Relationship Between Postural Stability and Auditory Processing in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigates the intricate relationship between sensory processing and postural control in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on the influence of auditory noise. Thirty-two children, aged 6-12, participated in playful experiments during a summer camp, including 21 with ASD and 11 typically developing (TD). Utilizing a force plate, participants performed tandem stance under two auditory conditions: heavy rain noise at an intensity of 75-80dB (NOISE) and 43-47dB (NORMAL). Postural stability was assessed through the duration of tandem stance, low- and high-frequency components of center of pressure (CoP) velocity. Sensory difficulties were measured using the Sensory Processing Measures, Second Edition (SPM™-2), a parent-report survey.Results indicate that 16 ASD children successfully completed the task, standing longer in tandem under NOISE compared to NORMAL, while all TD children achieved the maximum duration. CoP velocity decreased in NOISE for both groups, with significant differences in the low-frequency component between ASD and TD participants. Further analysis within the ASD group revealed that those with severe auditory difficulties exhibited reduced postural stability, particularly in the low-frequency component under NOISE. However, sensory challenges in other domains did not significantly impact postural stability.In sum, this research demonstrates the positive influence of appropriate auditory stimuli on postural control in children with ASD. While affirming the feasibility of the inclusive, community-centered approach, future studies should employ diverse conditions and larger sample sizes to elucidate underlying mechanisms. This exploration contributes to a deeper understanding of sensory-motor interactions in ASD, providing a foundation for potential therapeutic interventions.