Anxiety and sensory over-responsivity in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: bidirectional effects across time.

Storch et al. (2012) watched toddlers with autism for months. They tracked who got upset by sounds, lights, or textures. They also tracked who later showed worry or fear.

The team asked: Does early sensory upset cause later anxiety? Or does early anxiety cause later sensory upset?

Kids who were jumpy around sensory input at age two showed more anxiety at age three. The reverse did not hold. Early anxiety did not predict later sensory issues.

In plain words: Sensory over-responsivity comes first. Anxiety follows.

MacLennan et al. (2021) saw the same link in preschoolers. They added that intolerance of uncertainty rides along with the sensory-anxiety pair. The toddler pattern holds up as kids grow.

Hwang et al. (2020) found the same pathway in autistic adults. Intolerance of uncertainty acts like a bridge between sensory upset and worry. The 2012 toddler signal looks like a lifelong pattern.

Mirenda et al. (2024) modeled long-term classes. Some kids stay mildly sensory-sensitive. Others grow more sensitive each year. The worsening group also gains anxiety, matching the 2012 direction.

Screen for sensory over-responsivity as soon as you meet a toddler with autism. Treating sensory triggers early may stop anxiety before it starts. Add intolerance-of-uncertainty drills in your behavior plan. Re-check sensory and anxiety levels every six months. The earlier you calm the senses, the lighter the anxiety load later.