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Relationship Between Sensory Deficits and Externalizing Behaviors in an Urban, Latino Preschool Population

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between sensory deficits and externalizing behavior problems in preschool children. Parents of 179 urban, Latino preschool children completed two parent-report measures, the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), as a checklist for sensory symptoms, and the Achenbach Checklist for Ages 1½–5 (CBCL/1½–5) to assess externalizing behavior problems. Measures were available in Spanish or English depending on the parent’s preference. Correlations were performed between the total sensory deficits scale of the SSP and the Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Externalizing Problems scales of the CBCL. Significant correlations were found between increasing levels of sensory deficits and increasing externalizing behavior problems. Correlations were also examined in subcategories of age, gender and socioeconomic status. Five-year-old children showed stronger correlations than 4-year-old children, while males showed stronger correlations than females, and the highest correlations were found in children of families reporting between $18,001 and $24,000 per year annual income. Findings suggest that Latino preschool children with externalizing behavior problems may suffer from delays in sensory development that impact their behavior. Clinical interventions should promote strategies that either reduce or increase environmental stimuli in accordance with the sensory abilities of the individual child.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the El Monte Unified School District, the Family Center, Robin Leonard, M.A., Michael P. Wolff, Psy.D., and the families who participated in this study. Financial support for this project was provided by a Faculty Research Grant from Azusa Pacific University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Psychology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 455 S. Main St, Orange, CA, 92868-3874, USA

    Timothy E. Gunn

  2. Department of Pediatric Psychology, Denver Children’s Hospital, 13123 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Bethany D. Tavegia

  3. Department of Psychology, Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., P.O. Box 7000, Azusa, CA, 91702-7000, USA

    Beth M. Houskamp, Laura B. McDonald, Joy M. Bustrum & Robert K. Welsh

  4. Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Av. Padre Tomas Pereira, Taipa, Macau, China

    Doris S. Mok

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  1. Timothy E. Gunn
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  2. Bethany D. Tavegia
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  3. Beth M. Houskamp
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Correspondence to Beth M. Houskamp.

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Gunn, T.E., Tavegia, B.D., Houskamp, B.M. et al. Relationship Between Sensory Deficits and Externalizing Behaviors in an Urban, Latino Preschool Population. J Child Fam Stud 18, 653–661 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-009-9266-x

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