The Interactions of Temporal and Sensory Representations in the Basal Ganglia.

In rodents and primates, interval estimation has been associated with a complex network of cortical and subcortical structures where the dorsal striatum plays a paramount role. Diverse evidence ranging from individual neurons to population activity has demonstrated that this area hosts temporal-related neural representations that may be instrumental for the perception and production of time intervals. However, little is known about how temporal representations interact with other well-known striatal representations, such as kinematic parameters of movements or somatosensory representations. An attractive hypothesis suggests that somatosensory representations may serve as the scaffold for complex representations such as elapsed time. Alternatively, these representations may coexist as independent streams of information that could be integrated into downstream nuclei, such as the substantia nigra or the globus pallidus. In this review, we will revise the available information suggesting an instrumental role of sensory representations in the construction of temporal representations at population and single-neuron levels throughout the basal ganglia.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish sensory processing sensitivity questionnaire (S-SPSQ).

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a temperament trait rooted in biology, and is distinguished by heightened awareness, emotional responsiveness, and sensitivity to environmental stimuli. In this study, we aimed to enable the assessment of SPS within Spanish-speaking populations. To achieve this, we translated, adapted, and validated the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ), which offers a comprehensive evaluation of SPS, encompassing both positive and negative aspects of the trait. Participants were 1,004 (844 females, mean age 37) mainly from Chile (964), and 40 were from other Spanish-speaking regions. Confirmatory factor analysis, utilizing the diagonally weighted least squares method, was applied to validate the internal structure of the Spanish version of the SPSQ (S-SPSQ). Fit indices such as GFI, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR were scrutinized. Reliability assessment utilized Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega. Three models were examined: Model I (six factors) displayed robustness, Model II (six factors plus a general factor) did not show substantive improvement, and Model III (Higher Order and Bifactor) excelled in fit while balancing complexity and representation, thus validating the findings of the original SPSQ and indicating similar reliability coefficients. The study offers a balanced perspective on SPS and contributes to cross-cultural validation of an SPS instrument which may facilitate research and guide personalized therapeutic interventions, thus enhancing outcomes for highly sensitive persons.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns and gross motor function of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and typical development: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) may experience impairments in sensory and motor skills that can be interrelated. The purposes of this study were (i) to compare the sensory processing patterns and gross motor function between children and adolescents with DS and with typical development (TD) and (ii) to explore associations between these areas in both DS and TD groups. METHOD: This cross-sectional study involved a sample size of 25 participants with DS (mean age 10.24 ± 2.04 years) and 25 participants with TD (mean age 10.04 ± 2.82 years). The sensory processing patterns were assessed using the Sensory Profile Second Version questionnaire, and the gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) dimensions (D) standing, and (E) walking, running, and jumping. Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test, and the relationship between the variables was examined using Spearman's correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Children with DS showed greater difficulties with sensory processing than TD children in Seeker (P < 0.001), Avoider (P < 0.001), Sensitivity (P < 0.001), Registration (P < 0.001), Auditory (P < 0.001), Touch (P = 0.001), Movements (P = 0.001), Oral (P = 0.028), Conduct (P = 0.005), Socioemotional (P < 0.001), and Attentional (P < 0.001) domains. Additionally, children with DS presented lower gross motor function than TD in GMFM-88, standing (P < 0.001) and walking, running, and jumping (P < 0.001). Correlations were found between greater difficulties with sensory processing in Touch and lower gross motor function in walking, running, and jumping for the DS group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest there are more difficulties in sensory processing patterns and gross motor function in children with DS than in TD. Also, there is a single association between more difficulties in sensory processing and less well-developed motor function in the DS group. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of all these aspects should be performed in children and adolescents with DS, along with the provision of relevant interventions addressing specific needs.

Basal Forebrain Modulation of Olfactory Coding In Vivo.

Sensory perception is one of the most fundamental brain functions, allowing individuals to properly interact and adapt to a constantly changing environment. This process requires the integration of bottom-up and topdown neuronal activity, which is centrally mediated by the basal forebrain, a brain region that has been linked to a series of cognitive processes such as attention and alertness. Here, we review the latest research using optogenetic approaches in rodents and in vivo electrophysiological recordings that are shedding light on the role of this region, in regulating olfactory processing and decisionmaking. Moreover, we summarize evidence highlighting the anatomical and physiological differences in the basal forebrain of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, which could underpin the sensory perception abnormalities they exhibit, and propose this research line as a potential opportunity to understand the neurobiological basis of this disorder.

