Cited by 119Occupational Therapy Practice and ResearchCerebral Palsy and Movement DisordersChildren's Physical and Motor Development

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 268 of the 268 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The State of the Science on Sensory Factors and Their Impact on Daily Life for Children: A Scoping Review

Dunn, Winnie, Little, Lauren, Dean, Evan, Robertson, Sara, Evans, Benjamin·2016·OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

DOI 10.1177/1539449215617923

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify and synthesize research about how sensory factors affect daily life of children. We designed a conceptual model to guide a scoping review of research published from 2005 to October 2014 (10 years). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO and included studies about sensory perception/processing; children, adolescents/young adults; and participation. We excluded studies about animals, adults, and review articles. Our process resulted in 261 articles meeting criteria. Research shows that children with conditions process sensory input differently than peers. Neuroscience evidence supports the relationship between sensory-related behaviors and brain activity. Studies suggest that sensory processing is linked to social participation, cognition, temperament, and participation. Intervention research illustrates the importance of contextually relevant practices. Future work can examine the developmental course of sensory processing aspects of behavior across the general population and focus on interventions that support children’s sensory processing as they participate in their daily lives.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/1539449215617923

Cites

268 of 268 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
American Psychiatric Association (2013) · doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 · Cited by 116,369
Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework
Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005) · International Journal of Social Research Methodology · doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616 · Cited by 36,742
Scoping studies: advancing the methodology
Levac, D., Colquhoun, H., & O'Brien, K. K. (2010) · Implementation Science · doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-69 · Cited by 15,268
Sensory Processing in Children With and Without Autism: A Comparative Study Using the Short Sensory Profile
Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2007) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.61.2.190 · Cited by 1,534 · cited 3×
“x van Jaarsveld, A. (2014). Patterns of sensory integration dysfunction in children from South Africa.”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citation
Describing the Sensory Abnormalities of Children and Adults with Autism
Leekam, S. R., Nieto, C., Libby, S. J., Wing, L., & Gould, J. (2007) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0218-7 · Cited by 1,140 · cited 1×
“We followed Levac et al.’s (2010) recommendations that built upon Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) structure for scoping reviews and used a five-step process.”
Method
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
Tóth-Czifra, E. (2017) · doi:10.14293/s2199-1006.1.sor-med.clwxpbd.v1 · Cited by 929
Sensory Processing Subtypes in Autism: Association with Adaptive Behavior
Lane, A. E., Young, R. L., Baker, A. E. Z., & Angley, M. T. (2010) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-009-0840-2 · Cited by 543
The Relationship between Sensory Sensitivity and Autistic Traits in the General Population
Robertson, A., & Simmons, D. R. (2012) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-012-1608-7 · Cited by 532
Sensory processing and classroom emotional, behavioral, and educational outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder
Ashburner, J., Ziviani, J., & Rodger, S. (2008) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.62.5.564 · Cited by 515
The pattern of sensory processing abnormalities in autism
Kern, J. K., Trivedi, M. H., Garver, C. R., Grannemann, B. D., Andrews, A. A., Savla, J. S., Johnson, D. G., Mehta, J. A., & Schroeder, J. L. (2006) · Autism · doi:10.1177/1362361306066564 · Cited by 515

Show all 268 references

Research works printed but not linked: 23

Ayres A. J., 1989, Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests
Benson J. D., 2006, Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice, 4
Boliek C., 2010, Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 34, 124
Brockevelt B. L., 2013, South Dakota Medicine, 66, 459
Buitendag K., 2010, South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 40, 16
Dunbar S. B., 2012, Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice, 10
Dunn W., 1999, The Sensory Profile manual
Dunn W., 2014, The Sensory Profile 2 manual
Dunstan E., 2008, New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 5
Ghanizadeh A., 2009, Psychiatry, 6, 40
Ghanizadeh A., 2011, Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8, 25
Jung K.-E., 2006, PsychNology Journal, 4, 145
Karimi H., 2010, Iranian Journal of Child Neurology, 4, 39
Lawson L. M., 2008, Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, 16, 1
Li K.-H., 2012, The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 11, 451
Lin C.-L., 2012, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 8, 475
Mattard-Labrecque C., 2013, Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Journal de l’Académie canadienne de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent, 22, 139
