Sensory processing, school performance, and adaptive behavior of young school-age children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2008 May;28(2):117-36. doi: 10.1080/01942630802031800.

Abstract

This study described sensory processing behaviors and sensory-motor abilities in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and explored their relationship to home and school function. A clinic-referred sample of 25 children with FASD, ages 5 to 8 years, was compared with 26 children with typical development, balanced for age, gender, and race/ethnicity, on standardized tests examining sensory processing, sensory-motor performance, school performance, and adaptive behavior. Children with FASD scored significantly more poorly on sensory processing, sensory-motor, adaptive, and academic achievement measures, and demonstrated more problem behaviors at home and school. Correlations were significant between measures of sensory processing and sensory-motor performance, adaptive behavior, and some aspects of academic performance. Sensory processing and related foundational sensory-motor impairments should be considered when determining the developmental needs of children with FASD. These impairments may co-occur with and contribute, at least in part, to decreased adaptive and school function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*