La percepción sensorial es una de las funciones cerebrales más fundamentales, permitiendo a los individuos interactuar de manera apropiada con el entorno y adaptarse a un ambiente en constante cambio. Este proceso requiere la integración de la actividad neuronal ascendente y descendente, que es mediada por el cerebro basal (BF), una región cerebral que ha sido asociada a una serie de procesos cognitivos, como estados de atención y alerta.En este trabajo revisamos las últimas investigaciones que han utilizado optogenética y registros electrofisiológicos in vivo que han iluminado el rol del BF en el procesamiento olfatorio y la toma de decisiones. Además, resumimos la literatura que destaca las alteraciones fisiológicas y anatómicas del BF de individuos con trastornos del espectro autista, que podrían subyacer las anormalidades en la percepción que presentan, y proponemos esta línea de investigación como una posible oportunidad para entender las bases neurobiológicas de este trastorno.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Toddler Sensory Profile 2 for Brazilian Children Aged 7 to 35 Months.

Aim: To organize a cross-cultural adaptation study and analyze the reproducibility and test-retest reliability of a Brazilian version of the Toddler Sensory Profile 2 (TSP2Br) for children aged 7-35 months. Methods: The English language version of the profile was translated and culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese, administered to 168 caregivers of toddlers aged 7-35 months, and then re-administered to a portion of the sample (39 caregivers; 23%) for 7-14 days for test-retest reliability. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability was analyzed using the Cronbach's alpha and kappa coefficient, respectively. As it is a norm-referenced standardized assessment, the cut-off scores used were 1.0 and 2.0 standard deviations above and below the mean for each group of items established as the preliminary cut-off scores for the Brazilian children. Results: The TSP2Br showed good internal consistency (>0.70) when measured on the total scale; however, when it was analyzed for sensory areas, five to seven areas presented alpha values <.70. By quadrants, alpha was <.70, for all items. The test-retest values fell into the category of near-perfect agreement (.89-.97). The preliminary cut-off points of the Brazilian scores were distinct from those of the Americans. Conclusions: The TSP2Br showed preliminary reliability and validity in the identification of sensory processing problems in Brazilian children aged 7-35 months; however, it would be necessary to increase the sample size to generalize our findings to the general Brazilian population.

Sensory processing and engagement: a systematic review / Processamento sensorial e engajamento: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract The ability of children to organize themselves sensorially in a school environment to remain engaged in their routine activities has been minimally explored by occupational therapists. This study aimed to identify research on sensory processing and engagement carried out by occupational therapists over the past decade. Moreover, it seeks to analyze the depth and quality of discussions regarding the relationship between sensory processing and children's engagement in their occupations. A systematic review was conducted utilizing the descriptors: sensory processing, engagement, and occupational therapy. These descriptors were combined through the AND operator in the VHL, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Included articles, whether in English or other languages, defined and measured sensory processing; highlighted a relationship between child sensory processing and occupational engagement; were published within the past 10 years (2008 to 2018); underwent peer-review; are available in full; involved participants aged 0 to 7 years; and were authored by occupational therapists. The review process was performed by two authors using predefined data fields, which included study quality indicators. The results identified a mere nine articles on this specific theme. An assessment based on the OT Seeker scale revealed scores of moderate magnitude. This suggests a pressing need for occupational therapists to invest in the expansion of discerning research, aiming to elevate scientific evidence regarding the relationship between sensory processing and occupational engagement.

Resumo A capacidade das crianças de se organizarem sensorialmente em ambiente escolar para se manterem engajadas em suas atividades rotineiras tem sido pouco explorada por terapeutas ocupacionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar pesquisas sobre processamento sensorial e engajamento realizadas por terapeutas ocupacionais na última década, bem como avaliar a qualidade das discussões sobre a relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento de crianças em suas ocupações. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada a partir da busca dos descritores: processamento sensorial, engajamento e terapia ocupacional, combinados segundo o operador AND, nas plataformas BVS, PubMed e Web of Science. Os artigos incluídos, tanto em inglês e como em outras línguas, definiram e mediram processamento sensorial; apontaram relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento ocupacional infantil; foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos (de 2008 a 2018); revisados ​​por pares; estão disponíveis na íntegra; envolveram participantes com idade entre 0 e 7 anos, e foram escritos por terapeutas ocupacionais. As revisões foram realizadas por duas autoras usando campos de dados predefinidos, incluindo indicadores de qualidade do estudo. Os resultados identificaram apenas nove artigos sobre esse tema específico. A análise da classificação, com base na escala OT Seeker, revelou escores de magnitude moderada, o que sugere a necessidade de terapeutas ocupacionais investirem na ampliação de pesquisas criteriosas a fim de aumentar os níveis de evidência científica sobre a relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento ocupacional.