McIntosh D. N., 1999, The sensory profile: Examiner’s manual, 59
Parham L. D., 2007, Sensory Processing Measure (SPM): Manual
Provost B., 2009, New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 9
Stein L. I., 2013, Pediatric Dentistry, 35, 230
van der Linde J., 2013, South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43, 34
van Jaarsveld A, 2014, South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 44, 2

Sorted by citations

Update of a Meta-analysis of Sensory Symptoms in ASD: A New Decade of Research
Ben-Sasson, A., Gal, E., Fluss, R., Katz-Zetler, N., & Cermak, S. A. (2019) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04180-0 · Cited by 263
Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population
Little, L. M., Dean, E. E., Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2016) · Child Care Health and Development · doi:10.1111/cch.12391 · Cited by 131
Self-citation
Exploring the Sensory Profiles of Children on the Autism Spectrum Using the Short Sensory Profile-2 (SSP-2)
Simpson, K., Adams, D., Alston‐Knox, C., Heussler, H., & Keen, D. (2019) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-019-03889-2 · Cited by 103
Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Participation in Daily Occupations for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Studies That Used Dunn’s Sensory Processing Framework
Ismael, N., Lawson, L. M., & Hartwell, J. (2018) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.024075 · Cited by 102
The Relationship between Dental Fear and Anxiety, General Anxiety/Fear, Sensory Over-Responsivity, and Oral Health Behaviors and Outcomes: A Conceptual Model
Duker, L. I. S., Grager, M., Giffin, W., Hikita, N. H., & Polido, J. C. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19042380 · Cited by 99
Sensory Processing in the General Population: Adaptability, Resiliency, and Challenging Behavior
Dean, E. E., Little, L. M., Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2017) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.019919 · Cited by 76
Self-citation
Implications of Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences Associated With Autism in Academic Settings: An Integrative Review
Mallory, C. L., & Keehn, B. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.695825 · Cited by 109
Autistic traits, emotion regulation, and sensory sensitivities in children and adults with Misophonia
Rinaldi, L. J., Simner, J., Koursarou, S., & Ward, J. (2022) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-022-05623-x · Cited by 82
“Nonetheless, clues to whether we might expect a link with autism also come from the neurological basis 1 3 early in development (Ben-Sasson et al., 2010) and have a significant negative impact on children’s lives (e.g., in eating, playing, family interactions; Dunn et al., 2016).”
Background
Exploring sensory phenotypes in autism spectrum disorder
Scheerer, N. E., Curcin, K., Stojanoski, B., Anagnostou, E., Nicolson, R., Kelley, E., Georgiades, S., Liu, X., & Stevenson, R. A. (2021) · Molecular Autism · doi:10.1186/s13229-021-00471-5 · Cited by 65
“While sensory processing difficulties are common for autistic individuals, these difficulties are also seen in other developmental disorders such as ADHD [56, 57] and OCD [58, 59], as well as in neurodevelopmentally typical children [60] and adults [61, 62].”
Background
Developmental coordination disorders and sensory processing and integration: Incidence, associations and co-morbidities
Allen, S., & Casey, J. (2017) · British Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1177/0308022617709183 · Cited by 66
Sleep, Sensory Integration/Processing, and Autism: A Scoping Review
Lane, S. J., Leão, M. A., & Spielmann, V. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.877527 · Cited by 74
Transdiagnostic Patterns of Sensory Processing in Autism and ADHD
Scheerer, N. E., Pourtousi, A., Yang, C. L., Ding, Z., Stojanoski, B. B., Anagnostou, E. A., Nicolson, R., Kelley, E. A., Georgiades, S., Crosbie, J., et al. (2022) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-022-05798-3 · Cited by 46
Sensory Processing Impairments in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Tran, H.-T., Li, Y., Lin, H., Lee, S., & Wang, P.-J. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9101443 · Cited by 53
Interrelation of food selectivity, oral sensory sensitivity, and nutrient intake in children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review
Zulkifli, M. N., Kadar, M., Fenech, M., & Hamzaid, N. H. (2022) · Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2022.101928 · Cited by 46
Prevalence and patterns of sensory processing behaviors in a large clinical sample of children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Jirikowic, T., Thorne, J. C., McLaughlin, S. A., Waddington, T., Lee, A. K. C., & Hemingway, S. J. A. (2020) · Research in Developmental Disabilities · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103617 · Cited by 38
Characteristics of Idiopathic Sensory Processing Disorder in Young Children
Mulligan, S. E., Douglas, S., & Armstrong, C. (2021) · Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnint.2021.647928 · Cited by 50
“…such as depression, and anxiety have also been reported in children with SPD with higher rates of atypical internalizing and externalizing behaviors including inattention, hyperactivity, mood disturbances, and anxiety (Engel-Yeger et al., 2016; McMahon et al., 2019; Van Hulle et al., 2019).”
