Investigation of the impact of sensory processing difficulties in children aged 18–36 months with autism spectrum disorder on parental emotion regulation difficulties and social communication problems

Objective: Sensory processing plays a critical role in developing social communication skills, and atypical sensory patterns can lead to interaction difficulties. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sensory processing patterns and parental emotion regulation difficulties on social communication in young children. The findings are expected to contribute to early intervention strategies. Methods: A total of 150 children aged 18–36 months, including 50 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), 49 with developmental delay, and 51 with typical development, were included. Assessments included the Sociodemographic Data Form, Rapid Interactive Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile 2 (TSP-2), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). This study was designed as clinical, cross-sectional, descriptive and multi-center research. Results: The ASD group showed significantly atypical sensory processing in general, auditory, and tactile domains, as well as in sensory avoidance, registration, and sensitivity. RITA-T scores were higher in atypical auditory and visual processing in the ASD group, and across all children, sensory registration, sensitivity, general, auditory, and visual processing were correlated with RITA-T scores. Increased atypical auditory and visual processing was associated with higher RITA-T scores. Regression analysis showed that auditory and visual processing were related to RITA-T scores, but this relationship was not independent of CARS. No significant relationship was found between parental emotion regulation difficulties and social communication skills. Conclusion: ASD children displayed significant differences in sensory sensitivity, avoidance, and registration, particularly in auditory and visual processing. Sensory differences impacted social communication, but this effect was not independent of ASD symptom severity, suggesting a more complex relationship. Findings suggest that atypical auditory and visual processing may contribute to social difficulties, emphasizing the need for sensory-focused early interventions. Keywords: Sensory Processing, Social Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorder