CAS CAS Sensory Processing & Integration Competency 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sensory processing pattern is most commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
- Hypo-responsiveness only
- Hyper-responsiveness only
- A combination of hyper- and hypo-responsiveness across different sensory domains (Correct answer)
- No sensory processing differences
Correct answer: A combination of hyper- and hypo-responsiveness across different sensory domains
Individuals with ASD often display a mixed profile of both hyper- and hypo-responsiveness that varies across sensory systems and contexts.
Question 2: What term describes a decreased or absent response to sensory stimuli in individuals with ASD?
- Sensory modulation disorder
- Hypo-responsiveness (Correct answer)
- Hyperreactivity
- Sensory defensiveness
Correct answer: Hypo-responsiveness
Hypo-responsiveness refers to reduced or absent behavioral reactions to sensory input that would typically elicit a response.
Question 3: Which intervention framework specifically addresses sensory processing differences through structured sensory activities and environments?
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Sensory Integration Therapy (SI) (Correct answer)
- Social Stories
- Discrete Trial Training
Correct answer: Sensory Integration Therapy (SI)
Sensory Integration Therapy, developed by A. Jean Ayres, uses meaningful sensory-motor activities to improve sensory processing and adaptive responses.
Question 4: A child with ASD covers their ears frequently in the cafeteria. This behavior most likely reflects:
- Auditory hypo-responsiveness
- Auditory hyper-responsiveness (Correct answer)
- Vestibular dysfunction
- Proprioceptive seeking
Correct answer: Auditory hyper-responsiveness
Covering ears in response to loud or complex sound environments is a classic sign of auditory hyper-responsiveness, indicating over-sensitivity to sound.
Question 5: Which sensory system provides information about body position, muscle tension, and joint movement?
- Vestibular
- Interoceptive
- Proprioceptive (Correct answer)
- Olfactory
Correct answer: Proprioceptive
The proprioceptive system processes sensory input from muscles and joints, giving the brain information about body position and movement.
Question 6: What is the term for self-stimulatory repetitive sensory behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking) observed in many individuals with ASD?
- Echolalia
- Stimming (Correct answer)
- Perseveration
- Scripting
Correct answer: Stimming
'Stimming' (self-stimulation) refers to repetitive sensory behaviors that individuals with ASD use to self-regulate or gain sensory input.
CAS CAS Sensory Processing & Integration Competency 1
Which sensory processing pattern is most commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?