Tradução e Adaptação Cultural do School Companion Sensory Profile 2 para Crianças e Jovens Brasileiros / Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the School Companion Sensory Profile 2 for Brazilian Children and Youths

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou adaptar culturalmente, verificar a confiabilidade e sugerir um escore normativo do School Companion Sensory Profile 2 (SCSP-2) para crianças e jovens brasileiros de 3 a 14 anos e 11 meses. O SCSP-2 foi adaptado culturalmente para o Brasil seguindo as etapas de tradução inicial (dois tradutores independentes), tradução conciliada (dois integrantes do comitê técnico), análise de equivalência (quatro especialistas em integração sensorial), retrotradução (dois tradutores de língua materna inglesa), aprovação da autora e pré-teste. O pré-teste verificou a clareza e a compreensão (desdobramento cognitivo/validade de face) e a confiabilidade (equivalência interexaminadores, consistência interna e reprodutibilidade) da versão traduzida, com a participação de 74 professores que responderam ao questionário referente a 146 crianças. Os itens apresentaram índice de concordância acima de 75% no desdobramento cognitivo. A equivalência interexaminadores e teste-reteste apresentaram K ≥ 0,88 em todos os itens pesquisados. Observaram-se valores aceitáveis de consistência interna em quase todas as áreas sensoriais, quadrantes de procura sensorial e sensibilidade sensorial e no fator escolar 2. Os escores preliminares brasileiros são distintos dos americanos. O SCSP-2 adaptado para o Brasil apresenta evidências de validade baseada no conteúdo, além de boa consistência interna, possibilitando identificar problemas de processamento sensorial em crianças e jovens brasileiros.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to adapt culturally, verify the reliability, and suggest a normative score for the School Companion Sensory Profile 2 (SCSP-2) for Brazilian children and youths aged 3 to 14 years and 11 months. The SCSP-2 was culturally adapted for Brazil following the steps of initial translation (two independent translators), reconciled translation (two members of the technical committee), equivalence analysis (four experts in sensory integration), back-translation (two English mother tongue translators), author approval and pre-test. The pre-test verified the clarity and understanding (cognitive unfolding/face validity) and reliability (inter-examiner equivalence, internal consistency, and reproducibility) of the translated version, with the participation of 74 teachers who answered the questionnaire referring to 146 children. The items showed an agreement rate above 75% in cognitive unfolding/face validity. The inter-examiner and test-retest equivalence showed K ≥ 0.88 in all items surveyed. Acceptable internal consistency values were observed in almost all sensory areas, quadrants of sensory seeking and sensory sensitivity, and in the school factor 2. The Brazilian preliminary scores are different from the American ones. The SCSP-2 adapted for Brazil presents evidence of content-based validity and good internal consistency, making it possible to identify sensory processing problems in Brazilian children and youths.

Trastorno del procesamiento sensorial. Una mirada conjunta desde la terapia ocupacional y la otorrinolaringología / Sensory processing disorder. A vision statement from occupational therapy and otolaryngology

Resumen El trastorno del procesamiento sensorial (TPS) es una condición frecuente, pero poco conocida por muchos profesionales de la salud. El procesamiento sensorial se define como la capacidad que posee el sistema nervioso central de interpretar y organizar las sensaciones del propio cuerpo y del ambiente, para su uso efectivo en el entorno mediante respuestas adaptativas. Por lo tanto, cualquier disfunción en el procesamiento (registro, modulación y/o discriminación) de estos estímulos se expresa como una respuesta desadaptativa, siendo significativo cuando esta impacta en la vida diaria del paciente. Es deber del médico sospechar este trastorno, acogiendo al paciente y su familia, derivando oportunamente a terapia ocupacional para su correcta evaluación y eventual manejo de acuerdo con las necesidades de cada paciente.

