Assessing Sensory Sensitivity and Behavioural Feeding Problems among children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Developmental disabilities prevalence appears to be significant worldwide. Sensory sensitivity has also
been associated with behavioural feeding problems among children with developmental disabilities. Objectives: To assess
& seek a relationship between sensory sensitivity & behavioural feeding problems among children with developmental
disabilities and to seek an association between sensory sensitivity & behavioural feeding problems among
developmentally disabled children with selected factors. Research methodology: The study used a descriptive survey
research design including 50 children aged 6 - 11 years diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral
Palsy, Specific Language Disability and Down syndrome attending Child Guidance Centre OT4 Kids, selected via
purposive sampling technique. Down Syndrome Data collected through structured interviews, anthropometric
measurements, and standardized tools i.e. Parent completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire and Behavioural Paediatric
Feeding Assessment to assess sensory sensitivity and behavioural feeding problems. Result: Children with developmental
disabilities had higher sensory sensitivity scores in cerebral palsy while Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disability and Down
syndrome have similar mean scores. The study found a significant positive correlation (p= 0.011) between hyposensitivity
score and behavior pediatric feeding frequency and (p=0.03) problem score among children with developmental
disabilities. Conclusion: Problematic parental feeding strategies along with behavioural feeding problems among children
with developmental disabilities are associated with sensory hyper & hypo sensitivities found in these vulnerable
populations.