Sensory Processing and Executive Function and its Impact on Social Participation, ages 5-12

Publication Date

2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

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Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

Student Level

Graduate

Faculty Mentor

Lorry Liotta Kleinfeld

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Sensory processing and executive functioning differences have been associated with social participation in children with various diagnosed disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, less research has focused on children without formal medical diagnoses across the spectrum of sensory processing and executive function, including those with subtle differences and normative variations that do not meet criteria for impairment. For this reason, this study investigated whether executive function (BRIEF) and sensory processing abilities (SPM-2) serve as significant predictors of both anti-social behaviors and social competence (HCSBS) in neurotypical children aged 5-12. Using multiple linear regression models, it found that both anti-social behaviors and social competence were significantly predicted by the model. This study also examined the relationships between specific sensory domains of the SPM-2 and social behaviors, including anti-social behaviors and social competence, and whether they were statistically significant. Results using the Pearson’s r indicate a strong correlation between antisocial behavior and touch (r = .724), whereas moderate or weak correlations were observed across the remaining sensory domains. Moderate correlations between social competence and touch (r=.50) and taste/smell (r = .49) were found, while all remaining correlations were weak. None of the correlations between sensory domains and social behaviors reached statistical significance.

Comments

Submission from school of occupational therapy with Dr. Kleinfeld

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