Abstract Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is an unknown condition for many health care professionals. Sensory processing is defined as the capacity of the central nervous system to interpretate and organize sensations from our own body and from the environment, for their proper use by adaptive responses. Any dysfunction in this processing (registration, modulation and or discrimination) is expressed by a maladaptive response, being considered abnormal when this response has a negative impact in the patient's daily activities. Is our duty as health care workers to suspect this disorder, help our patients and their families by doing a proper referral to an occupational therapist for their evaluation and management, according to each patient needs.

Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Brazilian Children with a Pediatric Feeding Disorder.

In this study, we aimed to relate anthropometric parameters and sensory processing in typically developing Brazilian children diagnosed with a pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). This was a retrospective study of typically developing children with a PFD. Anthropometric data were collected and indices of weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) were analyzed as z-scores. Sensory profile data were collected for auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular, and oral sensory processing. We included 79 medical records of children with a PFD. There were no statistically significant (p > 0.05) relationships between the anthropometric variables (weight-, length/height-, or BMI-for-age) and the sensory variables (auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular, or oral sensory processing). In conclusion, we found no relationship between anthropometric parameters and sensory processing in the sample of typically developing Brazilian children diagnosed with a PFD under study.

Altered Sensory Representations in Parkinsonian Cortical and Basal Ganglia Networks.

In parkinsonian conditions, network dynamics in the cortical and basal ganglia circuits present abnormal oscillations and periods of high synchrony, affecting the functionality of multiple striatal regions including the sensorimotor striatum. However, it is still unclear how these altered dynamics impact on sensory processing, a key feature for motor control that is severely impaired in parkinsonian patients. A major confound is that pathological dynamics in sensorimotor networks may elicit unspecific motor responses that may alter sensory representations through sensory feedback, making it difficult to disentangle motor and sensory components. To address this issue, we studied sensory processing using an anesthetized model with robust sensory representations throughout cortical and basal ganglia sensory regions and limited motor confounds in control and hemiparkinsonian rats. A general screening of sensory-evoked activity in large populations of neurons recorded in the primary sensory cortex (S1), dorsolateral striatum (DLS) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) revealed increased excitability and altered sensory representations in the three regions. Further analysis revealed uncoordinated population dynamics between DLS and S1/SNr. Finally, DLS lesions in hemiparkinsonian animals partially recovered population dynamics and execution in the rotarod.

Distinct neuron phenotypes may serve object feature sensing in the electrosensory lobe of Gymnotus omarorum.

Early sensory relay circuits in the vertebrate medulla often adopt a cerebellum-like organization specialized for comparing primary afferent inputs with central expectations. These circuits usually have a dual output, carried by center ON and center OFF neurons responding in opposite ways to the same stimulus at the center of their receptive fields. Here, we show in the electrosensory lateral line lobe of Gymnotiform weakly electric fish that basilar pyramidal neurons, representing 'ON' cells, and non-basilar pyramidal neurons, representing 'OFF' cells, have different intrinsic electrophysiological properties. We used classical anatomical techniques and electrophysiological in vitro recordings to compare these neurons. Basilar neurons are silent at rest, have a high threshold to intracellular stimulation, delayed responses to steady-state depolarization and low pass responsiveness to membrane voltage variations. They respond to low-intensity depolarizing stimuli with large, isolated spikes. As stimulus intensity increases, the spikes are followed by a depolarizing after-potential from which phase-locked spikes often arise. Non-basilar neurons show a pacemaker-like spiking activity, smoothly modulated in frequency by slow variations of stimulus intensity. Spike-frequency adaptation provides a memory of their recent firing, facilitating non-basilar response to stimulus transients. Considering anatomical and functional dimensions, we conclude that basilar and non-basilar pyramidal neurons are clear-cut, different anatomo-functional phenotypes. We propose that, in addition to their role in contrast processing, basilar pyramidal neurons encode sustained global stimuli such as those elicited by large or distant objects while non-basilar pyramidal neurons respond to transient stimuli due to movement of objects with a textured surface.

Different mating contexts lead to extensive rewiring of female brain coexpression networks in the guppy.

