Sensory overload in kids has distinct neurobiological roots
Overreactions to ordinary sensory stimuli—a scratchy shirt tag, a roaring vacuum cleaner, an unfamiliar smell—are commonly associated with autism. But in fact, an estimated 15% to 20% of children experience such reactions, known as sensory over-responsivity or sensory distress, and they show up across a range of psychiatric conditions.
A recent study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has uncovered neurobiological insights into sensory over-responsivity, a condition that affects 15-20% of children and can be observed in various psychiatric conditions, including autism. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 children aged 6 to 18, finding that sensory over-responsivity is linked not only to autistic traits but also to anxiety in children with and without autism.
Contrary to previous assumptions, this issue is not directly related to ADHD. Brain scans from a subset of the children revealed that even mild sensory issues are tied to differences in brain connectivity patterns. These findings, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, highlight that sensory over-responsivity is a specific neurological response, not simply a behavioral issue.
The study emphasizes the importance of identifying and supporting children with sensory over-responsivity through targeted interventions, such as occupational therapy, to help them navigate everyday environments without undue distress. Researchers are now investigating the early emergence of sensory over-responsivity in childhood to explore potential early interventions.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
