recruited from the community and NHS. The Autistic people completed online questionnaires measuring Autistic identity, sensory profiles, camouflaging behaviours, autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. The analysis showed that higher levels of camouflaging behaviour predicted higher levels of eating disorder symptoms. Sensory profiles were related to but did not predict eating disorder symptoms and there was no relationship between level of Autistic identity and eating disorder symptoms. This shows that camouflaging is the most important predictor of eating disorder symptoms in Autistic people, and warrants further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory-friendly time (SFT) events modify community environments and activities to improve leisure participation for children with sensory processing differences, and are becoming increasingly popular. However, little evidence exists examining if SFT events successfully support community engagement for this population. An urban university and neighboring children's museum designed multi-sensory SFT events for the community. This study explored what types and intensities of multi-sensory activities predicted behavioral responses from children with atypical sensory processing. A Child Engagement Observation Log documented activity interaction, affect, responsivity (arousal) and emotional response of children participating in SFT activities. Poisson regression models determined if sensory properties (sensory domain and intensity) of different activities significantly predicted observable behavior. Activities with a medium sound intensity, sight intensity and level of complexity; medium intensity of sight, touch, and complexity; and medium levels of movement and complexity were significant predictors of behaviors (p<.05). Results can guide future community SFT programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the altered sensory processing in patients with migraine, in this study, we developed an electroencephalography (EEG) protocol for examining brainstem and cortical responses to sensory stimulation. Furthermore, machine learning techniques were employed to identify neural signatures from evoked brainstem–cortex activation and their interactions, facilitating the identification of the presence and subtype of migraine. Methods: This study analysed 1,000-epoch-averaged somatosensory evoked responses from 342 participants, comprising 113 healthy controls (HCs), 106 patients with chronic migraine (CM), and 123 patients with episodic migraine (EM). Activation amplitude and effective connectivity were obtained using weighted minimum norm estimates with spectral Granger causality analysis. This study used support vector machine algorithms to develop classification models; multimodal data (amplitude, connectivity, and scores of psychometric assessments) were applied to assess the reliability and generalisability of the identification results from the classification models. Results: The findings revealed that patients with migraine exhibited reduced amplitudes for responses in both the brainstem and cortical regions and increased effective connectivity between these regions in the gamma and high-gamma frequency bands. The classification model with characteristic features performed well in distinguishing patients with CM from HCs, achieving an accuracy of 81.8% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 during training and an accuracy of 76.2% and an AUC of 0.89 during independent testing. Similarly, the model effectively identified patients with EM, with an accuracy of 77.5% and an AUC of 0.84 during training and an accuracy of 87% and an AUC of 0.88 during independent testing. Additionally, the model successfully differentiated patients with CM from patients with EM, with an accuracy of 70.5% and an AUC of 0.73 during training and an accuracy of 72.7% and an AUC of 0.74 during independent testing. Conclusion: Altered brainstem-cortex activation and interaction are characteristic of the abnormal sensory processing in migraine. Combining evoked activity analysis with machine learning offers a reliable and generalisable tool for identifying patients with migraine and for assessing the severity of their condition. Thus, this approach is an effective and rapid diagnostic tool for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early detection of individuals at risk for onset of severe illness is crucial for prevention and early intervention, aiming to mitigate the long-term impact on both the individual and the community. While well-established models exist for predicting the onset and prolonged severity of illness, there is a gap in understanding illness-onset severity. This pilot study aimed to investigate premorbid objective and subjective dimensions of participation in daily life occupations, as well as sensory and cognitive functions as potential markers of the recent-onset mental illness severity. Methods: A total of 50 participants (men: N=26, 52%; women: N=24, 48%), aged 18–40 (M=26.2, SD=5.8) with recent-onset mental illness completed standard, well-established assessments of illness severity, cognitive biases and failures, neurocognitive status, participation in daily life, and sensory responsiveness thorough cross-sectional design. The differences between the groups of the illness severity were explored with descriptive statistics, followed by a Kruskal– Wallis test. Discriminant analysis was used suggesting a multi-varied model for the separation between the groups of illness severity. Results: Three groups of illness severity exhibited differences in premorbid cognitive functions (F(2)=5.8, p<.01) and participation diversity (F(2)=3.8, p<.05). Combining these two indices explained 92% of the variance between the groups (Wilks’ Λ = .68, χ2(4) = 17.7, p=.001), accurately classifying mild to marked illness severity (62.5–88.5%). Conclusions: The study contributes to revealing factors involved in the formation of more severe mental illness and suggesting possible avenues for early intervention and prevention. Cognitive biases and sensory modulation dysfunction may contribute to the illness formation. Still, the most effective markers of more severe mental illness onset are functional cognition and limited participation diversity. Since addressing these markers is a unique specialization within occupational therapy, the findings highlight the potential contribution the profession can make to the early identification of the most vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent theoretical cognitive model posits that three cognitive constructs—intolerance of uncertainty, lack of predictive processing, and dichotomous thinking—may interact with anxiety in autistic individuals. However, the interrelationships among these constructs remain unclear. We investigated this relationship in a non-clinical population using five questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient, Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, Short Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Dichotomous Thinking Inventory) and conducted a path analysis. Data were collected from 405 adults (aged 20–22 years) in Experiment 1 and 628 (aged 20–49 years) in Experiment 2. In both experiments, autistic traits were significantly associated with both anxiety and dichotomous thinking, mediated by intolerance of uncertainty. Autistic traits were linked to intolerance of uncertainty, mediated by atypical sensory processing. Furthermore, autistic traits were directly associated with anxiety. No direct association was observed between anxiety and dichotomous thinking. Our results confirm the validity of Stark's cognitive model in a non-clinical population. These findings provide new insights into anxiety and dichotomous thinking and shed light on the cognitive styles of autistic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent theoretical cognitive model posits that three cognitive constructs—intolerance of uncertainty, lack of predictive processing, and dichotomous thinking—may interact with anxiety in autistic individuals. However, the interrelationships among these constructs remain unclear. We investigated this relationship in a non-clinical population using five questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient, Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, Short Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Dichotomous Thinking Inventory) and conducted a path analysis. Data were collected from 405 adults (aged 20–22 years) in Experiment 1 and 628 (aged 