Understanding the basis of behavior requires dissecting the complex waves of gene expression that underlie how the brain processes stimuli and produces an appropriate response. In order to determine the dynamic nature of the neurogenomic network underlying mate choice, we use transcriptome sequencing to capture the female neurogenomic response in two brain regions involved in sensory processing and decision-making under different mating and social contexts. We use differential coexpression (DC) analysis to evaluate how gene networks in the brain are rewired when a female evaluates attractive and nonattractive males, greatly extending current single-gene approaches to assess changes in the broader gene regulatory network. We find the brain experiences a remarkable amount of network rewiring in the different mating and social contexts we tested. Further analysis indicates the network differences across contexts are associated with behaviorally relevant functions and pathways, particularly learning, memory and other cognitive functions. Finally, we identify the loci that display social context-dependent connections, revealing the basis of how relevant neurological and metabolic pathways are differentially recruited in distinct social contexts. More broadly, our findings contribute to our understanding of the genetics of mating and social behavior by identifying gene drivers behind behavioral neural processes, illustrating the utility of DC analysis in neurosciences and behavior.

Association between sensory processing and activity performance in children with cerebral palsy levels I-II on the gross motor function classification system.

BACKGROUND: Investigating the influence of sensory processing disorders on the level of function of children with cerebral palsy (CP) may help therapists identify specific impairments that impact activity and participation in these children. This may provide direction on selection of interventions to improve function and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if sensory processing disorders in children with CP levels I and II on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) are associated with activity performance. METHODS: Sensory processing and activity performance of 28 children with CP between 5 and 15 years (mean ±â€¯standard deviation; 9.9 ±â€¯3.2 years) were evaluated using the Sensory Profile (SP) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), respectively. Associations between the components of the SP and PEDI were assessed with Spearman correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analysis using backward stepwise method was used to determine the variables of sensory processing that are associated with activity performance on the PEDI. RESULTS: The category of Behavioral Outcomes of Sensory Processing was the only variable associated with Functional Abilities in self-care and social function (r2 = 0.30 and r2 = 0.39, respectively) and Caregiver Assistance (r2 = 0.36 and r2 = 0.37, respectively), (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sensory processing in children with CP levels I-II on the GMFCS is associated with their ability to perform daily living activities and in their social interaction with the environment.

Patrones de procesamiento sensorial e intervención temprana en niños menores de 3 años: una revisión de la literatura / Sensory processing patterns and early intervention in children under 3 years of age: a review of the literature

La presente revisión se centra en proporcionar una visión general de la literatura que identifica estudios enfocados en definir los patrones de procesamiento sensorial en niños menores de 3 años y los enfoques de intervención identificados en esta población. Durante la última década ha existido un crecimiento constante de la literatura relacionada con el procesamiento sensorial en los niños pequeños, sin embargo, la información disponible entre las diferentes publicaciones es aún limitada y segmentada. En esta revisión se recopilaron 15 artículos sobre los patrones de procesamiento sensorial en los niños pequeños y 10 artículos relacionados con los enfoques de intervención para un total de 25 artículos publicados entre 2007 y 2017. Del análisis de la información obtenida acerca de los patrones de procesamiento sensorial, surgieron los siguientes temas: el diagnóstico y los factores de riesgo, el tipo de disfunción del procesamiento sensorial y el impacto funcional. Entre los temas que surgieron al analizar los enfoques de intervención, se destaca la importancia de la familia como un tema general que abarca subtemas de intervención, tales como: estrategias sensoriales, capacitación de los padres e intervenciones grupales. Si bien es necesario continuar desarrollando investigaciones que amplíen nuestro conocimiento en relación con estos temas en general, la evidencia apoya la efectividad de la intervención temprana.

La presente revisión se centra en proporcionar una visión general de la literatura que identifica estudios enfocados en definir los patrones de procesamiento sensorial en niños menores de 3 años y los enfoques de intervención identificados en esta población. Durante la última década ha existido un crecimiento constante de la literatura relacionada con el procesamiento sensorial en los niños pequeños, sin embargo, la información disponible entre las diferentes publicaciones es aún limitada y segmentada. En esta revisión se recopilaron 15 artículos sobre los patrones de procesamiento sensorial en los niños pequeños y 10 artículos relacionados con los enfoques de intervención para un total de 25 artículos publicados entre 2007 y 2017. Del análisis de la información obtenida acerca de los patrones de procesamiento sensorial, surgieron los siguientes temas: el diagnóstico y los factores de riesgo, el tipo de disfunción del procesamiento sensorial y el impacto funcional. Entre los temas que surgieron al analizar los enfoques de intervención, se destaca la importancia de la familia como un tema general que abarca subtemas de intervención, tales como: estrategias sensoriales, capacitación de los padres e intervenciones grupales. Si bien es necesario continuar desarrollando investigaciones que amplíen nuestro conocimiento en relación con estos temas en general, la evidencia apoya la efectividad de la intervención temprana.

