Sensory reactivity assessment in children: A systematic review

Aim To identify sensory reactivity assessments published in the literature for children aged 3 to 12 years and evaluate their psychometric properties to select the most appropriate one for adaptation to South Africa, with implications for other low‐ and middle‐income countries. Method We addressed the following two review questions. What tests have been published in the literature in the past 30 years to evaluate sensory reactivity with children aged 3 to 12 years? What is the validity and reliability of the tests reported in the studies? The COnsensus‐based standards for the Selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology was used. We searched eight databases. Two reviewers independently screened and selected the studies. Results The reviewers identified 41 studies, representing 19 assessments. The most common type of assessment was the proxy‐reported caregiver questionnaire. Sensory systems most often assessed were visual, tactile, auditory, and vestibular. Study populations included those with autism spectrum disorder, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and children born preterm. Ratings for measurement properties of most assessments were moderate to low. Interpretation Limited psychometric information was reported, with low ratings for many properties. The Sensory Processing 3‐Dimensions Scale was selected on the basis of its psychometric properties and alignment with best‐practice recommendation to use a caregiver questionnaire and a performance test to assess sensory reactivity. This systematic review identified sensory reactivity assessments used with children and evaluated their measurement properties. Nineteen assessments were identified, most with moderate to low ratings for their measurement properties. The SP‐3D Scale was selected as the most appropriate to adapt for the South African context.