The Relationship Between Executive Functions and Sensory Processing with Emotional Recognition in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Objectives:  Considering attention capacity along with cognitive and emotional problems of autistic children has been of utmost interest among researchers in recent years. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between executive functions, emotional recognition and sensory processing in autistic children. Methods:  The study was correlational. 82 children with autism spectrum disorder with ages ranging from 6 - 11 years were chosen based on convenience sampling in Tehran. The modified Benton face recognition test, short sensory profile and executive functions questionnaires (Brief) of parent form were administered in order to measure the variables. Pearson correlation and multiple regressions were used to analyze the data at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results:  The results suggested that there was a positive relationship between the executive functions and emotional recognition, while a negative relationship was found between the sensory processing and emotional recognition in autistic children. Regression analyses revealed that emotional recognition could be predicted through the components of executive functioning and sensory processing. Conclusions:  It was concluded that, emotional functions and sensory processing modification can help reducing emotional problems and emotional recognition of children with autism spectrum.