Background
Sensory Processing, Functional Performance and Quality of Life in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Jovellar-Isiegas, P., Collados, I. R., Jaén‐Carrillo, D., Roche-Seruendo, L. E., & García, C. C. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17197116 · Cited by 36
Sensory Processing Phenotypes in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability
Lyons-Warren, A. M., McCormack, M. C., & Holder, J. L. (2022) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci12020137 · Cited by 29
Sensory Processing in Young Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fjeldsted, B., & Xue, L. (2019) · Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics · doi:10.1080/01942638.2019.1573775 · Cited by 28
Practitioner Review: Effective management of functional difficulties associated with sensory symptoms in children and adolescents
Lane, A. E. (2020) · Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry · doi:10.1111/jcpp.13230 · Cited by 34
Sensory processing and cortisol at age 4 years: Procedural pain‐related stress in children born very preterm
McLean, M. A., Niknafs, N., Scoten, O. C., Chau, C. M. Y., Mackay, M., Weinberg, J., Synnes, A. R., Miller, S. P., & GRUNAU, R. E. (2020) · Developmental Psychobiology · doi:10.1002/dev.22079 · Cited by 29
Construct Validity of the Sensory Profile Interoception Scale: Measuring Sensory Processing in Everyday Life
Dunn, W., Brown, C. E., Breitmeyer, A. M., & Salwei, A. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872619 · Cited by 25
Self-citation
Sensory Features as a Marker of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Bizzell, E., ROSS, J. L., Rosenthal, C., Dumont, R. L., & Schaaf, R. C. (2019) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-019-03948-8 · Cited by 25
Sensory curation: theorizing media use for sensory regulation and implications for family media conflict
Harrison, K., Vallina, L., Bue, A. C. C., Wenhold, H., & Moorman, J. D. (2018) · Media Psychology · doi:10.1080/15213269.2018.1496024 · Cited by 27
“Dunn and colleagues (Brown & Dunn, 2002; Dunn, 2001; Dunn et al., 2016) identified seven characteristics that determine the sensory quality of an environment: intensity, amount, consistency, competing stimuli, predictability, familiarity, and speed.”
Background
Differences in sensory responses among children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development: Links to joint attention and social competence
Dakopolos, A., & Jahromi, L. B. (2018) · Infant and Child Development · doi:10.1002/icd.2117 · Cited by 26
The Relationship Between Social Skills and Sensory Profile, Emotion Regulation, and Empathizing/Systemizing in Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
Köse, S., Türer, F., Inal-Kaleli, I., Senturk, H. N. C., Uyar, D. H. O., & Bildik, T. (2023) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-023-06190-5 · Cited by 29
“Sensory processing differences in autistic children have been associated with limited adaptive performance, routine daily activities, nutrition, and sleep (Dellapiazza et al., 2018; Dunn et al., 2016; Mazurek et al., 2013; Mazurek & Petroski, 2015).”
Assessment of Responsiveness to Everyday Non-Noxious Stimuli in Pain-Free Migraineurs With Versus Without Aura
Granovsky, Y., Shor, M., Shifrin, A., Sprecher, E., Yarnitsky, D., & Bar‐Shalita, T. (2018) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2018.03.008 · Cited by 22
vrSensory: Designing Inclusive Virtual Games with Neurodiverse Children
Wasserman, B., Prate, D., Purnell, B., Muse, A., Abdo, K., Day, K., & Boyd, L. E. (2019) · Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play · doi:10.1145/3341215.3356277 · Cited by 19
Characterizing Sleep Differences in Children With and Without Sensory Sensitivities
Hartman, A., McKendry, S., Soehner, A. M., Bodison, S., Akçakaya, M., Dealmeida, D., & Bendixen, R. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.875766 · Cited by 21
Effects of a mobile health nutrition intervention on dietary intake in children who have autism spectrum disorder
Kral, T. V. E., O’Malley, L., Johnson, K., Benvenuti, T. A., Chittams, J. L., Quinn, R. J., Thomas, J. G., Pinto‐Martin, J. A., Levy, S. E., & Kuschner, E. S. (2023) · Frontiers in Pediatrics · doi:10.3389/fped.2023.1100436 · Cited by 23
Sensory modulation, physical activity and participation in daily occupations in young children
Hertzog, D., Cermak, S. A., & Bar‐Shalita, T. (2019) · Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1177/0008417419831403 · Cited by 23
“These findings expand on and support the existing evidence suggesting reduced participation in daily occupations among children with SPC in comparison to typically developing children (see Bar-Shalita et al., 2009; Chien et al., 2016; Cosbey et al., 2010; Dunn et al., 2016; Yochman et al., 2013).”
Background
Sensory Profile of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tip-Toe Behavior: Results of an Observational Pilot Study
Valagussa, G., Purpura, G., Nale, A., Pirovano, R., Mazzucchelli, M., Grossi, E., & Perin, C. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9091336 · Cited by 20
“2016) [6], and they are expressed among individuals with ASD with a large heterogeneity, suggesting a key role in the functioning of this population [7].”
Background
Contribution of Sensory Processing to Chronic Constipation in Preschool Children
Little, L. M., Benton, K. L., Manuel‐Rubio, M., Saps, M., & Fishbein, M. H. (2019) · The Journal of Pediatrics · doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.03.020 · Cited by 16
Self-citation
Prevalence Models to Support Participation: Sensory Patterns as a Feature of All Children’s Humanity
Dean, E. E., Little, L. M., Tomchek, S. D., Wallisch, A. M., & Dunn, W. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.875972 · Cited by 17
Self-citation
Designing Sensory-Inclusive Virtual Play Spaces for Children
Boyd, L. E. (2019) · ACM International Conference on Interaction Design and Children (IDC) · doi:10.1145/3311927.3325315 · Cited by 16
“Sensory factors impact many aspects of daily life such as “cognition, temperament, and social participation” [3].”
Background
Assessment of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions in Childhood: Development, Reliability, and Validity of the EPYFEI
Romero-Ayuso, D., Jorquera-Cabrera, S., Segura-Fragoso, A., Toledano-González, A., Rodríguez-Martínez, M. C., & Triviño-Juárez, J. M. (2018) · Frontiers in Pediatrics · doi:10.3389/fped.2018.00071 · Cited by 15
“A confirmatory factor analysis of the English version of the SP2 concluded that this instrument adjusts well to the four dimensions of the sensory processing model: seeker, avoider, sensitive, and low register (49).”
Method
Short report: The role of oral hypersensitivity in feeding behaviors of young autistic children
Thompson, K. L., Wallisch, A. M., Nowell, S. W., Meredith, J., & Boyd, B. A. (2023) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613221135091 · Cited by 14
“Furthermore, research on the link between sensory processing and cognitive ability is also mixed in autism (for review, see Dunn et al., 2016) with some studies suggesting a link between sensory processing and cognitive abilities (e.g. Zachor & Ben-Itzchak, 2014), other studies finding no link…”
The Contribution of Sensory Sensitivity to Emotional Lability in Children with ADHD Symptoms
DeSerisy, M., Hirsch, E., & Roy, A. K. (2019) · Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health · doi:10.1080/23794925.2019.1647122 · Cited by 14
Sensory Profiles in School-Age Children with Developmental Language Disorder
Simpson, K., Paynter, J. M., Ziegenfusz, S., & Westerveld, M. F. (2020) · International Journal of Disability Development and Education · doi:10.1080/1034912x.2020.1740186 · Cited by 13
“…trading as Taylor & Francis Group identified sensory differences have been negatively associated with academic outcomes, activities of daily living, play and leisure behaviours, social interaction, motor performance, activity competence, sleep behaviours and anxiety (review Dunn et al., 2016).”
Background
Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders
(2019) · Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders · doi:10.4172/2472-1786 · Cited by 13
The Parent-completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Exploring Children’s Sensory Sensitivities and Their Relationship to Well-being
Smees, R., Rinaldi, L. J., Simmons, D. R., & Simner, J. (2022) · Journal of Child and Family Studies · doi:10.1007/s10826-022-02489-6 · Cited by 18
“Dunn, and colleagues found that children with higher levels of sensory processing issues were more likely to have difficulties in everyday routines such as eating, playing, family interactions, and other social/activity participation (Dunn et al., 2016).”
BackgroundInfluential
Sensory-Based Interventions in School-Based Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review
Watt, H. M., Cox, G., DeHerrera, M., Podgorny, S., Fortuna, J., & Cantwell, L. (2023) · Journal of Occupational Therapy Schools & Early Intervention · doi:10.1080/19411243.2023.2275562 · Cited by 12
“Students use their senses to learn and interact with their surroundings (Chapparo & Lowe, 2011; Dunn, 2007; Dunn et al., 2016).”
Sensory Processing Patterns and Internalizing Behaviors in the Pediatric and Young Adult General Population: A Scoping Review
Kotsiris, K., Westrick, J. C., & Little, L. M. (2020) · The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.15453/2168-6408.1624 · Cited by 12
Self-citation
Nutritional Intake and Sensory Processing in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Olson, A., Krall, J. R., Baranova, A. V., & Slavin, M. (2025) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu17040604 · Cited by 11
Perceived Sensitivity to Pain and Responsiveness to Non-noxious Sensation in Substance Use Disorder
Assayag, N., Bonneh, Y. S., Parush, S., Mell, H., Kaplan‐Neeman, R., & Bar‐Shalita, T. (2019) · Pain Medicine · doi:10.1093/pm/pnz292 · Cited by 10
Assessing Sensory Processing in Adults
Gomez, I. N., & Medallon, K. G. (2022) · Current Developmental Disorders Reports · doi:10.1007/s40474-022-00249-1 · Cited by 15
Assessment of Sensory Processing and Executive Functions at the School: Development, Reliability, and Validity of EPYFEI-Escolar
Ayuso, D. M. R., Toledano-González, A., Segura‐Fragoso, A., Triviño-Juárez, J. M., & Rodríguez-Martínez, M. D. C. (2020) · Frontiers in Pediatrics · doi:10.3389/fped.2020.00275 · Cited by 14
“…based on their sensory characteristics (colors, movement, sound, etc.), thus associating the sensory proﬁle with the type of game, depending on its level of demand for activities: games with a low activity level, sedentary games, or games with a great demand for movement or physical activity (78).”
