Brief-Report: Associations Between Early Sensory Processing and Emotional-Behavioral Dysregulation in Autistic Toddlers.

purposeAtypical sensory processing is a core feature of autism that emerges early in life and is frequently accompanied by difficulties in emotional and behavioural regulation. This study aimed to examine whether profiles derived from the Toddler Sensory Profile–2 (T-SP2) are associated with emotional and behavioural dysregulation, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 (CBCL) in autistic toddlers.

methodsCaregivers of 89 autistic toddler (M = 28.1 months, SD = 4.3; range = 18–35) completed the T-SP2 and the CBCL 1½–5. Spearman correlations (Holm-Bonferroni corrected) were calculated between T-SP2 quadrants (Seeking, Sensitivity, Avoiding, Registration) and CBCL scales (Anxious/Depressed, Attention Problems, Aggressive Behaviour), as well as an aggregate dysregulation index (AAA). Multiple regressions with robust standard errors (HC3 robust SEs), controlling for age and sex, were conducted to identify unique predictors.

results75% of participants showed sensory processing scores outside the expected range in at least one T-SP2 quadrant. Sensory profiles were moderately to strongly associated with dysregulation outcomes (ρ = 0.22–0.55), with sensitivity consistently emerging as the strongest correlate. In regression analyses, sensitivity uniquely predicted Anxious/Depressed (β = 0.37), Aggressive Behaviour (β = 0.56), and the AAA composite (β = 0.49), whereas registration uniquely predicted Attention Problems (β = 0.27). Overall, models explained 29–50% of the variance.

conclusionSensory hypersensitivity was the strongest predictor of early emotional–behavioural dysregulation in autistic toddlers. Results support incorporating sensory screening into early assessments and considering sensory-informed approaches to promote regulation in this developmental period.