Feeling the World Differently: Sensory and Emotional Profiles in Preschool Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Background/objectives: Atypical sensory processing is increasingly recognized as a transdiagnostic dimension of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with critical implications for emotional and behavioral regulation. This study aimed to identify distinct sensory profiles in preschool children with NDDs and to examine their associations with emotional-behavioral and cognitive/developmental functioning.

Methods: A total of 263 children (aged 21-71 months) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language disorder (LD), or other NDDs (ONDD) were recruited. Sensory processing was assessed using the SPM-P, emotional-behavioral functioning was assessed via the CBCL 1½-5, and cognitive/developmental levels were assessed through standardized instruments. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify sensory subtypes. Group comparisons and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine profile characteristics and predictors of profile membership.

Results: Three sensory profiles emerged: (1) Multisystemic Sensory Dysfunction (20.1%), characterized by pervasive sensory and emotional difficulties, primarily observed in ASD; (2) Typical Sensory Processing (44.9%), showing normative sensory and emotional functioning, predominantly LD; and (3) Mixed Subclinical Sensory Processing (35%), with subclinical-range scores across multiple sensory and emotional domains, spanning all diagnoses. Higher cognitive functioning and fewer internalizing symptoms significantly predicted membership in the typical profile. A gradient of symptom severity was observed across profiles, with the Multisystemic group showing the most pronounced emotional-behavioral impairments.

Conclusions: Distinct sensory-emotional phenotypes were identified across diagnostic categories, supporting a dimensional model of neurodevelopment. Sensory profiles were strongly associated with emotional functioning, independently of diagnostic status. Early sensory assessment may therefore offer clinically meaningful insights into emotional vulnerability and inform targeted interventions in preschool populations with NDDs.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; emotional–behavioral functioning; latent profile analysis; neurodevelopmental disorders; preschool children; sensory processing; transdiagnostic approach.

Figure 1

Visualization of three latent sensory profiles. SOC = social participation; PLA = planning and ideas; VIS = vision; HEA = hearing; TOU = touch; TAS = taste and smell; BOD = body awareness; BAL = balance and motion.