Sensory Processing in Young Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Aims: To examine and compare sensory processing in children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to children designated as “at risk” for neurodevelopmental disorders and FASD, associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Method: A retrospective chart review methodology was applied to examine sensory processing in a clinic referred sample of 90 children under the age of 3 with PAE of which 28 children were diagnosed with FASD and 62 were in the “at risk” category. Results: Young children with FASD rated significantly lower on the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile in auditory processing and low registration and more often in the probable difference range in sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding. Some children in both groups demonstrated definite differences in low threshold scores. Conclusions: Sensory processing differences in young children with FASD are supported when compared to children with PAE who are “at risk” for future diagnoses. Occupational therapists should consider sensory processing when assessing and providing early intervention services to this population.

Keywords:

• early intervention
• fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• occupational therapy
• prenatal alcohol exposure
• sensory processing

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the families that support and care for children with FASD/PAE; Shelley Proven and Dr. Ana Hanlon-Dearman for initial review; Jenny Soriano Vernon for final review; Ian Proven for assistance with the data base; occupational therapy students, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba; the Manitoba FASD Centre; the Occupational Therapy Department, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg; and the Biostatistical Consulting Unit, University of Manitoba.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brenda Fjeldsted

Brenda Fjeldsted, BOT, OT Reg (MB) is an Occupational Therapist at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, MB and was formerly the Clinical Resource Occupational Therapist with the Manitoba FASD Centre program.

Lin Xue

Lin Xue, MSc, BA is a PhD candidate in Statistics at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.