Influential
Convergent Validity Between Two Parent Report Sensory Processing Scales: The Child Sensory Profile 2-Caregiver Questionnaire and the Sensory Processing Measure-Home Form
Brown, T., Swayn, E., Lyons, C., & Taylor, J. (2021) · Annals of International Occupational Therapy · doi:10.3928/24761222-20210601-05 · Cited by 10
Paper Prototyping Comfortable VR Play for Diverse Sensory Needs
Boyd, L. E., Day, K., Wasserman, B., Abdo, K., Hayes, G. R., & Linstead, E. J. (2019) · CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA) · doi:10.1145/3290607.3313080 · Cited by 10
“Just as individuals demonstrate variable cognitive, physical, and social-emotional abilities, sensory processing and regulation also varies widely across people–with and without disabilities [2].”
Background
Are sensory aspects of the built school environment associated with learning or well-being outcomes for autistic students? A systematic review
Adams, D., Dargue, N., Malone, S. A., Carroll, A., & Simpson, K. (2025) · International Journal of Inclusive Education · doi:10.1080/13603116.2025.2589290 · Cited by 14
“These can interact with the school environment, impacting their ability to complete schoolwork, participate in activities, and their overall well-being (Dunn et al. 2016; Reynolds et al. 2011).”
Sensation seeking correlates with increased white matter integrity of structures associated with visuospatial processing in healthy adults
Escelsior, A., Inuggi, A., Amadeo, M. B., Engel‐Yeger, B., Trabucco, A., Esposito, D., Campus, C., Bovio, A., Comparini, S. E., da Silva, B. P., et al. (2023) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1267700 · Cited by 9
“Despite the crucial importance of sensory processing in shaping normal and psychopathological behaviors, this topic is currently under investigated (Dunn et al., 2016).”
Background
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile
Yang, C.-Y., Tseng, M., Cermak, S. A., Lu, L., & Shieh, J. (2020) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.2020.036566 · Cited by 9
Association between oral care challenges and sensory over‐responsivity in children with Down syndrome
Duker, L. I. S., Martinez, M., Lane, C. J., Polido, J. C., & Cermak, S. A. (2021) · International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry · doi:10.1111/ipd.12933 · Cited by 9
Safe Place: Clinical Utility and Feasibility of a Multi-Disciplinary Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Complex Trauma – a Feasibility Study
May-Benson, T. A., & Teasdale, A. (2019) · Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma · doi:10.1007/s40653-019-00281-1 · Cited by 9
Rude or shrewd? Reframing media devices as care structures and child use as accommodation
Harrison, K. (2019) · Journal of Children and Media · doi:10.1080/17482798.2019.1628192 · Cited by 9
Italian Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire Revised (THPQ-R) in Typically Developing Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ruffini, M., Berardi, A., Benvenuti, A., Beaudry‐Bellefeuille, I., Tofani, M., Galeoto, G., & Valente, D. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9071052 · Cited by 8
Relationship between Mastery Motivation and Sensory Processing Difficulties in South Korean Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Kim, H. Y. (2020) · Occupational Therapy International · doi:10.1155/2020/6485453 · Cited by 8
“Impaired sensory processing may lead to misperception of the environment, restricted individualization, and distortion of reality [8], and it also has a negative impact on children’s participation in school life and social interactions [9].”
Background
The Mediating Effects of Attachment Styles on the Relationship between Sensory Processing Styles and Interpersonal Problems in Healthy University Students
Lee, O. N., & Park, G.-A. (2020) · Occupational Therapy International · doi:10.1155/2020/6204120 · Cited by 8
Sensory Processing in Children and Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Pride, N. A., Haebich, K. M., Walsh, K. S., Lami, F., Rouel, M., Maier, A., Chisholm, A. K., Lorenzo, J., Hearps, S. J. C., North, K. N., et al. (2023) · Cancers · doi:10.3390/cancers15143612 · Cited by 14
“These findings support the literature that reports a close association of sensory processing difficulties with functional limitations in daily life [1,9] and further highlight the importance in accommodating sensory processing difficulties at school and at home.”
Background
Characteristics of sensory processing changes in children with developmental coordination disorder: A systematic review
Weber, M. D., Draghi, T. T. G., Maia, A. C. S., Cairney, J., Neto, J. L. C., & Tudella, E. (2025) · Research in Developmental Disabilities · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104917 · Cited by 7
Sensory Subtypes in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lane, A. E. (2021) · Autism and child psychopathology series · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-66445-9_6 · Cited by 7
Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration ® Intervention on Sensory Processing and Motor Function in a Child with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: A Case Report
Balıkçı, A., May-Benson, T. A., Balikci, A. F. A., Tarakçı, E., Doğan, Z. F., & İlbay, G. (2023) · Clinical Medicine Insights Case Reports · doi:10.1177/11795476221148866 · Cited by 7
Development and Validation of the Participation Questionnaire for Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Structural Validity, Internal Consistency, and Construct Validity
Nakamura, T., Nagayama, H., & Sasada, S. (2024) · Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics · doi:10.1080/01942638.2024.2421856 · Cited by 6
“Correlation between PQP total score and SSP score: Atypical sensory processing is known to negatively affect various activities, including education, play, leisure, social participation, eating, elimination, and sleep (Dunn et al., 2016; Ismael et al., 2018).”