Versão Portuguesa da Medida do Processamento Sensorial Préescola: Análise da Consistência Interna e Homogeneidade dos Itens do Formulário Escola / A Portuguese Version of the Sensory Processing Measure for Preschool: Analysis of the Internal Consistency and Homogeneity of the Items of School Form

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, tem havido na literatura uma larga estimativa de prevalência de desordens do processamento sensorial. A avaliação dessas dificuldades deve fazer parte da competência dos profissionais que desenvolvem o seu trabalho com crianças que as apresentam por meio de instrumentos validados. Este estudo examina a consistência interna e homogeneidade dos itens da versão portuguesa do Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P). Foi aplicado o SPM-P a cem crianças entre os 2 e os 5 anos de idade que frequentavam a creche e o jardim de infância com o objetivo de determinar a sua fiabilidade e a validade. A análise da correlação de Pearson (homogeneidade dos itens) e do alfa de Cronbach (consistência interna) determinou a exclusão de quatro itens. Os valores de alfa de Cronbach para as várias dimensões ("Participação Social", "Visão", "Audição", "Toque", "Consciência Corporal", "Equilíbrio", "Planeamento Motor e Ideias") oscilou entre ‹=0.742 ("Visão" e "Toque") e ‹=0.908 ("Consciência Corporal"). Os resultados deste estudo mostram que o SPM-P é um instrumento de rastreio válido e fiável para despistar as dificuldades de processamento sensorial das crianças Portuguesas com idades compreendidas entre os 2 e os 5 anos integradas em contexto escolar.

ABSTRACT: Over the past several years, a wide range of estimates of the prevalence of sensory processing disorders has emerged in the literature. The assessment of these difficulties should be part of the competence of professionals working with children with these kinds of needs through validated instruments. This study examined the internal consistency and items homogeneity of a Portuguese language version of the Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P). One hundred typically developing children aged between 2 and 5 years were recruited at Nursery Schools and assessed using the SPM-P to determine its reliability and validity. Pearson correlation (item homogeneity) and Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) determined the exclusion of 4 items. Cronbach's alpha values for the different dimensions ("Social Participation", "Vision", "Hearing", "Touch", "Body Awareness", "Balance and Motion", "Planning and Ideas") ranged from 0.742 ("Vision" and "Touch") and 0.908 ("Body Awareness"). The findings of this study showed that the SPM-P is a valid and reliable tool in screening for sensory processing difficulties in Portuguese preschool children aged between 2 and 5 years in a nursery school setting.

Percepção de Professores em Relação ao Processamento Sensorial de Estudantes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista / Teachers' Perception in Relation to the Sensory Processing of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou identificar a percepção dos professores em relação ao processamento sensorial de estudantes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Participaram da pesquisa 19 professores de Educação Infantil e Ensino Fundamental I de escolas públicas de um município do interior do estado de São Paulo, bem como seus 62 estudantes. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre os meses de setembro de 2018 e maio de 2019. Foi utilizada a avaliação escalar Perfil Sensorial 2 de Acompanhamento Escolar, que avalia crianças e adolescentes a partir da perspectiva dos professores. A análise dos resultados ocorreu mediante categorias do instrumento. Em todas as categorias, Quadrantes (Exploração, Esquiva, Sensibilidade, Observação), Seções Sensoriais e Comportamentais (Auditivo, Visual, Tato, Movimentos e Comportamental) e Fatores Escolares (Fator Escolar 1, Fator Escolar 2, Fator Escolar 3 e Fator Escolar 4), a classificação de "Mais e Muito Mais que a Maioria dos Outros (as)" expressou a maior porcentagem, totalizando, em todos os aspectos avaliados pelo instrumento, 62,9%. O estudo identificou que estudantes com TEA que apresentam um perfil caraterístico de disfunções de Integração Sensorial sofrem impacto da condição de estrutura e função corporal nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem e na participação em atividades dentro da sala de aula. Os resultados apontam para a importância das ações do terapeuta ocupacional no ambiente escolar por meio do trabalho colaborativo com o professor, visto que os resultados em relação ao perfil sensorial interferem diretamente no desempenho dos estudantes com TEA perante as demandas das atividades no contexto escolar.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify the perception of teachers in relation to the sensory processing of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nineteen teachers of Early Childhood Education and early grades of Elementary Education from public schools in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, participated in the research, as well as their 62 students. Data collection was carried out between the months of September 2018 and May 2019. A scale assessment of the Sensory Profile 2 of School Monitoring was used, which evaluates children and adolescents from the perspective of the teachers. The analysis of the results occurred through the categories of the instrument. In all categories, Quadrants (Sensory seeking, Sensory Avoiding, Sensory Sensitivity And Low Registration), Sensory and Behavioral Sections (Auditory, Visual, Tactile, Vestibular and Behavioral) and School Factors (School Factor 1, School Factor 2, School Factor 3 and School Factor 4 ), the classification of "More and Much More than the Majority of the Others" expressed the highest percentage, totaling, in all aspects assessed by the instrument 62.9%. The study identified that students with ASD, who have a characteristic profile of Sensory Integration dysfunctions are impacted by the condition of body structure and function in the teaching and learning processes and the participation in activities within the classroom. The results point to the importance of the occupational therapist's actions in the school environment through collaborative work with the teacher, since the results in relation to the sensory profile directly interfere with the performance of students with ASD in view of the demands of activities in the school context.

