Examination of sensory processing skills and levels of anxiety and depression in children with autism spectrum disorder and their families

This study examined sensory processing skills and anxiety and depression levels in children with autism and their families aged 3-10 years. Dunn Sensory Profile Questionnaire was applied to 95 children with autism included in the study, and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), Beck Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Scale were applied to their parents. According to data from the Dunn Sensory Profile Questionnaire, children with Autism clearly differed from typical developmental characteristics in the field of enrollment (47%), area (64%), sensitivity (36%), and avoidance 25%. As a result of the AASP score, 49.5% of the parents participating in our study showed atypical sensory processing characteristics in the registration area, 49.9% in the research area, 89.5% sensitivity and 29.5% in the avoidance area. Significant relationships were observed in the areas of sensitivity and avoidance in terms of sensory processing problems in children with autism and their families. (p<0.05). 21.1% of the parents participating in our study showed severe anxiety, 22.1% moderate, 56.8% mild anxiety symptoms. When their depression levels were examined, 7.4% had severe and 33.7% had moderate anxiety. , 40% were mild depression and 18.9% were minimally depressed. There is a statistically significant difference between the mean anxiety scores of parents with AASP Sensitivity scores (26-41)- (49-75) and (26-41)-(42-48). It is seen that the anxiety score averages of the participants with a sensitivity score (26-41) are lower. (p<0.05). Our results show that the sensory profile characteristics of the parents of children with autism, such as depression and anxiety, affect the participation of children with autism in daily life, as well as restricting or supporting children's educational intervention. It shows a family-centered and holistic approach, taking into account the characteristics of the parents, in occupational therapy interventions for children with autism. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing, Anxiety, Depression, Sensory Sensitivity