SENSORY PROCESSING AND PARTICIPATION AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Authors: Arthi J , JOICEY P. MANICKAM2 AND SUMAN KUMAR C
ABSTRACT
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is commonly associated with sensory processing differences that
may influence children’s participation in everyday activities. Although sensory modulation difficulties
are widely reported in ASD, limited evidence exists regarding their direct relationship with occupational
participation among school-aged children. This study aimed to examine sensory processing patterns and
occupational participation and to explore the relationship between these variables among school-going
children with ASD aged 6–12 years. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 100
children diagnosed with ASD were recruited using purposive sampling. Sensory processing patterns
were assessed using the Child Sensory Profile–2 (SP-2) Caregiver Questionnaire, while occupational
participation was evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP). Descriptive
statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and scale scores, and Spearman
correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between sensory processing patterns and
occupational participation. The findings revealed that children with ASD demonstrated atypical sensory
processing patterns across all sensory quadrants and domains. Occupational participation was relatively
higher at home settings and comparatively restricted in school and community contexts. Correlation
analysis showed weak and non-significant associations between sensory processing patterns andoccupational participation across CASP domains. These results indicate that although sensory
processing differences are prevalent among children with ASD, they may not independently determine
participation outcomes. Occupational participation is influenced by sensory, environmental, and
contextual factors. The findings emphasize the importance of participation-focused interventions to
support meaningful engagement in daily life activities for children with ASD.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Sensory Processing; Occupational Participation;
Sensory Profile; Child and Adolescent Participation Publication date: 01/03/2026 https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/March/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10011.pdfDownload PDFhttps://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.3.10011