Purpose: Previous studies exhibited differences in sensory processing, motor coordination, metacognitive executive functions (EF-MI), and sleep quality among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This study aims to find relationships between those abilities and organization-in-time, focusing on emotional responses after decreased organization abilities.
Materials and methods: This is a secondary data analysis of a larger sample from three previous studies conducted in one laboratory. Data were collected from 290 adults; 149 with NDD and 141 sex- and age- (20-50 years) matched controls completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder, Adults Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions, Mini Sleep, and Time Organization and Participation questionnaires. Structural equation model (SEM) analysed relationships and variable prediction.
Results: Significant between-group differences were found for all variables; SEM indicated similar paths in both groups. Sensory processing affected EF-MI and sleep quality and significantly correlated with motor coordination, affecting EF-MI; EF-MI affected organization-in-time. Sleep quality significantly affected organization-in-time, affecting emotional responses.
Conclusions: Sensory, motor, EF, and sleep differences were associated with decreased organization-in-time abilities of adults with NDD, adversely affecting their emotional well-being. Early detection of such differences and targeted interventions may improve daily functioning and life quality and prevent negative emotional implications.
Keywords: ICF; Neurodevelopmental disorder; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; organization-in-time; specific learning disorder; structural equation model.
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) emerging early in development affect lifelong well-being, and personal, social, academic, and occupational function.Adults with NDD may experience reduced quality of life due to ineffective time organization and life management.Ineffective time organization and consequence negative emotional responses are tied with deficient sensory processing, motor coordination, metacognitive executive function abilities, and sleep quality.Early diagnosis of such deficiencies following by targeted intervention may enhance daily functioning, reduce emotional challenges, and improve overall life outcomes.