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Sensation-Seeking, and Sensory Modulation Dysfunction in Substance Use Disorder: A Cross Sectional Two-Group Comparative Study
Assayag, N., Berger, I., Parush, S., Mell, H., & Bar-Shalita, T. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19052541 · Cited by 4
Caregiver Strategies to Sensory Features for Children With Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Little, L. M., Ausderau, K., Freuler, A., Sideris, J. H., & Baranek, G. T. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905154 · Cited by 6
Self-citation
Responses to Sensory Events in Daily Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy from a Parent Reported Perspective and in a Swedish Context
Ericson, A., Bartonek, Å., Tedroff, K., & Lidbeck, C. M. (2023) · Children · doi:10.3390/children10071139 · Cited by 6
Neurophysiological Manifestations of Auditory Hypersensitivity Correlate with Daily Life Experiences
Zlotnik, S., Attias, J., Pratt, H., & Engel‐Yeger, B. (2018) · Neuroscience & Medicine · doi:10.4236/nm.2018.91005 · Cited by 6
Changes in sensory processing after anesthesia in toddlers
Berghmans, J. M., Poley, M. J., van der Ende, J., Rietman, A. B., Glazemakers, I., Himpe, D., Verhulst, F. C., & Utens, E. M. W. J. (2018) · Minerva Anestesiologica · doi:10.23736/s0375-9393.18.12132-8 · Cited by 6
Media sensory curation and family media conflict: replication and validation of short-form measures
Harrison, K., & Bue, A. C. C. (2020) · Media Psychology · doi:10.1080/15213269.2020.1758145 · Cited by 7
“Sensory in-Service”: An Exploratory Evaluation of a Group-Based, Caregiver Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties
Heyburn, K., Shaw, D., Carbert, K., & Thompson‐Hodgetts, S. (2022) · Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics · doi:10.1080/01942638.2022.2104151 · Cited by 5
“It is possible that some of these children represent the estimated 15% of the general population who process sensory information differently than the norm (Dunn et al., 2016).”
Background
Guidelines for Sensory Havens in Autism and Sensory-Friendly Events
Fletcher, T. S., Chen, A., Norris, A., Pizarro, E., Tran, J., & Tripp, M. K. (2023) · Teaching Exceptional Children · doi:10.1177/00400599231171715 · Cited by 5
“Community participation is an essential aspect of life for everyone, including people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder, and other forms of neurodiversity (Bagatell et al., 2022; Chien et al., 2016; Dunn et al., 2016; Watts et al., 2014).”
Oral Sensory Sensitivity Influences Attentional Bias to Food Logo Images in Children: A Preliminary Investigation
Wallisch, A. M., Little, L. M., Bruce, A. S., & Salley, B. J. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.895516 · Cited by 5
Self-citation
Sensory modulation and trauma-related symptoms during rocket attacks
Charny, S., Cao, G., Gafter, L., Bar‐Shalita, T., & Lahav, Y. (2023) · European Journal of Psychotraumatology · doi:10.1080/20008066.2023.2213110 · Cited by 6
“Specifically, elevated distress and anxiety, poorer executive functions (Engel-Yeger & Rosenblum, 2021), and impeded functioning (Dunn et al., 2016; Engel-Yeger & Rosenblum, 2021), all of which were found to be related to high sensory responsiveness, could hamper individuals’ ability to effectively…”
Background
High Sensory Responsiveness in Older Adults is Associated with Walking Outside but Not Inside: Proof of Concept Study
Agmon, M., Bar‐Shalita, T., & Kizony, R. (2021) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s322728 · Cited by 4
Observations of Child Behaviors and Responsivity during Sensory Friendly Community Events
DeBoth, K. K., Wendland, M., Barnard, E., & Brown, P. (2022) · Leisure Sciences · doi:10.1080/01490400.2022.2060881 · Cited by 4
“…an individual has difficulty receiving, processing or organizing sensory information, they may instead exhibit maladaptive responses to sensory stimuli, negatively influencing their ability to engage in everyday life (Case-Smith & Clifford O ’ Brien, 2014; Chien et al., 2016; Dunn et al., 2016).”
Exploring Co-Regulation-Related Factors in the Mothers of ADHD Children—Proof of Concept Study
Yaacoby-Vakrat, R., Pade, M., & Bar‐Shalita, T. (2023) · Children · doi:10.3390/children10081286 · Cited by 4
Fundamental behavioral and neurophysiologic relationships between sensory processing, intolerance of uncertainty, and autistic traits in children: A hybrid approach
Cardon, G. J., Buckhannon, M., & Rojas, D. C. (2023) · Biological Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108712 · Cited by 5
Sensory Features as a Marker of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Schaaf, R. C. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102455-1 · Cited by 4
Exploring the Link Between Sensory Processing and Psychopathology in a Community Sample of Young Adults: Bayesian Network Analyses
Escelsior, A., Murri, M. B., Polena, L., Petrilli, G., Zizzi, A., Inuggi, A., Bode, J., Engel‐Yeger, B., da Silva, B. P., Gori, M., et al. (2024) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-024-01316-x · Cited by 3
“Dunn’s four-quadrant model of sensory processing was developed to categorize individuals into four sensory processing styles, based on their responses to various sensory inputs (Dunn et al., 2016).”
