Thesis:

”A Comparison of Emotional Resilience٫ Need for a Structured Envirenment٫ and Auditory Sensory Sensitivity in Children with Speech and Language Delay and Children with Autism in Sabzevar City”

The present study aimed to compare emotional resilience, the need for a structured environment, and sensory sensitivity to sounds in children with speech and language delay and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sabzevar. This study was applied in terms of purpose and causal-comparative (ex post facto) in terms of methodology. The statistical population included all children with ASD and children with speech and language delay referred to rehabilitation centers, speech therapy clinics, and special education centers in Sabzevar in 2026. The research sample consisted of 60 children (30 with ASD and 30 with speech and language delay), selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Dunn’s Sensory Profile, and the MacArthur Bats Need for Structured Environment Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and independent t-tests. The findings indicated a significant difference between children with ASD and children with speech and language delay regarding the combined variables of emotional resilience, need for a structured environment, and sensory sensitivity to sounds (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that children with ASD have lower emotional resilience, a higher need for a structured environment, and greater sensory sensitivity to sounds compared to children with speech and language delay (P < 0.05). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that although both groups face developmental and communication challenges, they differ significantly in terms of emotional characteristics and sensory processing. These differences highlight the necessity of designing educational, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions tailored to the specific characteristics of each group. Focusing on strengthening emotional resilience, reducing sensory sensitivities, and providing educational environments adapted to the needs of children with ASD can be effective in improving their adjustment, social functioning, and quality of life.

Keywords: Keywords: Emotional resilience, Need for a structured environment, Sensory sensitivity to sounds, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech and language delay, Children.