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Sensory Processing and Executive Function Skills

Do you wonder if sensory processing and executive function skills are related? Is there an association between the two?

Sensory processing is receiving sensory input, organizing the input, and formulating a plan of action or response based on that input. Executive function skills include planning, organization, working memory, initiation, task monitoring, self-monitoring, inhibition, emotional control, and shifting/flexibility.

What Does the Research Say on Sensory Processing and Executive Function Skills?

A recent study published in Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention investigated the relationship between sensory processing and executive function skills in 40 school-aged children. The parents of the typically developing children completed the Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, Second Edition (BRIEF-2).

Following data analysis, the results indicated the following:

  • The SP-2 Avoiding, Sensitivity and Registration quadrant subscales were found to be significant predictors of the four BRIEF composite index scores.
  • The SP-2 Body Position sensory subscale made unique contributions to the total variance of three BRIEF composite index models – Behavior Regulation Index, Emotional Regulation Index and Global Executive Composite.
  • The SP-2 Conduct behavioral subscale was also a unique contributor to three of the BRIEF composite index models’ total variance – Behavior Regulation Index, Cognitive Regulation Index and Global Executive Composite.

The researchers concluded that children’s sensory processing and their executive functioning were strongly associated. There was a statistically significant predictive relationship between sensory processing as measured by the SP-2 and executive function as measured by the BRIEF-2.

What Does the Research Say on Executive Functions and Sensory Processing and Autism?

Additional research published in the International Journal of Sport Studies for Health, examined the relationship between executive functions, emotional recognition and sensory processing in 82 children with autism spectrum disorder ranging in age from 6-11 years old.

The modified Benton face recognition test, short sensory profile and executive functions questionnaires (Brief) of parent form were administered and the data was analyzed.

The results indicated that:

  • there was a positive relationship between the executive functions and emotional recognition.
  • a negative relationship was found between sensory processing and emotional recognition.
  • emotional recognition could be predicted through the components of executive functioning and sensory processing.

The researchers concluded that emotional functions and sensory processing modification can help reducing emotional problems and emotional recognition of children with autism spectrum.

References

Brown, T., Swayn, E., & Pérez Mármol, J. M. (2021). The Relationship between Children’s Sensory Processing and Executive Functions: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 1-18.

Erfanian, F., Hashemi Razini, H., & Ramshini, M. (2018). The relationship between executive functions and sensory processing with emotional recognition in autism spectrum disorder. International journal of Sport Studies for Health, 1(2).

Resources to Help Children with Sensory Processing and Executive Functions

Created by a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, this Sort and Match Emotions and Self Regulation Strategies Activity is a great addition any self regulation/behavior/social emotional learning curriculum (How Does Your Engine Run™, PBIS™, SEL™, Zones of Regulation™…) for fun ways to review and master the material. Check out the Teen Self-Regulation and Emotions Adapted Book here.

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook (digital download) is your strategy guide for turning sensory diets and sensory activities into a sensory lifestyle.  Written by Occupational Therapist, Colleen Beck, The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook includes a 133 page PDF document filled with information on the sensory system and the whole child, sensory diets and how to create a lifestyle for sensory success.  This book is suitable for therapists, parents, teachers or anyone who wants to help children with their sensory needs.

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