Global Sensory Features are Linked to Executive and Attentional Impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Augé, P., Maruani, A., Humeau, É., Ellul, P., Cartigny, A., Lefebvre, A., Dellapiazza, F., Delorme, R., & Peyre, H. (2024) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-024-06385-4 · Cited by 3
“The BRIEF and the SSP represent the most widely used het-ero-questionnaires in ASD for the assessment of executive function and sensory features, respectively (Demetriou et al., 2019; Dunn et al., 2016).”
Siloed vs. Interprofessional approach: Speech language pathologists' and occupational therapists’ perspectives on comorbidity of childhood apraxia of speech and sensory processing disorder
Friedman, Z. L., & Nealon, K. (2023) · Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice · doi:10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100611 · Cited by 3
Characterizing rest-activity rhythms and sleep for children with and without tactile sensitivities: An observational study
Hartman, A. G., McKendry, S., Akcakaya, M., Soehner, A. M., Bodison, S. C., DeAlmeida, D. R., & Bendixen, R. M. (2023) · Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2023.03.024 · Cited by 3
Introduction: Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Gal, E., & Yirmiya, N. (2021) · Autism and child psychopathology series · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-66445-9_1 · Cited by 3
Does infant sensory responsiveness explain exclusive breastfeeding 6 months after birth?—a cohort prospective study
Freund-Azaria, A., Bart, O., Regev, R. H., & Bar‐Shalita, T. (2023) · Translational Pediatrics · doi:10.21037/tp-22-596 · Cited by 2
The Functional-Cognitive and Sensory Treatment (F-CaST) to improve rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with substance use disorder: a study protocol for a mixed-method randomized controlled trial
Assayag, N., Bar‐Shalita, T., & Rand, D. (2024) · Addiction Science & Clinical Practice · doi:10.1186/s13722-024-00449-7 · Cited by 2
Art, music, and play as a teaching aid: applying creative uses of Universal Design for Learning in a prison science class
Heron, P. J., Crameri, F., Canaletti, E. F., Harrison, D., Hashemi, S., Leigh, P., Narayan, S., Osowski, K., Rantanen, R., & Williams, J. A. (2025) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2025.1524007 · Cited by 5
Internalizing/Externalizing Problems and Sensory Processing Alteration in Children Referred to Child Mental Health Centers
Valencia, M., D'Ocon, A., Plata, R., Simó, S., & Cantero, M. J. (2025) · Children · doi:10.3390/children12060664 · Cited by 2
“Different studies report that children with SPD have greater difficulties in performing daily activities, social participation, cognition, academic performance [38], temperament regulation [39], and sleep [40].”
Application of Sensory Subtypes: Understanding Core Autism Features, Adaptive Behaviors, and Motor Skills in Autistic Children
Kabakov, S. A., Surgent, O. J., Skaletski, E. C., Sideris, J. H., Ausderau, K., & Travers, B. G. (2025) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-025-06995-6 · Cited by 2
Feeding Management in Autistic Children During Early Childhood: A Scoping Review
Tobar, N. J., Melaza, V. J., Wachholtz, D., Thomas‐Valdés, S., Vidal, V., Vargas, E., Wiedeman, A. M., & Vizcarra, M. (2025) · Children · doi:10.3390/children12121699 · Cited by 3
“There is a relationship between food selectivity and sensory-based difficulties (e.g., taste or smell sensitivities) in autistic children, reflected in their avoidance of fruits and vegetables and in consuming fewer dairy products than children without the diagnosis [15].”
Sensory Processing Abnormalities in School-Age Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders Are Associated With the Range of Learning Difficulties
Armstrong-Gallegos, S., & Nicolson, R. I. (2024) · International Journal of Disability Development and Education · doi:10.1080/1034912x.2024.2370801 · Cited by 3
“A scoping review of sensory factors (Dunn et al., 2016) comprised of studies that compared sensory differences among children with and without conditions, including autism, dyspraxia, ADHD, and others, concluded that children with conditions were more likely to present sensory issues than typically…”
Components of Empathy in Children: Factor Structure of the Empathy Quotient for Children (EQ-C)
Smees, R., Rinaldi, L. J., & Simner, J. (2025) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-024-06649-z · Cited by 3
“Recognizing how children with sensory sensitivities experience and express empathy could provide important insights into the links between sensory processes and social interactions (Dunn et al., 2016; Bundy et al., 2007 ).”
