The relationship between sensory reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety subtypes in preschool-age autistic children.

MacLennan et al. (2021) looked at preschool-age autistic children. They asked whether kids who over-react to sounds, lights, or touch also feel more anxiety and dislike not knowing what will happen next.

The team used parent questionnaires and statistical tests to see which sensory style best predicted worry and uncertainty.

Children who showed sensory hyperreactivity also scored higher on anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty. The link was strongest for hyperreactivity, not for seeking or under-responsiveness.

In plain words, kids who cover their ears or pull away from textures are the same ones who get upset when plans change.

Storch et al. (2012) already showed that sensory over-responsivity in toddlers forecasts later anxiety. Keren’s 2021 data fit the same arrow: sensory issues come first, anxiety follows.

Hwang et al. (2020) found the same chain in autistic adults. Together the studies sketch a life-span picture: sensory sensitivity → dislike of uncertainty → anxiety, from preschool to adulthood.

Mirenda et al. (2024) tracked sensory patterns over time and saw that the kids whose sensory reactions worsened were also the ones whose anxiety climbed. Keren’s snapshot aligns with that longer view.

If you serve autistic preschoolers, screen for sensory hyperreactivity even when parents only mention worry or rigidity. Treating sensory triggers—softening lights, giving headphones, warning before noisy activities—may nip anxiety before it grows. Add visual schedules and “surprise” cards to lower uncertainty at the same time.