Problems in Audiovisual Filtering for Children with Special Educational Needs.

There is pervasive evidence that problems in sensory processing occur across a range of developmental disorders, but their aetiology and clinical significance remain unclear. The present study investigated the relation between sensory processing and literacy skills in children with and without a background of special educational needs (SEN). Twenty-six children aged between 7 and 12 years old, from both regular classes and SEN programmes, participated. Following baseline tests of literacy, fine motor skills and naming speed, two sets of instruments were administered: the carer-assessed Child Sensory Profile-2 and a novel Audiovisual Animal Stroop (AVAS) test. The SEN group showed significantly higher ratings on three Child Sensory Profile-2 quadrants, together with body position ratings. The SEN participants also showed a specific deficit when required to ignore an accompanying incongruent auditory stimulus on the AVAS. Interestingly, AVAS performance correlated significantly with literacy scores and with the sensory profile scores. It is proposed that the children with SEN showed a specific deficit in "filtering out" irrelevant auditory input. The results highlight the importance of including analysis of sensory processes within theoretical and applied approaches to developmental differences and suggest promising new approaches to the understanding, assessment, and support of children with SEN.

Tradução, adaptação cultural e validação do School Companion Sensory Profile 2 para crianças brasileiras / Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the School Companion Sensory Profile 2 for Brazilian children

Avaliar os padrões de disfunção sensorial através de instrumentos que possam mensurar os resultados é de extrema importância para a avaliação e a elaboração do plano terapêutico com ações e estratégias de intervenção, tanto no contexto clínico como domiciliar e escolar. Estudos para tradução e validação cultural dos instrumentos são essenciais e cada vez mais difundidos no campo da terapia ocupacional, para que os profissionais possam incorporar em sua avaliação instrumentos confiáveis que possam mensurar os resultados da intervenção e que estejam adequados ao público-alvo. Este é um estudo metodológico, transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, que teve como objetivo descrever o processo de tradução, adaptação cultural e validação das propriedades psicométricas do instrumento School Companion Sensory Profile 2 (SCSP 2) para crianças brasileiras. A pesquisa foi realizada em escolas públicas e particulares de Franca/ SP e conduzida no Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa de Terapia Ocupacional na Infância e Adolescência (LEPTOI) da Universidade de São Paulo. A amostra total incluiu 74 professores de crianças e adolescentes de 3 a 14 anos e 11 meses, que responderam ao questionário referente a 146 crianças. Método: A versão em português para o Brasil foi obtida através de duas etapas principais: a primeira consistiu do processo de tradução, retrotradução e estudo de validade de face; na segunda etapa, foram realizados estudos psicométricos por meio da consistência interna, fidedignidade teste-reteste, análise fatorial confirmatória, e análise de pontos de corte de escores. Para a primeira etapa, os resultados revelaram que, a partir da validade de face, houve adequação semântica e compreensibilidade do instrumento por parte dos respondentes. Para a segunda etapa, o software STATA auxiliou nas análises, e o SCSP 2 apresentou consistência interna total > 0.96, mas quando analisado por áreas sensoriais a consistência foi entre 0.7 e 0.9 para todas as áreas com exceção da área comportamental. Os quadrantes "procura sensorial" e "sensibilidade sensorial" apresentaram a média dos valores de alfa de 0.8 e os quadrantes "evita sensorial" e "registro sensorial" apresentaram a média dos valores de alfa de 0.9. Os fatores escolares apresentaram a média dos valores de alfa de 0.9, com exceção do fator 2 que apresentou a média de 0.8. Sobre o teste-reteste, houve alta concordância com valor de Kappa ponderado na categoria quase perfeita. Entretanto, a análise fatorial não confirma a estrutura atual desse instrumento. A rotação da matriz mostrou que itens poderiam ser alocados em domínios diferentes aos que pertencem originalmente, mostrando correlações distintas entre os itens e dimensões. Os pontos de corte dos escores brasileiros foram pouco diferentes dos americanos. Algumas questões a serem exploradas são em relação à equivalência da estrutura do instrumento, a equivalência das cargas, a quantidade de itens, a covariância entre os fatores do instrumento e os erros de medida. Estudos futuros poderão verificar a validade e confiabilidade do SCSP 2 entre diferentes populações com uso de instrumentos que possam avaliar o mesmo constructo, observando validades convergentes e discriminantes.

