Profiles of atypical sensory processing in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange and Fragile X syndromes.
Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, and Fragile X each carry unique sensory signatures—screen with SEQ and tailor sensory plans accordingly.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Heald et al. (2020) asked parents to fill out the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire.
The families had a child with Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, or Fragile X syndrome.
The team then looked for patterns that were unique to each syndrome.
What they found
More than 80 % of children in every syndrome group showed atypical sensory processing.
Each syndrome had its own sensory fingerprint.
These fingerprints can guide you to the right sensory plan.
How this fits with other research
Madden et al. (2003) already saw high sensory symptoms in toddlers with fragile X.
Heald et al. (2020) now show the same is true for Angelman and Cornelia de Lange.
Dellapiazza et al. (2020) found near 90 % sensory issues in idiopathic autism.
The new data say sensory quirks cross syndromes, so screen everyone.
Why it matters
You can add the SEQ to your intake packet for any child with these syndromes.
Match the sensory fingerprint to the intervention: deep pressure for one child, visual supports for another.
This small step can cut problem behaviors before they start.
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Join Free →Hand the SEQ to the parent at intake and circle the highest atypical scores for quick goal setting.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence to suggest that children with neurodevelopmental disorders may evidence differences in their sensory processing. The aim of this study was to compare sensory processing patterns in three genetic syndromes associated with sensory difference. METHODS: Sensory processing in Angelman syndrome (n = 91), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (n = 28) and Fragile X syndrome (n = 40) was examined using the informant report measure the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ). RESULTS: All three groups were associated with a heightened prevalence of unusual sensory processing in comparison with normative data, evidenced in over 80% of all participants. Cross-syndrome comparisons highlighted syndrome-specific sensory processing profiles, with heightened hypo responsivity in Cornelia de Lange syndrome and sensory seeking in Angelman syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The results have important implications for the understanding of sensory processing in genetic syndromes and the development of tailored behavioural interventions.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 2020 · doi:10.1111/jir.12702