Development and validation of a computerized scale for sensory profile assessment of children with autism spectrum disorder: The parent version

Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience sensory processing difficulties. Accurate identification of their sensory profile can play a crucial role in designing effective therapeutic and educational interventions. Aim: This study aimed to develop and validate a computerized scale for assessing the sensory profile of children with ASD (the parent version). Method: This was a psychometric study. The statistical population included parents (or primary caregivers) of 800 children with ASD in Tehran in 2023 selected through convenience sampling. The research instrument was a researcher-made sensory profile questionnaire. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and concurrent validity was examined using the Three-Dimensional Sensory Processing Scale. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed seven factors in both sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant domains: tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory. First-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the presence of these seven factors, and second-order analysis supported the two overarching structures of sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant. Correlations between these domains and subscales of the Three-Dimensional Sensory Processing Scale were significant and positive. All reliability coefficients exceeded 0.70. Conclusion: The computerized sensory profile scale for children with ASD demonstrates acceptable validity and reliability and can be a useful tool in research and clinical assessments. Its application is recommended for screening and intervention programs, as well as for cross-age and cross-cultural validity studies.