Self-Rated Sensory Features Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Clinical Correlates
Open AccessPrevious literature indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience unusual sensory processing; however, little research exists to determine the impact of these sensory symptoms in adolescents and adults. The present study uses the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile to examine self-rated sensory experiences in adolescents and adults with ASD. More specifically, the study aimed to determine (a) whether there are differences between individuals with ASD and typically developing controls in their sensory profile, and (b) whether these self-rated sensory processing difficulties are associated with anxiety and/or restricted, repetitive behaviors in adolescents and adults with ASD. Results revealed increased sensory processing abnormalities in adolescents and adults with ASD as compared to typically developing controls. Thus, indicating that adolescents and adults with ASD are more likely to report discomfort in response to sensory stimuli, engage in behaviors to intentionally avoid sensory stimuli, and show a slowed response to sensory input. However, they are less likely to actively seek out sensory stimuli. Additionally, results revealed correlations between informant reports of restricted and repetitive behaviors and self-rated atypical sensory experiences. Implications from the results demonstrate a need for additional research of sensory processes among adolescents and adults with ASD. In particular, research should seek to evaluate responses to sensory stimuli by domain (e.g., taste, smell, auditory, etc.) and should focus on individual differences within the ASD population.
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