Reference values for the adolescent/adult sensory profile in Spain

Abstract

[Abstract] Importance: In Spain, only one culturally adapted assessment tool is available for children between ages 3 and 11 yr. There are no assessments of adolescent and adult sensory processing, and no normative data.

Objective: To obtain reference values for the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) in Spain for adolescents (aged 11-17) and adults (aged 18-64 and ≥65).

Design: A multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare specific mean values (-2, -1, +1, and +2 standard deviation [SD]) by age group, gender, geographic area, education level, and employment status.

Participants: We randomly recruited 787 participants (55.8% female) aged 11 yr or older (mean age = 32.1, SD = 21.1) in Spain. We excluded those with a diagnosis of depression, chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, cancer, neurological disease), or cognitive disability and those who used medication that could affect the central nervous system.

Results: Quadrant mean (SD) scores ranged from 29.3 (6.6) for low registration to 49.1 (8.3) for sensory seeking, with significant differences by age group (p < .001) in all quadrants. Significant differences were also found for scores in different quadrants by gender, geographic area, education level, and employment status. Although statistically significant, the differences between scores were not clinically relevant; the mean scores fell within the typical range for sensory processing.

Conclusions and relevance: We offer reference values for the cultural adaptation to Spain of the AASP and recommend its use for the typically developing Spanish population ages 11 and older.

What this article adds: We provide normative data for the AASP for three age groups of the Spanish population: adolescents, adults, and older adults.