Date of Award

5-2013

Document type

dissertation

Access Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Degree Program

Education (also CAGS)

First Advisor

Ernest Washington

Second Advisor

Alfred Karlson

Third Advisor

Mary Andrianopolous

Subject Categories

Education

Abstract

The incidence of autism has increased from an average of one in 88 to one in 110 (Center for Disease Control, 2010; ADDM Network, 2012). Autism spectrum disorders are an important health and educational problem affecting many areas of daily living, (CDC, 2012; Cermak, S., et al, 2010). Over 80 percent of children diagnosed with autism demonstrate sensory modulation symptoms and related behaviors such as sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, self-stimulation, etc, (Kintwell, et al, 2011; Ben-Sasson, et al, 2009; Tomchek & Dunn, 2006).

There is some beginning evidence found in the literature that sensory processing of children on the autism spectrum interferes with their daily routines (Nadon, et al, 2011; Stein, et al, 2011/2012; Schaff, et al, 2011), and there is a paucity of research which addresses the impact sensory processing has on the daily routine of eating. This study will contribute to this expanding body of knowledge.

Eating difficulties are a frequent problem for children on the autism spectrum (Nadon, et al, 2011; Schreck & Williams, 2006) which impacts their physical health (Lukens & Linscheid, 2008), their functioning in the family (Schaff, et al, 2001) and their functioning in educational settings (Koenig & Rudney, 2010). This study assesses the differences in sensory processing and eating problem behaviors between two groups of children, aged 5 -12 years, those identified on the autism spectrum (N=34) and those typically developing (N=34).

Data was collected through parent and child questionnaires that assessed sensory processing and eating behaviors (BAMBI, Short Sensory Profile, Sensory Eating Checklist, and Touch Inventory for Elementary-Aged Children). Results of the t test, anovas and correlation analyses revealed statistically significant differences on all measures between both samples (p

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/mxa8-md85

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