The American Journal of Occupational Therapy; Bethesda Vol. 72, Iss. 1,  (Jan/Feb 2018): 1-8. A systematic review of 35 studies of the occupational performance challenges of children with sensory difficulties (including children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder) identified difficulties in the areas of play, leisure, and social participation (Koenig & Rudney, 2010). Past research on the relationship between sensory processing and pretend play in children has involved children with autism or Fragile X syndrome (Reynolds, Bendixen, Lawrence, & Lane, 2011). Because the children in these studies had identified play deficits and sensory processing difficulties, the relationship between sensory processing and play could not be established..... To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.