Sensory processing differences and behavioural problems in children with autism: a retrospective study using statistical modelling and multi-output machine learning

BACKGROUND: Sensory processing differences (SPDs) are common in children with autism, yet their specific contributions to behavioural problems remain insufficiently explored. To examine how SPDs relate to behavioural problems in children with autism and to identify key sensory predictors and sensory-based subtypes associated with behavioural risk. METHODS: The retrospective study included 127 children with autism (1-7 years) who received rehabilitation training at a tertiary children's hospital between 2020 and 2024. Fifteen SPD features across visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory/olfactory and vestibular/proprioceptive modalities (covering sensitivity, hyporesponsivity and seeking behaviours) and six behavioural problems were coded as binary variables based on parent-reported questionnaires. Associations were analysed using Phi correlations and logistic regression. A multi-output random forest with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) evaluated the joint predictive value of SPDs. Hierarchical clustering using Jaccard distance was used to identify sensory subtypes and compare behavioural profiles. RESULTS: Vestibular/proprioceptive seeking was positively associated with frequent tantrums (φ=0.30) and emerged as an independent predictor (OR=3.83, 95% CI 1.65 to 8.90). Visual seeking was negatively associated with difficulty adapting to routine changes (φ=-0.23; OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.78). The multi-output random forest showed moderate performance. SHAP analysis highlighted auditory sensitivity and multiple seeking behaviours as major contributors. Clustering revealed a 'multi-sensory seeking' subtype with higher rates of tantrums. CONCLUSIONS: SPDs are meaningfully linked to behavioural problems in autism. Vestibular/proprioceptive seeking and auditory sensitivity are key behavioural risk indicators, while visual seeking may support adaptability. Sensory-based profiling has the potential to identify children at elevated behavioural risk and guide personalised intervention planning.