ABSTRACT

Objective : This study examines the factors that affect the sensory processing ability for normal children and children with developmental disorders aged between 3 and 6.Methods : A survey was conducted for the main caregivers of 111 children with developmental disorders and 135 normal children. The questionnaire consisted of 95 items that included internal and external factors that affect children's sensory processing ability, and a short sensory profile. SPSS was used to analyze the data statistically. The study employed descriptive statistics for analysis of the internal and external factors, an independent sample T-test for sensory processing ability by group, and step-by-step multiple regression to analyze the factors that affect the sensory processing ability.Results : The average score in sensory processing performance was 135.37±21.7 for children with a developmental disorder, and 165.02±16.69 for normal children. The difference was statistically significant. For children with a developmental disorder, emotionality of temperament and peer relationship had an influence on sensory processing ability. For normal children, the important factors were identified as emotionality of temperament and birth weight.Conclusion : To improve the sensory processing ability of normal children and children with developmental disorders, therapists and teachers should carry out early treatment and education in consideration of each child's temperament, peer relationship, and birth weight.