Sensory Subtypes in Preschool Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Eggleston et al. (2018) looked at preschoolers with autism. They asked parents to fill out the Sensory Profile.

The team ran a latent profile analysis. This is a stats tool that groups kids who score alike.

Four clear sensory subtypes popped out. Each group had its own mix of hyper, hypo, and seeking behaviors.

The subtypes also differed in language, motor, and daily-living skills. Sensory profile plus developmental snapshot.

Mayes et al. (2003) mapped IQ gaps across ages. D et al. now add sensory layers to those ability profiles.

Fields et al. (1991) showed big IQ jumps after one school year. The new work says check sensory style first; it may shape how fast kids gain skills.

McQuaid et al. (2024) found sensory over-responsivity persists into adult life. The preschool subtypes could be the starting line of that long track.

Houwen et al. (2022) built a 15-item add-on for visually-impaired kids. Both studies prove caregiver reports can reliably sort preschoolers by sensory pattern.

You already test language, play, and adaptive skills. Add the Sensory Profile to your intake packet. Score it right away. If a child lands in the “sensory-seeking with low motor” group, start therapy in a gym space and use heavy-work warm-ups. Match your teaching pace to the subtype and you may see faster gains like L et al. did. Share the four-group summary with parents so they understand why certain sensory breaks or stimuli are part of the plan.