20–49 years) in Experiment 2. In both experiments, autistic traits were significantly associated with both anxiety and dichotomous thinking, mediated by intolerance of uncertainty. Autistic traits were linked to intolerance of uncertainty, mediated by atypical sensory processing. Furthermore, autistic traits were directly associated with anxiety. No direct association was observed between anxiety and dichotomous thinking. Our results confirm the validity of Stark’s cognitive model in a non-clinical population. These findings provide new insights into anxiety and dichotomous thinking and shed light on the cognitive styles of autistic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) are two sensory processing scales often used by occupational therapists. The SPM2 and SP2 both claim to assess aspects of children's sensory processing. This cross‐sectional study examined the convergent validity of the SPM2‐Home Form (SPM2‐HF) and Child SP2 for school‐aged neurotypical children. Methods: Thirty parents/caregivers of neurotypical children aged 7 to 12 completed the SPM2‐HF and the Child SP2 about their child. Spearman rho's correlation coefficient with bootstrapping was used to investigate the correlations among the sensory, behavioural, and quadrant scores of the Child SP2 and SPM2‐HF subscale scores. Consumer and Community Involvement: Given the topic, consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write up of the study results. Results: Several statistically significant correlations were found between the sensory and quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 with the SPM‐HF. Strong to moderate correlations were established between the sensory subscales of the Child SP2 and the SPM2‐HF, ranging from 0.40 to 0.74 (p < 0.05). Additionally, correlations between the quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 and the subscales of the SPM2‐HF ranged from weak (0.38) to strong (0.77) correlations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results provide evidence of convergent validity between the SPM2‐HF and Child SP2 for neurotypical school‐aged children. Further research on the psychometric properties of the SPM2‐HF and Child SP2 is recommended. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) are two scales used by occupational therapists to assess aspects of children's sensory processing. This study looked at the relationship between the SPM2‐Home Form (SPM2‐HF) and Child SP2 for healthy school‐aged children. Thirty parents/caregivers of children aged 7–12 years completed the SPM2‐HF and the Child SP2 about their child. Correlations between the Child SP2 and SPM2‐HF subscale scores were examined using statistics. Consumers and community members were not involved in completing the project or writing the project results. Several statistically significant correlations, ranging from 0.38 to 0.77, were found between the Child SP2 and the SPM‐HF subscales. The Child SP2 and the SPM‐HF had several subscales that were significantly correlated with one another. These findings contribute to the knowledge about children's sensory processing assessments and will help occupational therapists when working with children and their families. Study limitations were the small sample size and recruiting volunteer participants which can influence bias. Strengths of the study include the use of standardised data collection tools and following ethical principles when conducting all phases of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is prevalent amongst people with long COVID, but is poorly understood. The sensory attenuation framework proposes that impairments in sensory processing lead to heightened perception of effort, driving fatigue. This study aims to investigate the role of somatosensory processing impairments in long COVID fatigue and quantify how sensory processing relates to other prominent symptoms of long COVID including autonomic dysfunction, mood and illness beliefs in driving the experience of fatigue. We will recruit 44 individuals with long COVID fatigue and 44 individuals with neither long COVID nor fatigue (controls). Our primary objective is to compare baseline somatosensory processing between individuals with long COVID fatigue and controls. Additionally, we will explore the associations between somatosensory processing, fatigability and the level of fatigue induced by cognitive and physical exertion. Due to the complex nature of fatigue, we will also investigate how long COVID, state fatigue, perceived effort, mood, illness beliefs, autonomic symptoms and autonomic nervous system function interact to predict trait fatigue. This comprehensive investigation aims to elucidate how sensory processing and other prominent symptoms interact to impact the experience of fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans and primates rely on visual face recognition for social interactions. Damage to specific brain areas causes prosopagnosia, a condition characterized by the inability to recognize familiar faces, indicating the presence of specialized brain areas for facial‐recognition processing. A breakthrough finding came from a non‐human primate (NHP) study conducted in the early 2000s; it was the first to identify multiple face‐processing areas in the temporal lobe, termed "face patches." Subsequent studies have demonstrated the unique role of each face patch in the structural analysis of faces. More recent studies have expanded these findings by exploring the role of face‐patch networks in social and memory functions and the importance of early face exposure in the development of the system. In this review, we discuss the neuronal mechanisms responsible for analyzing facial features, categorizing faces, and associating faces with memory and social contexts within both the cerebral cortex and subcortical areas. Use of NHPs in neuropsychological and neurophysiological studies can highlight the mechanistic aspects of the neuronal circuit underlying face recognition at both the single‐neuron and whole‐brain network levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deletions and malfunctions of the IgLON family of cell adhesion molecules are associated with anatomical, behavioral, and metabolic manifestations of neuropsychiatric disorders. We have previously shown that IgLON genes are expressed in sensory nuclei/pathways and that IgLON proteins modulate sensory processing. Here, we examined the expression of IgLON alternative promoter-specific isoforms during embryonic development and studied the sensory consequences of the anatomical changes when one of the IgLON genes, Negr1, is knocked out. At the embryonal age of E12.5 and E13.5, various IgLONs were distributed differentially and dynamically in the developing sensory areas within the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as in limbs and mammary glands. Sensory tests showed that Negr1 deficiency causes differences in vestibular function and temperature sensitivity in the knockout mice. Sex-specific differences were noted across olfaction, vestibular functioning, temperature regulation, and mechanical sensitivity. Our findings highlight the involvement of IgLON molecules during sensory circuit formation and suggest Negr1’s critical role in somatosensory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deletions and malfunctions of the IgLON family of cell adhesion molecules are associated with anatomical, behavioral, and metabolic manifestations of neuropsychiatric disorders. We have previously shown that IgLON genes are expressed in sensory nuclei/pathways and that IgLON proteins modulate sensory processing. Here, we examined the expression of IgLON alternative promoter-specific isoforms during embryonic development and studied the sensory consequences of the anatomical changes when one of the IgLON genes, Negr1, is knocked out. At the embryonal age of E12.5 and E13.5, various IgLONs were distributed differentially and dynamically in the developing sensory areas within the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as in limbs and mammary glands. Sensory tests showed that Negr1 deficiency causes differences in vestibular function and temperature sensitivity in the knockout mice. Sex-specific differences were noted across olfaction, vestibular functioning, temperature regulation, and mechanical sensitivity. Our findings highlight the involvement of IgLON molecules during sensory circuit formation and suggest Negr1’s critical role in somatosensory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: After stroke, upper limb somatosensation can be impaired which affects motor control. Vision is often used to compensate for this. A clinical assessment which assesses the combined sensorimotor function in the absence of vision would be beneficial in studies targeting sensorimotor improvement. Methods and materials: We adapted the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) to be performed without vision and called this modified version the sensorimotor ARAT (sARAT). Sixty healthy participants and 22 participants with chronic stroke performed the ARAT, sARAT, Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FM-UE) and Erasmus modified Nottingham sensory assessment (EmNSA). Discriminative validity of sARAT was evaluated by comparing performance between healthy participants and participants with chronic stroke. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating sARAT with FM-UE and EmNSA. Results: Participants with stroke performed worse on the sARAT compared to healthy participants (p < 0.001), with median scores of 52 (IQR 32-57) and 57 (IQR 57-57), respectively. The sARAT showed high correlations with FM-UE and EmNSA (r = 0.80-0.90). Conclusions: The sARAT shows good discriminative and convergent validity in people with chronic stroke. It allows a quick assessment of the combined upper limb sensorimotor function, by performing the well-known ARAT with the eyes closed. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The sensorimotor adaptation of the Action Research Arm Test (sARAT) is a clinical assessment of upper limb activity which is performed with the eyes closed. Combining the gold standard ARAT with the sensorimotor adaptation sARAT can inform about the influence of somatosensory impairments on upper limb activity in stroke survivors when vision is blocked. The sARAT shows good discriminative and convergent validity in persons with chronic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education is the property of Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Childhood maltreatment, alexithymia and impulsivity are related to bipolar disorder (BD), but the role of potential underlying mechanisms of this link, such as extreme sensory processing, in BD are unclear. This study compared sensory processing patterns between individuals with BD‐I or BD‐II and between those with and without alexithymia and childhood maltreatment. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the role of extreme sensory processing in the relationship between childhood trauma, alexithymia and impulsivity with both depression and mania in a sample of hospitalized individuals with BD (n = 300). Participants completed self‐report and clinician‐rated scales. Patients with BD‐II exceeded those with BD‐I in low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensation avoidance, whereas patients with BD‐I exhibited a more heightened sensation‐seeking pattern. Patients with BD who had alexithymia and a history of childhood maltreatment exhibited more heightened sensory processing patterns, apart from sensory seeking, compared to those without alexithymia and childhood maltreatment. Additionally, the same pattern was more pronounced in individuals with BD who had both alexithymia and childhood maltreatment compared to those with either condition or neither of these conditions. The pathways from childhood maltreatment and alexithymia to depressive symptoms were mediated by low registration and sensation avoidance. Sensory seeking indirectly affected the link between alexithymia and manic symptoms. Childhood maltreatment and challenges in effectively processing emotional information, along with their related hypo‐ and hypersensitivity, may characterize BD individuals and its manifestation of depressive and manic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit‐level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with functional neurological disorder (FND) have abnormalities in sensory processing. Loss of ticklishness has been rarely reported. Objectives: To describe associated clinical features in people with FND and loss of ticklishness and explore correlations with sensory changes. Methods: Retrospective audit of clinical letters of people diagnosed with FND in a tertiary clinic and further cases identified in a general neurology clinic. Results: Thirty‐eight patients with loss of ticklishness are described, of which most had other functional sensory symptoms and signs. It was more often localized to one limb, rather than generalized, in those with pain or weakness. Dissociation for the affected body part was often described. Conclusions: Loss of ticklishness in FND is frequently described and offers insights into mechanisms of agency, sensory processing and interoception, which are known to be altered in FND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of attention on auditory processing in autistic individuals. Electroencephalography data were recorded during two attention conditions (passive and active) from 24 autistic adults and 24 neurotypical controls, ages 17–30 years. The passive condition involved only listening to the clicks and the active condition involved a button press following single clicks in a modified paired-click paradigm. Participants completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Social Responsiveness Scale 2. The autistic group showed delayed N1 latencies and reduced evoked and phase-locked gamma power compared to neurotypical peers across both clicks and conditions. Longer N1 latencies and reduced gamma synchronization predicted greater social and sensory symptoms. Directing attention to auditory stimuli may be associated with more typical neural auditory processing in autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although psychotic disorders are characterized by an impaired ability to discriminate internal and external worlds, the role of interoceptive and exteroceptive perceptions in determining this alteration is still unclear. This observational study aimed at investigating (a) increases/decreases in interoceptive and exteroceptive perceptions in patients with psychosis (PSY) compared to healthy controls (HC); (b) the association between interoception and exteroception in HC and PSY. Two hundred and ten HC and 72 PSY completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive awareness (MAIA, 8 domains) and the Adolescent-Adult Sensory Profile (AASP, 4 domains). MAIA/AASP differences were evaluated with MANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. MAIA and AASP scores were correlated to quantify the interoceptive–exteroceptive coupling as Spearman's rho coefficients. Subgroup analyses were performed dividing PSY in schizophrenia/schizoaffective versus other psychosis. Compared to HC, PSY showed increased mean scores in four MAIA and two AASP domains (Bonferroni-p < 0.01). The interoceptive–exteroceptive coupling followed two correlation patterns in HC. A first pattern displayed negative correlations between MAIA not-worrying and AASP sensory sensitivity/sensation avoidance, while the second pattern highlighted positive correlations between MAIA scores and AASP sensation seeking. The two correlation patterns between HC and other-PSY subgroup were similar. However, schizophrenia/schizoaffective PSY did not show positive correlations in the second pattern, rather displaying negative correlations between MAIA scores and AASP domains related to passive behavioral responses. Correlation values were more extreme in PSY subgroups, indicating stronger interoceptive–exteroceptive coupling compared to HC. This study demonstrates that interoception and exteroception are atypical and excessively coupled in psychosis compared to the general population. Clinical Trials Registration: Protocol Number 20210003663 (Pavia, Ethical Committee IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luxury consumption studies have largely focused on tangible products with less attention paid to experiential services. However, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the luxury services. Taking a mental imagery perspective, this study delineates the role of sensory integration in luxury hotel experiences among Chinese with Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET). We engaged Chinese informants in a multi-sensory exploration of their experiences, soliciting abundant verbal and non-verbal data, and analyzed how experiences emerge from their multisensory processing of hotel offerings. Findings conceptualize experiential luxury consumption from a multisensory perspective and recommend how luxury hotels should better