Caregiver Perceptions of Child Participation in Sensory Friendly Community Events
DeBoth, K. K., Wendland, M., MOT, O. L. T. B., & MOT, O. L. C. S. (2021) · Journal of Occupational Therapy Schools & Early Intervention · doi:10.1080/19411243.2020.1862729 · Cited by 2
“When sensory processing is impaired, it can have significant, maladaptive effects on daily living and occupational engagement (Ayres & Robbins, 2005; Dunn et al., 2016; Miller, Anzalone, Jane, Cermak, & Osten, 2007).”
Background
Revisiting Marketing Public Relations Dynamics in the Perspective of Communication
Sadasri, L. M., Tania, S., & Widagdhaprasana, M. (2022) · The European Proceedings of Social & Behavioural Sciences · doi:10.15405/epsbs.2022.01.02.10 · Cited by 2
“130 Gesualdi, 2019; McKie & Willis, 2012). Kotler and Mindak (1978) mention a specific definition of the concept of MPR.”
Background
PROTOCOL: The effectiveness of sensory interventions targeted at improving occupational outcomes, quality of life, well-being and behavioural and psychological symptoms for older adults living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Tulliani, N., Mills, C., Collison, L., Peel, N., Fahey, P. P., & Liu, K. P. Y. (2023) · Campbell Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/cl2.1322 · Cited by 2
“Interventions may focus on modifications to the activity or the environment to address sensory processing difficulties (Dunn et al., 2016).”
Background
Sensory modulation difficulties and complex PTSD among child abuse survivors
Kidra, N. A., Gafter, L., Bar‐Shalita, T., & Lahav, Y. (2025) · European Journal of Psychotraumatology · doi:10.1080/20008066.2025.2512672 · Cited by 1
“Sensory modulation is the ability to regulate responses to sensations in a graded and adaptive manner, allowing for appropriate functioning (Dunn et al., 2016; Koziol et al., 2011; Miller et al., 2007).”
Children's Sensory Processing in the Classroom: A Cross‐Sectional Study Using Teacher Rating
Mills, C., Nash, S., Agho, K., Hinitt, J., & Coxon, K. (2025) · Psychology in the Schools · doi:10.1002/pits.23598 · Cited by 1
“The SPSC2 is a standardized, norm ‐ referenced teacher questionnaire that is part of a suite of commonly used Sensory Profile As-sessments developed by Dunn, (Dunn et al. 2016).”
Low sensory responsiveness is associated with accelerated aging in midlife
Asher, M., Tzemah-Shahar, R., Hochner, H., Shapiro, I., Bar‐Shalita, T., & Agmon, M. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-07596-0 · Cited by 1
“While much research on sensory response alterations has established their impact on daily functioning, it has largely concentrated on specific populations, including those with sensory modulation disorders, the elderly, and individuals experiencing chronic pain or disability 18,21,22 .”
Sensory Profiles in Children with Speech Sound Disorders
Björelius, H., Tükel, Ş., Tsilingaridis, G., Malmenholt, A., & Terband, H. (2025) · Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica · doi:10.1159/000548782 · Cited by 1
“The frequency of social participation in activities, as well as the experience of enjoyment, was found to be affected by challenges in sensory processing regardless of having an ADHD diagnosis or not [1, 2].”
Influential
Sensory over responsivity (SOR) as a transdiagnostic marker of neurodevelopmental risk. An epidemiological birth cohort study
Jussila, K. K., Korkiakoski, A., Jussila, A., Kuusikko‐Gauffin, S., Joskitt, L., Mäntymaa, M., Moilanen, I. K., & Mattila, M. (2025) · Nordic Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/08039488.2025.2572330 · Cited by 1
Associations between sensory processing, social skills, and participation in kindergarten children: A cross-sectional study
Gündoğmuş, E., Toru, E., & Abaoğlu, H. (2026) · Applied Neuropsychology Child · doi:10.1080/21622965.2025.2611932 · Cited by 2

Authors: Dunn, W., Little, L., Dean, E., Robertson, S., & Evans, B.
Affiliations: University of Kansas Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author: Dunn, Winnie
ORCID: Dunn, Winnie
Little, Lauren
Dean, Evan
Venue: OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2016-04
Volume: 36
Issue: 2_suppl
Pages: 3S-26S
ISSN: 1539-4492 (ISSN-L)
1938-2383
DOI: 10.1177/1539449215617923
OpenAlex: W2434228612
Cited by: 119
References: 268
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2
FWCI: 29.10
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Topics: Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Therapy Practice and Research
Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Children's Physical and Motor Development
Keywords: sensory processing, sensory perception, children, adolescents, social participation (health and rehabilitation), brain activity, temperament, cognition, developmental course
MeSH terms: Activities of Daily Living, Brain, Child, Cognition, Female, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Perception, Sensation, Temperament, Social Participation, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

The State of the Science on Sensory Factors and Their Impact on Daily Life for Children: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks