The relationship between motor skills, sensory profile and independent scale in children with autism spectrum disorder and the relationship between independent scale and mother's stress level in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a chronic condition that first appears in childhood and is characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, and monotonous or repetitive behaviors. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between motor skills and sensory profile in children with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 36-50 months and the level of independence of children in daily life, and the relationship between this level of independence and the stress level of mothers. Twenty-eight children with autism, aged between 36-50 months, admitted to Başkent University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic were included in the study. 'Peabody Motor Development Scale-2' was used to assess motor skills in these children, 'Dunn Sensory Profile' was used to assess sensory profile, and 'Pediatric Functional Independence Scale' (WeeFIM) was used to assess independence level. The stress level of mothers was also evaluated with the 'Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10'. A significant positive correlation at p<0,05 level was found between total motor skill assessment scores and total independence scale scores (r=0,391). When Dunn Sensory Profile scores were evaluated, a significant negative correlation was found at p<0,01 level in the total scores of mothers' perceived stress scale with these test results (r=-0,492). The relationship between sensory evaluation test scores and Stress Discomfort Perception scores was negative and p<0,01 (r=-0,512). A significant positive correlation at the p<0.01 level was found between the Perceived Stress Scale total score and the Stress Discomfort Perception scores and between the Efficiency-Self-Efficacy Perception scores (r=0,972; r=0,668). A positive correlation of p<0,05 was found between Stress Discomfort Perception scores and Efficiency Self-Efficacy Perception scores (r=0,476). As seen in our study, there is a significant relationship between motor skill development and the level of independence in daily life in children with autism spectrum disorder. It is thought that by determining the needs specific to the child with autism spectrum disorder with the evaluations made in terms of motor skills and sensory systems in the early period, it may be beneficial to support the child with early intervention programs, and with this support, the stress level of the mother may decrease in the future. In this respect, it is thought that the test results obtained from small age groups can be very useful for early intervention.