leverage their market potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Acute low back pain has a high prevalence, and when persisting into chronicity, it results in enormous socio-economic consequences. Sensory preferences may be key factors in predicting central sensitization as the main mechanism of nociplastic pain and chronicity. Objectives: Build a model to predict central sensitization symptoms using sensory profiles based on the PROGRESS framework. Methods: A Prognostic Model Research study was carried out to predict central sensitization symptoms at 12 weeks, using baseline sensory profiles, based on 114 patients with acute low back pain. Independent variables were sensory profiles, state and trait anxiety, age, duration, pain severity, depressive symptoms, and pain catastrophizing. Results: This model, based on continuous data, significantly predicts central sensitization symptoms at 12 weeks. It contains two significantly contributing variables: sensory profile Sensory Sensitive (unstandardized B-value = 0.42; p = 0.01) and trait anxiety (unstandardized B-value = 0.53; p ≤ 0.001). The model has a predictive value of R2 = 0.38. Conclusions: This model significantly predicts central sensitization symptoms based on sensory profile Sensory Sensitive and trait anxiety. This model may be a useful tool to intervene in a bottom–up and top–down approaches to prevent chronicity in clinical practice, including individual sensory preferences and behavioral responses to sensory stimulation in rehabilitation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Sensory processing sensitivity is a neurobiological trait that is related to many areas of life. The purpose of this study was to translate the original Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire to Persian and access the psychometric properties of the translated questionnaire in adults aged 18–45 years old. Methods: The questionnaire was translated using the International Quality of Life Assessment project's protocol. Face and content validity were checked by consulting 15 occupational therapists. The study included 142 participants aged 18–45 years with a mean age of 25.11 ± 7.825 years, without any disabilities. They were selected using non-probability sampling and were from all areas of Tehran. The participants completed Persian versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination, General Health Questionnaire-12, and Highly Sensitive Person Scale, as well as the translated Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire. They also completed the Goldberg Depression Scale, Beck's Anxiety Inventory and the neuroticism sub-scale of the Big Five Inventory. Convergent validity was investigated using the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to ensure reliability, and internal consistency analysis was used. Results: The quality of the translation was good. All items of the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire maintained a high item impact score index, with values higher than 1.5, a content validity ratio higher than 0.60, and a content validity index higher than 0.80. A significant positive correlation (r=0.443, P<0.01) was found between the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire scores and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. The Persian translation of the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire showed optimal internal consistency (α=0.826) based on Cronbach's alpha. The questionnaire demonstrated good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.863). A significant positive correlation exists between sensory processing sensitivity and anxiety (r=0.188, P<0.05) and neuroticism (r=0.186, P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between sensory processing sensitivity and depression despite their direct relationship (r=0.138, P>0.05). In the control condition, similar results were observed. A significant and positive correlation was found between sensory processing sensitivity and neuroticism in both the depression control (r=0.289, P<0.05) and the anxiety control state (r=0.265, P<0.01). Furthermore, a significant and positive relationship was found between sensory processing sensitivity and anxiety in the control of neuroticism (r=0.305, P<0.01). However, no significant relationship was observed between sensory processing sensitivity and depression in the states of anxiety and neuroticism control (0.1000.05). The results of data analysis revealed that women (P=0.002) and employed people (P=0.059) had higher sensory processing sensitivity. Conclusions: The Persian version of the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability in Persian-speaking adults aged 18-45 years old. Implications for practice: The Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire represents a convenient research tool for measuring sensory processing sensitivity because of its simple scoring system, it is quick to complete and it can be used in different situations, by rehabilitation service providers, especially occupational therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous activity refers to the firing of action potentials by neurons in the absence of external stimulation. Initially considered an artifact or "noise" in the nervous system, it is now recognized as a potential feature of neural function. Spontaneous activity has been observed in various brain areas, in experimental preparations from different animal species, and in live animals and humans using non-invasive imaging techniques. In this review, we specifically focus on the spontaneous activity of dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord. We use a historical perspective to set the basis for a novel classification of the different patterns of spontaneous activity exhibited by dorsal horn neurons. Then we examine the origins of this activity and propose a model circuit to explain how the activity is generated and transmitted to the dorsal horn. Finally, we discuss possible roles of this activity during development and during signal processing under physiological conditions and pain states. By analyzing recent studies on the spontaneous activity of dorsal horn neurons, we aim to shed light on its significance in sensory processing. Understanding the different patterns of activity, the origins of this activity, and the potential roles it may play, will contribute to our knowledge of sensory mechanisms, including pain, to facilitate the modeling of spinal circuits and hopefully to explore novel strategies for pain treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma during pregnancy is associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes. It is also linked to increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions in the offspring. We aimed to assess whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy improves child developmental and behavioural outcomes compared to usual care. The Breathing for Life Trial was a randomised controlled trial that compared FENO-based asthma management during pregnancy to usual care. Participants were invited to the developmental follow-up, the Breathing for Life Trial – Infant Development study, which followed up infants at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. The primary outcomes were measured in infants at 12 months using the Bayley-III: Cognitive, Language and Motor composite scores. Secondary outcomes included Bayley-III social-emotional and adaptive behaviour scores, autism likelihood and sensory and temperament outcomes. The exposure of interest was the randomised intervention group. Two hundred and twenty-two infants and their 217 participating mothers were recruited to the follow-up; 107 mothers were in the intervention group and 113 were in the control group. There was no evidence of an intervention effect for the primary outcomes: Bayley-III cognitive (mean = 108.9 control, 108.5 intervention, p = 0.93), language (mean = 95.9 control, 95.6 intervention, p = 0.87) and motor composite scores (mean = 97.2 control, 97.9 intervention, p = 0.25). Mean scores for secondary outcomes were also similar among infants born to control and FENO group mothers, with few results reaching p < 0.05. Conclusion: In this sample, FENO-guided asthma treatment during pregnancy did not improve infant developmental outcomes in the first year of life. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ACTRN12613000202763. What is Known: • Maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions in offspring, including intellectual disability and autism. What is New: • This is the first study to examine how managing asthma during pregnancy via a FENO-guided algorithm or usual care affects infant developmental and behavioural outcomes. While the results of the study showed no impact of the intervention, and therefore do not support the integration of FENO-based management of asthma in antenatal settings for optimal infant development, they do send a positive message about the implications of active asthma management during pregnancy on infant developmental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences / İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Gelisim Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Yuksekokulu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Previous research indicates that children with Paediatric Acute‐onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) experience sensory reactivity differences that impact occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in sensory reactivity in these children across two different time points; during exacerbation and during remission, using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home‐Form. The study also sought to investigate whether children with PANS experience sensory differences during remission periods, when compared with SPM Home‐Form norms. Methods: A two‐period bidirectional case‐crossover design was used, and an online assessment was conducted to measure sensory reactivity. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1 years with a diagnosis of PANS were recruited from various sites across Australia, USA, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand. The SPM Home‐Form was used to measure sensory reactivity at two time points, when PANS was in remission (T‐R) and in exacerbation (T‐E). Study entry was permitted at either T‐E or T‐R. Participant exacerbation status was monitored over a maximum 12‐month period, and a follow‐up SPM Home‐Form was sent when a change in exacerbation status was indicated. A linear mixed model was used to assess the difference between SPM Home‐Form norm‐referenced scores during exacerbation and remission. Results: The study included 82 participants, with 80 providing data at study entry, and 27 providing data at follow‐up. Results showed a statistically significant decline in performance across the SPM Home‐Form domains of Hearing, Social Participation, Planning and Ideas, and Total Sensory Systems T‐scores during exacerbation when compared with remission data. Results also demonstrated atypical sensory reactivity across Vision, Hearing, Touch, Balance and Motion, and Total Sensory Systems domains during periods of remission compared with SPM Home‐Form norms. Conclusion: This study found that children with PANS experience significant sensory reactivity differences during exacerbation and remission across multiple sensory domains, with a decline in performance during exacerbation. Where there are occupational performance challenges, occupational therapists should consider administering sensory assessments so that effective intervention plans addressing the unique sensory reactivity needs of children with PANS can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness and the relationship between these constructs among autistic and neurotypical adults. Participants included 24 autistic adults (17–30 years) and 24 neurotypical peers who completed the Test of Everyday Attention, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2. Autistic individuals showed greater attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness challenges compared to neurotypical peers. Using mediation models, we showed that the relationship between attention and social responsiveness was mediated by sensory processing, specifically the low registration and sensation-seeking AASP quadrants. The relationship between attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness suggests that adults with greater attention issues may have greater sensory and social challenges. Specifically, having poor attention may lead to poor sensory processing skills which compound poor social responsiveness. Understanding the relationships between these domains is critical for developing effective interventions and support for autistic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is an increasingly recognized challenge among children with neurodevelopmental concerns (NDC). To investigate, we characterized the incidence of auditory and tactile over-responsivity (AOR, TOR) among 82 children with NDC. We found that 70% of caregivers reported concern for their child's sensory reactions. Direct assessment further revealed that 54% of the NDC population expressed AOR, TOR, or both – which persisted regardless of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. These findings support the high prevalence of SOR as well as its lack of specificity to ASD. Additionally, AOR is revealed to be over twice as prevalent as TOR. These conclusions present several avenues for further exploration, including deeper analysis of the neural mechanisms and genetic contributors to sensory processing challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide an overview and critique of the newly updated Sensory Processing Measure – second edition (SPM-2) to assist clinicians in understanding its strengths and limitations and in selecting an appropriate sensory processing scale that best meets their clients' needs. Using four established research methodological quality critique tools, the SPM-2's family of age-related versions was evaluated by administering the tools separately and discussed their scoring and findings to reach a consensus on all ratings. The tools identified several strengths and weaknesses of the SPM-2. The SPM-2's items on its age-related versions scored well in the criteria of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, explanation of the instrument design, construct validity, content validity, criterion validity and ease of administration, and scoring. However, a lack of normative data for participant groups outside of the United States, methodological limitations, and a lack of investigation into some important psychometric properties, particularly responsiveness, were identified as notable weaknesses of the SPM-2's items on its age-related versions based on the critique criteria. Overall, despite the areas needing further development and investigation, the SPM-2 is considered a psychometrically sound tool that provides a reliable and valid approach to measuring aspects of the sensory processing construct across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore sensory processing abilities in kindergarten children based on parents' perceptions of their children's sensory functioning. Employing a non-probability sampling technique, parents of 957 typical kindergarteners (52% males, 48% females) aged between four and six years in Amman-Jordan were surveyed via Arabic-Short Sensory Profile (A-SSP). Results showed that 37% and 24% of children exhibited definite difference and probable difference, respectively. These proportions indicate the importance of including sensory processing as a variable in studies that target children typical development, and to support the development of sensory processing among Jordanian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study sought to determine the feasibility of quantifying sensory processing, postural control, motor skill development and participation in daily life in children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) compared to children without ITW. A nonrandomized, prospective case-control design was employed. Twenty participants were recruited. Computerized weight bearing and postural control data was successfully collected. Differences were found in forefoot/rearfoot weight bearing, balance, sensory-motor abilities and parent reported participation challenges. Sensory processing results were inconclusive. Findings can inform standardized assessment and treatment of ITW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rising prevalence of mental and psychological issues among immigrants has garnered increased attention due to the significant growth in immigrant populations in recent years. In this context, exploring the connection between psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing in Iranian immigrants in Canada is becoming an essential research goal. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing among Iranian immigrants in Canada. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, gathering data from 400 Iranian students (198 males and 202 females) enrolled at universities in Canada and Iran. We collected participants' demographic details and assessed their psychological health, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and sensory processing through standardized instruments. Psychological health was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, cognitive flexibility was measured with the Dennis and Vander Wall Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire, and sensory processing was appraised via the adolescent/adult sensory profile. The Carver and White behavioral inhibition system (BIS)/behavioral activation system (BAS) scales were utilized to measure brain-behavioral systems. Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis and multivariate regression, were conducted to investigate the relationships among these variables. Results: The correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between anxiety and low registration (r = 0.283, P < 0.001), sensory sensitivity (r = 0.442, P < 0.001), and sensory avoiding (r = 0.307, P < 0.001) in immigrant students. Anxiety also showed nonsignificant negative correlations with the behavioral activation system-drive (r = -0.042, P = 0.551) and behavioral activation system-reward responsiveness (r = -0.090, P = 0.203). The multivariate regression analysis found that low registration (B = 0.177, P = 0.036), sensory sensitivity (B = 0.336, P < 0.001), and cognitive flexibility (B = 0.119, P = 0.025) significantly predicted anxiety levels in immigrant students. An adjusted R-squared value of 0.191 indicated that these variables together explained 19.1% of the variance in anxiety levels. Conclusions: This study underscores the significant links between sensory processing patterns, cognitive flexibility, brain-behavioral systems, and anxiety among Iranian immigrant students. These findings highlight the need for interventions focusing on teaching cognitive skills strategies and increasing awareness of sensory needs to help reduce anxiety levels in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite significant advancements in the care of premature infants, it must be acknowledged that premature infants, especially low birth weight infants, are prone to problems such as sensory, cognitive, neuro-motor, visual, and hearing problems. Their objective future difficulties are behavioral abnormalities, socio-emotional difficulties, and impaired school performance. Methods: This research aimed to predict behavioral problems based on attachment styles and sensory processing in children with a history of prematurity at birth. The research method was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all 5 to 12-year-old children in Tehran in the year 2022; among them, 154 children aged 5 to 12 years old with a history of prematurity at birth were selected by the convenience sampling methods. Data were collected using the Sensory profile2-child, Kinship Center Attachment Questionnaire, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results: The findings demonstrated a significant negative correlation between adaptive development and children's behavioral problems (r=-0.65, p<0.05). Moreover, a significant positive relationship was found between attachment styles and emotional reactivity (r=0.64, p<0.05), negative behaviors, and avoidance of attachment figure support (r=0.67, p<0.05), as well as sensory processing and behavioral problems in children with a history of prematurity at birth (r=0.67, p<0.05). Additionally, motor processing (β=0.22, p<0.05), emotional reaction (β=0.17, p<0.05), and avoidance of attachment figure support (β=0.17, p<0.29) were capable of predicting behavioral problems in children with a history of prematurity at birth. Conclusion: It was concluded that as the levels of attachment styles, emotional reactions, negative behaviors, and avoidance of attachment increase in children with a history of prematurity, their behavioral problems increase as well. Conversely, increased positive adaptive development is associated with decreased behavioral problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sensory processing issues are frequent in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with very variable prevalence rates ranging from 20% to 95%. This study aimed to investigate sensory processing in preschool-aged children with NDDs, to clarify the epidemiology, and to identify associated or correlated clinical and psychometric variables. Methods: A total of 141 NDD children (age range 2–5 years old) were included and enrolled in two subgroups: 72 with ASD and 69 with other NDDs. A standardized neuropsychological evaluation was assessed (Griffiths III/WPPSI-III/Leiter-R, ADOS-2) and the parents completed the CBCL ½–5, the SPM-P, and the ADI-R. Results: Atypical sensory processing was reported in 39.7% of the total sample, more frequently in ASD (44.4%) than in other NDDs (34.8%). No statistically significant differences were found regarding gender and developmental level. A positive correlation was found between sensory processing abnormalities and behavioral problems (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Compared to other NDDs, ASDs more frequently have atypical sensory processing and appear to present a specific vulnerability in the processing of proprioceptive and vestibular inputs. Our results suggest that sensory processing difficulties should be considered regardless of developmental level and in children with behavioral problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disorders in sensory processing can cause problems in intellectual, emotional, motor, and social development, manifesting as behavioral and learning difficulties. Researchers have identified many possible causes, such as genetic, environmental, and perinatal factors. Detecting and identifying disturbances in the development of sensory processing and initiating early therapy is crucial for growth and preventing the development of secondary problems. In spontaneous labor, the first contact between mother and child is timely, which is crucial for establishing mother-child coordination and the child's psychological development. However, in Cesarean section, the first contact time is delayed. Tactile processing plays a critical role in early physical and social development. This study aims to explore the impact of the mode of delivery on the occurrence of tactile sensitivity in preschool children through a retrospective cohort study and provide a scientific basis for primary prevention and early intervention of the disease. Our analysis of the Short Sensory Profile data revealed that tactile sensitivity exhibited the greatest deficit among the seven assessed areas, and children born by C-section showed a statistically significant higher tactile sensitivity compared to children born by normal vaginal delivery. This difference was greater than the observed differences in taste/smell sensitivity and visual sensitivity. The study concluded that tactile sensitivity is more common in infants delivered by Cesarean section than in infants born by normal vaginal delivery. Early diagnosis and possible therapy for improvement, especially in children born by Cesarean sections, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the nature, prevalence, and developmental profiles of sensory processing disorders among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants comprised 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children and their parents. The Child Sensory Profile-2 was used to assess the children's sensory processing characteristics. The children with ASD exhibited elevated sensory processing difficulties. Deficits were observed in all the sensory modalities among the children with ASD, except the visual processing modality. Age-related improvements were observed in most sensory processing domains, although non-significant differences were noted in three domains. These findings should enhance understanding of the sensory challenges faced by children with ASD and contribute to the development of individually tailored, targeted, and age-specific therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunctions in sensory processing are widely described in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although little is known about the developmental course and the impact of these difficulties on the learning processes during the preschool and school ages of ASD children. Specifically, as regards the interplay between visual and haptic information in ASD during developmental age, knowledge is very scarce and controversial. In this study, we investigated unimodal (visual and haptic) and cross-modal (visuo-haptic) processing skills aimed at object recognition through a behavioural paradigm already used in children with typical development (TD), with cerebral palsy and with peripheral visual impairments. Thirty-five children with ASD (age range: 5–11 years) and thirty-five age-matched and gender-matched typically developing peers were recruited. The procedure required participants to perform an object-recognition task relying on only the visual modality (black-and-white photographs), only the haptic modality (manipulation of real objects) and visuo-haptic transfer of these two types of information. Results are consistent with the idea that visuo-haptic transfer may be significantly worse in ASD children than in TD peers, leading to significant impairment in multisensory interactions for object recognition facilitation. Furthermore, ASD children tended to show a specific deficit in haptic information processing, while a similar trend of maturation of visual modality between the two groups is reported. This study adds to the current literature by suggesting that ASD differences in multisensory processes also regard visuo-haptic abilities necessary to identify and recognise objects of daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although aversive responses to sensory stimuli are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it remains unknown whether the social relevance of aversive sensory inputs affects their processing. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate neural responses to mildly aversive nonsocial and social sensory stimuli as well as how sensory over‐responsivity (SOR) severity relates to these responses. Participants included 21 ASD and 25 typically‐developing (TD) youth, aged 8.6–18.0 years. Results showed that TD youth exhibited significant neural discrimination of socially relevant versus irrelevant aversive sensory stimuli, particularly in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), regions that are crucial for sensory and social processing. In contrast, ASD youth showed reduced neural discrimination of social versus nonsocial stimuli in the amygdala and OFC, as well as overall greater neural responses to nonsocial compared with social stimuli. Moreover, higher SOR in ASD was associated with heightened responses in sensory‐motor regions to socially‐relevant stimuli. These findings further our understanding of the relationship between sensory and social processing in ASD, suggesting limited attention to the social relevance compared with aversiveness level of sensory input in ASD versus TD youth, particularly in ASD youth with higher SOR. Lay Summary: In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain responses to aversive sensory stimuli with and without social relevance in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically‐developing (TD) youth. TD youth showed greater neural responses to social compared with nonsocial sensory inputs, whereas the opposite was true in ASD youth. Results suggest that compared with TD youth, ASD youth (particularly those with more severe sensory over‐responsivity symptoms) attend more to the level of aversiveness rather than to the social relevance of sensory input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents rely on their whiskers as vital sensory tools for tactile perception, enabling them to distinguish textures and shapes. Ensuring the reliability and constancy of tactile perception under varying stimulus conditions remains a fascinating and fundamental inquiry. This study explores the impact of stimulus configurations, including whisker movement velocity and object spatial proximity, on texture discrimination and stability in rats. To address this issue, we employed three distinct approaches for our investigation. Stimulus configurations notably affected tactile inputs, altering whisker vibration's kinetic and kinematic aspects with consistent effects across various textures. Through a texture discrimination task, rats exhibited consistent discrimination performance irrespective of changes in stimulus configuration. However, alterations in stimulus configuration significantly affected the rats' ability to maintain stability in texture perception. Additionally, we investigated the influence of stimulus configurations on cortical neuronal responses by manipulating them experimentally. Notably, cortical neurons demonstrated substantial and intricate changes in firing rates without compromising the ability to discriminate between textures. Nevertheless, these changes resulted in a reduction in texture neuronal response stability. Stimulating multiple whiskers led to improved neuronal texture discrimination and maintained coding stability. These findings emphasize the importance of considering numerous factors and their interactions when studying the impact of stimulus configuration on neuronal responses and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of INES Journal: The Journal of International Education Science / Uluslararası Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of INES Journal: The Journal of International Education Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Sensory processing (SP) indicates the ability of the nervous system to receive, analyze, process, and respond to external sensory input and coordinates motor movements accordingly. Children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder, have SP issues. However, studies regarding SP issues in attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to typically developing children are relatively less. Aims and Objectives: To study the SP pattern of children with ADHD, to compare with the control group, and to study the correlation of symptom severity with SP deficit in children with ADHD. Materials and Methods: All children attending the child guidance clinic at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital were screened, and children with ADHD without any other comorbid disorder as diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 were selected. Their ADHD symptom severity was assessed using the ADHD test, and SP was assessed using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Results: The SSP mean score of the children with ADHD was significantly different than the mean score of the control group, and the percentage of children having a definite difference in SP was significantly different in the ADHD children group compared to the control group. The severity of the SP deficit also correlates with the severity of ADHD symptoms, as found by the correlation study. Conclusion: Children with ADHD have shown a definite difference in SP compared to controls, and the severity of the sensory problem is proportionate to the severity of the symptoms of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, with a tendency for co-occurrence. Some studies indicate a connection between atypical sensory processing and executive function. This study aims to explore the distinctive etiology of executive function deficits in children with ASD+ADHD by investigating the relationship between sensory processing and executive function, comparing children with ASD, ASD+ADHD, ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). Method: Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2) were measured in 120 school-aged children. The results of the above scales were compared across these four groups, and correlation and regression analyses between BRIEF2 and SP2 were conducted. Results: Our research revealed varying levels of atypical sensory processing and executive function anomalies across the three neurodevelopmental disorder groups compared to the TD group. The ASD+ADHD group showed particularly significant differences. The heightened emotional problems observed in ASD+ADHD children may be associated with more prominent atypical sensory processing. Variance analysis of inhibitory function revealed differences between ASD+ADHD and ADHD children, suggesting distinct etiological mechanisms for attention issues between ASD+ADHD and ADHD. Conclusions: ASD+ADHD represents a phenotype distinct from both ASD and ADHD. Special consideration should be given to interventions for children with ASD+ADHD. The results of this study may offer a new perspective on understanding the occurrence of ASD+ADHD and potential individualized intervention methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impact of a sensory