RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLAY AND THE SENSORY PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents itself as a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts development, and the individual may exhibit deficits in communication, social interaction and Sensory Integration Dysfunction (DIS), which can cause impairments in play. Playing is the child's greatest occupation, being essential for development and learning.  This study aimed to investigate the relationship between playing and the sensory profile of children with ASD. During the research, 16 parents and/or guardians and their respective children, aged between 3 and 6 years, with a diagnosis of ASD and who attended an Association dedicated to the care of children with ASD and a Specialized Rehabilitation Center II, linked to a university, participated. The evaluations used were: Instruments for the Evaluation of the Playful Model for Children with Physical Disabilities and the Child's Sensory Profile 2. For the analyses, the data were tabulated in the Excel program and, for the correlational statistical analysis, the SPSS program was used. As a result of this study, it was possible to observe that the children presented an ISD profile in relation to tactile stimuli, oral sensitivity and in relation to the conduct associated with sensory processing, in addition to alterations in the Sensitivity and Avoidance quadrants, mainly. Regarding the correlational analysis, a correlation was identified between Playful Behavior with Conduct and with the Exploration Quadrant. In view of the above, it was observed that there is a scarcity of studies that address this theme. Therefore, it is suggested that further research be carried out on the subject.