Assessing patterns of sensory dysfunction through instruments that can also measure the results is of extremely importance for the evaluation and development of the therapeutic plan with intervention actions and strategies, both in the clinical, family and school contexts. Studies of translation and cultural validation of instruments are essential and are being increasingly widespread in the field of Occupational Therapy in a way that professionals can incorporate in their assessments reliable instruments that can also measure the results of the intervention and that are suitable for the target audience. This is a methodological, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, which aimed to describe the process of translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the psychometric properties of the School Companion Sensory Profile 2 (SCSP 2) for Brazilian children. The research was carried out in public and private schools in Franca/SP and conducted at the Teaching and Research Laboratory of Occupational Therapy in Childhood and Adolescence (LEPTOI) at the University of São Paulo. The total sample included 74 teachers of children and adolescents aged 3 to 14 years and 11 months, who answered the questionnaire about 146 children. Method: The Portuguese version for Brazil was obtained through two main steps: the first consisted of the translation process, back-translation, content validity study and pre-test phase in a pilot study. In the second step, psychometric studies were carried out using internal consistency, test- retest reliability, confirmatory factor analysis, and analysis of cut-off points for scores. First stage results revealed that, from the face validity, there was semantic adequacy and comprehensibility of both instruments by the respondents. The STATA software aided in the analysis in the second stage, in which the SCSP 2 showed total internal consistency > 0.96, but when analyzed by sensory areas, the consistency was between 0.7 and 0.9 for all areas except the behavioral area. The quadrants "sensory seeking" and "sensory sensitivity" presented the average of the alpha values of 0.8 and the quadrants "sensory avoidance" and "sensory registration" had the average of the alpha values of 0.9. School factors had an average of alpha values of 0.9, with the exception of factor 2, which had an average of 0.8. Regarding the test-retest for both instruments, there was a high level of agreement with the weighted Kappa value in the almost perfect category. However, factor analysis does not confirm the current structure of this instrument. The matrix rotation showed that items could be allocated in different domains to those they originally belong, showing distinct correlations between the items and dimensions. The cut-off points for Brazilian scores were slightly different when compared with the American scores. Some questions to be explored are in relation to the equivalence of the instrument's structure, the equivalence of the loads, the number of items, the covariance between the factors of the instrument and the measurement errors. Future studies will be able to verify the validity and reliability of SCSP 2 among different populations using instruments that can assess the same construct, observing convergent and discriminating validities.

Psychometric Properties Of The Highly Sensitive Person Scale In Mexican Population.

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a genetically-determined trait that allows people to notice external and internal subtleties in sensory stimuli easily. This feature provides certain advantages to those who possess it, such as, greater empathy, artistic tastes or skills, also, this people can get greater benefit in circumstances with little exposure to sensory input. However, an unfavorable feature of the trait is an increased vulnerability to development psychopathology. In Mexico there is not an instrument to assess the presence of the SPS, thus, the purpose of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSP Scale) in Mexican population. The results showed that the adaptation of HSP Scale has adequate psychometric properties, so the essential contribution of this study is to provide a reliable and valid instrument that allows to discriminate the presence of the SPS.