processing assessment, recommendations and feedback process on the functioning at school and after-hours environments of children who had been traumatised by abuse. A mixed methods design (Schoonenboom & Johnson, 2017) was utilized incorporating pre (12 months prior) and post (four to eight months after the report) repeated child focused measure, alongside thematic analysis of participants qualitative survey feedback. The methodology included two stages: firstly, an occupational therapy assessment of young people referred by Own Organisation clinicians for a sensory processing assessment and secondly, an evaluation was conducted of the impact of occupational therapy on the young person's behaviour and their carers. The study found significant improvement in family life and relationships as well as a reduction in impairment as evidenced by decreases in HoNOSCA scores across problems with family life and relationships, non-accidental self-injury, problems with emotional and related symptoms, poor school attendance and on the social subscale. These findings were supported by clinician participant reports. A sensory processing assessment provided young people, their carers and teachers with information which contributed to environmental adaptations. These environmental adaptations were associated with improved functioning and behaviour of young people impacted by child abuse. It is recommended future research attempt to replicate and extend our understanding of how sensory processing assessments and interventions can increase children's wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Divorce is not only an event but also a process that has short-term and long-term effects on children. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare executive functions, sensory processing and theory of mind in children from divorced families and ordinary children. Method: This is causal-comparative research. The statistical population included 180 male and female students between 9 and 12 years old in Districts 5 and 18 of Tehran in the academic year 2021-2022 selected by convenience sampling method and divided in two groups of children from divorced families and ordinary children (n=90 in each group). For data collection, Executive Function System (D-KEFS) (Delis, Kaplan, & Kramer, 2001), Sensory Profile (Dunn, 1999) and Theory of Mind (Hutchins et al., 2012) were used. The research data was analyzed by independent t-test and SPSS 24. Results: The results showed a significant difference in working memory (t=6.08, P<0.05), mental flexibility (t=5.12, P<0.05), inhibitory control (t=7.16, P<0.05), sensory register (t=6.72, P<0.05), sensation-seeking (t=4.65, P<0.05) and sensory sensitivity (t=7.36, P<0.05), and theory of mind levels including level 1 (t=7.12, P<0.05), level 2 (t=7.14, P<0.05), and level 3 (t=9.32, P<0.05). The mean of ordinary children was higher than that of children from divorced families, but no significant difference was observed in the mean of sensory avoiding in both groups (P˃0.05). Conclusion: The status of executive functions, sensory processing and theory of mind in normal children was better than that of children from divorced families. Therefore, the use of educational programs to strengthen cognitive dimensions of the mind of children from divorced families with emphasis on executive functions, sensory processing and theory of mind can be effective on improving their cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant attention is a cognitive function that underlines sensory–motor integration processes at the interface between the baby and the surrounding physical and socio-relational environment, mainly with the caregivers. The investigation of the role of non-visual inputs (i.e., vocal and tactile) provided by the caregivers in shaping infants' attention in the context of visual impairment is relevant from both a theoretical and clinical point of view. This study investigated the social attention (i.e., gaze orientation) skills in a group of visually impaired (VI) and age-matched sighted controls (SCs) between 9 and 12 months of age. Moreover, the role of VI severity and maternal vocalizations and touch in shaping the social attention were investigated. Overall, 45 infants and their mothers participated in a video-recorded 4 min interaction procedure, including a play and a still-face episode. The infants' gaze orientation (i.e., mother-directed, object-directed, or unfocused) and the types of maternal vocalizations and touch (i.e., socio-cognitive, affective) were micro-analytically coded. Maternal vocalizations and touch were found to influence gaze orientation differently in VI infants compared SCs. Moreover, the group comparisons during the play episode showed that controls were predominantly oriented to the mothers, while VI infants were less socially oriented. Visual impairment severity did not emerge as linked with social attention. These findings contribute to our understanding of socio-cognitive developmental trajectories in VI infants and highlight the need for tailored interventions to promote optimal outcomes for VI populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sensory processing refers to receiving, organizing, and interpreting sensory stimuli from the sensory system. Unlike other neurodevelopmental disorders, knowledge about the sensory processing abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is lacking. Objective: To study the difference in sensory processing abilities of children with cerebral palsy in comparison to age matched typically developing children (TDC). Methods and Material: A cross-sectional analysis of sensory processing abilities of children with CP and TDC was performed from July 2018 through February 2020. The child sensory profile2 (CSP2) caregiver questionnaire was used to detect sensory processing differences (SPD) across nine sensory domains and four sensory processing patterns. A comparison was made between the two study groups as well as between the CP subtypes. Result: Around 226 children with CP and 58 TDC were screened. Finally, 150 children with CP and 50 TDC were enrolled. Probable SPD (>1SD) was observed in (121/150) 80.7% of children with CP compared to (13/50) 26% in TDC (p < 0.001). Definite SPD (>2SD) was seen in 40.7% (61/150) of children with CP vs. none in TDC (p < 0.001). The body position domain which tests the vestibular and proprioceptive processing was primarily affected in CP. Most children with CP fell under the "bystander" pattern suggesting poor registration of sensory stimuli. No significant difference in the pattern of sensory processing was observed between the CP subtypes. Prevalence of definite SPD positively correlated with the gross motor functional classification system level. Conclusion: Sensory processing abilities of children with CP differ significantly from TDC. Proprioceptive and vestibular sensory processing is primarily affected in CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the research gap concerning whether the use of fidget toys or fidget spinners specifically are perceived to support children and positively influence their behavioural and emotional wellbeing as well as investigating how these perceptions relate to children's sensory-seeking profiles. 129 parents/carers of autistic children (n = 53) and neurotypical (NT) children (n = 76) completed an online survey. The survey consisted of questions relating to the benefits and risks of fidget toys as well as statements about their own child's fidget toy use. The Sensory Profile 2 was used to obtain parents perspectives on their child's sensory behaviours. The main findings demonstrated that parents of autistic children perceived fidget toys and fidget spinners to be overall more beneficial than NT parents, especially in relation to reducing anxiety. Higher sensory-seeking scores for both autistic children and NT children were associated with greater parental agreement for fidget toys and fidget spinners being beneficial. Parents of autistic children with higher sensory seeking scores found fidget toys to reduce anxiety and spinners to be less distracting. Whereas, parents of NT children with higher sensory seeking scores perceived both fidget toys and spinners to help their child concentrate. Implications include that educators should consider parental views when forming policies about the use of fidget toys. Findings also imply that the sensory profiles of autistic and NT students should be considered in relation to the use of fidget toys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]