Sensory processing in children under six years of age with specific language disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Sensory processing determines and influences the level of development presented by individuals in childhood and when any of the systems that integrate it are affected. Developmental domains are altered and they prevent children from developing adequately in their environment.

Objectives: To describe and compare sensory processing in children with specific language impairment and typical language development.

Methods: The sample consisted of 60 children aged 4 to 5 years from the San Clemente Special Language School, whom were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of specific language disorder. Sensory processing was assessed using the sensory processing scale. The type of distribution of the scale variables was evaluated for further analysis.

Results: Children with specific language disorder obtained 275 points and were below the cut-off score, while children with typical development obtained 309 points and were above the cut-off score. That is, children with specific language disorder have lower sensory processing compared to children with typical language development with significant differences in the auditory and proprioceptive system.

Conclusions: Children with specific language disorder show lower performance in sensory processing tasks, which is why the latter should be considered in the evaluation and diagnosis of children with this disorder to generate a more comprehensive approach.