Use of sensory processing information in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children at an Australian community hospital.

The study was exploratory with a small sample size, limiting generalisability to broader populations. Modified scales were created based on one clinician's experience rather than expert consensus, introducing potential bias in item selection. DSM-5 criteria were assumed absent if not documented in the paediatrician's letter, which may have led to misclassification. The 'no diagnosis' group included children with other conditions like trauma and learning difficulties, who may have had sensory differences, complicating the comparison.

The authors declared no competing interests. The first and third authors worked with the multidisciplinary team service where the study was conducted, which may introduce positional bias.

Do not use these modified sensory scales to diagnose ADHD or to rule out autism. The study showed these scales failed to distinguish ADHD from no diagnosis and were only moderately accurate for autism traits in a small, exploratory sample.