Background and purpose: Sensory processing is necessary to perform daily activities properly. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of sensory processing disorder in children aged 5-11 years old.
Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all children aged 5 to 11 years old in kindergartens and primary schools in Tehran, Iran. Children meeting the inclusion criteria were 2191, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Children parents completed the Dunn Sensory Profile. Participants’ demographic information was recorded and frequency of sensory processing disorder was analyzed in SPSS V22 based on the cut off point of the nine factors of the sensory profile.
Results: The study included 31.3% girls and 68.7% boys. Frequency of sensory processing disorder estimated based on the cut off points of the sensory profile was as follows: sensory seeking: 9.40٪, emotional reactivity: 10.81٪, low muscle tone and endurance: 18.16٪, oral sensory sensitivity: 18.34٪, inattention and distractibility: 7.85٪, poor sensory registration: 15.10٪, sensory sensitivity: 22.22٪, sedentary: 10.17%, and fine movement and perception: 3.60٪.
Conclusion: In this study, children aged 5 to 11 years were found with different patterns in sensory processing. Frequency of sensory processing disorders in all nine factors of sensory profile was higher in boys. Further studies, using the Dunn Sensory Profile, are needed in other parts of Iran, especially in children with different sensory problems.