Sensory Patterns of Children with Williams Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Williams syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 7. It is characterized by a range of medical problems in addition to the demonstration of maladaptive emotional and physical responses to environmental stimuli. Furthermore, sensory processing abnormalities are common in children with Williams syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to report sensory processing difficulties in children with Williams syndrome in Turkey. Methods: Twenty-three children with Williams syndrome (mean age 63.16±13.50 months; females n=13) and twenty-two typically developing children (mean age 67.66±13.23 months; females n=12) were included. Parents completed the Sensory Profile Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mann‒Whitney U test. Results: Children with Williams syndrome demonstrated sensory processing dysfunction in the sensory processing, modulation, behaviour and emotional response areas. Moreover, they have difficulties in low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, sensation avoiding, sensory seeking, emotionally reactive low endurance/tone, oral sensitivity, inattention/distractibility, poor registration, sedentary behaviours, and fine motor/perceptual skills factors compared to their typically developing peers. Conclusions: These findings, considered with similar published studies, confirm the prevalence and types of sensory processing abnormalities in Williams syndrome.