Linking Sensory Processing and Fine Motor Function to Daily Living Skills: A Comparative Study Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Typically Developing Peers

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the relationship of sensory processing and fine motor abilities with daily living skills (DLS) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome (DS), and typical development (TD) in Malaysia. Understanding these relationships can inform culturally relevant and effective rehabilitation approaches. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design was employed with 120 children aged 5–6 years (40 ASD, 40 DS, 40 TD). Sensory processing was assessed using the Short Sensory Profile–2 (SSP-2), while fine motor skills and DLS were measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (VABS-3). Group differences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and relationships among domains were examined with Spearman’s correlations. Results: Significant group differences were observed across sensory, fine motor, and adaptive domains (p < .001). Children with ASD demonstrated the greatest sensory modulation difficulties, while those with DS showed milder but distinctive under-responsive patterns. TD children exhibited the best performance across all measures. Fine motor skills were strongly associated with DLS in all groups (ρ = .907, p < .01). Among children with ASD, all sensory quadrants were significantly correlated with DLS (ρ = .722–.908, p < .001), indicating a strong sensory-functional link. Conclusions: Sensory and fine motor domains contribute differently to adaptive functioning (DLS) across diagnoses. Early, integrated sensory-motor interventions may enhance daily independence, particularly for children with ASD. These findings provide culturally specific evidence to guide pediatric rehabilitation practice in Malaysia.