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Qdtua L, Williams G, Mulcahy J, Larsson DE, Silva M, Arnold AJ, Critchley HD, Garfinkel SN. "I'm Trying to Reach Out, I'm Trying to Find My People": A Mixed-Methods Investigation of the Link Between Sensory Differences, Loneliness, and Mental Health in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2024; 6:284-299. [PMID: 39371359 PMCID: PMC11447399 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Rates of loneliness are substantially higher among autistic compared with nonautistic individuals. This observation refutes the persistent stereotype that autistic individuals are not motivated to seek meaningful social relationships. More plausibly, social environments systematically exclude people with higher levels of sensory differences, impeding on opportunities for autistic individuals to form meaningful relationships. In this study, we sought to quantify the level of distress associated with loneliness (Study A) and provide complementary qualitative insight into experiences of loneliness in relationship to sensory differences in autistic adults (Study B). Methods In Study A, N = 209 participants completed a range of self-report questionnaires. In Study B, nine autistic adults took part in 10-minute unstructured dyadic conversations around the topic of loneliness. We derived a qualitative understanding of autistic individuals' experience of loneliness, enriched by inductive and deductive analyses. Results In Study A, the autistic group showed significantly higher levels of loneliness, loneliness distress, anxiety, depression, and sensory reactivity. We found significant positive correlations between variables, but no group differences in differential relationships. The effect of sensory reactivity on anxiety and depression was mediated by levels of loneliness in both groups. In Study B, autistic participants described the pain of feeling lonely and socially disconnected, while simultaneously experiencing a need for restorative solitude after social overstimulation. Discussion Our results indicate that sensory differences are related with higher loneliness and associated poor mental health in both autistic and nonautistic adults. This effect was exacerbated in autistic adults due to higher levels of sensory reactivity. First-hand reports from autistic adults on intense loneliness and the obstructive role of sensory environments refute stereotypes about a lack of social motivation in autistic adults. We conclude that to enable meaningful and inclusive social interaction, a societal effort is needed to create spaces that consider the sensory needs of all neurotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Qdtua
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Williams
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - James Mulcahy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis E.O. Larsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marta Silva
- Institute for Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew J. Arnold
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Hugo D. Critchley
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah N. Garfinkel
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Dwyer P, Sillas A, Prieto M, Camp E, Nordahl CW, Rivera SM. Hyper-focus, sticky attention, and springy attention in young autistic children: Associations with sensory behaviors and cognitive ability. Autism Res 2024; 17:1677-1695. [PMID: 38840328 PMCID: PMC11341259 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The autistic-developed monotropism account suggests that atypical, domain-general attentional hyper-focus on interests is a central aspect of autism, but domain-general attention differences in autism can manifest differently. Prior research suggests autistic children are often slow to disengage attention from stimuli-a pattern often called "sticky attention"-and that they can show reduced novelty preference. These attentional patterns could influence sensory experiences and learning. We used eye-tracking to investigate novelty preference and "sticky attention" in young autistic children; we also examined whether attentional patterns were related to cognitive abilities and caregiver-reported sensory responsiveness. A total of 46 autistic and 28 nonautistic participants, aged between 2 and 4 years, provided usable data. We found no evidence that autistic children exhibited greater "sticky attention" than nonautistics, but "sticky attention" in autism was associated with more caregiver-reported sensory hyper-responsiveness, seeking/interests, and enhanced perception. Autistic children also nonsignificantly trended toward exhibiting reduced novelty preference. Unexpectedly, the time-course of this trending novelty preference difference implied it was not driven by reduced orienting to novelty, but increased returning to already-familiarized stimuli: what we call "springy attention." Exploratory analyses of data from the attentional disengagement task suggest autistic participants may have exhibited greater "springy attention," though further research with paradigms optimized for measuring this construct should confirm this. Importantly, "springy attention" was robustly related to reduced cognitive abilities and greater caregiver-reported hypo-responsiveness. Thus, this study illuminates two distinct domain-general attentional patterns, each with distinct correlates in young autistic children, which could have important implications for understanding autistic children's learning, development, and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Andre Sillas
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Melanie Prieto
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Emily Camp
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Schaaf RC, Puts NA, Williams ZJ, Woynaroski T. Forwarding the Science of Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2663-2667. [PMID: 37142906 PMCID: PMC10949906 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This editorial accompanies the JADD Special Issue on Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions: Developmental Approaches, Mechanisms and Targeted Interventions. The editorial is a commentary on the state of the science in sensory features in autism and related conditions and provides a synopsis of the information contained in the special issue including provocative thoughts about moving the field forward in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Affiliate, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, First Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Petty S, Ellis A. The meaning of autistic movements. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241262151. [PMID: 38907717 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241262151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT What is already known?Moving the body in 'stereotyped', 'repetitive', 'ritualised' or 'unusual' ways is part of the criteria for receiving a diagnosis of autism. However, the reasons for these movements and their personal value are not well understood. Certain ways of moving have become part of a disorder, and have received negative judgements, whereas other movements have not.What this paper adds?We searched online blogs for descriptions of movement written by autistic adults, using their preferred language and definitions. The blog authors said that many types of movement attracted negative judgement, including mis-coordination shown during sports, dancing in unusual places or moving repetitively, such as when stimming. However, movement provided personal benefits, and could enhance thinking and focus, provide meaningful routine, contribute to sensory regulation, release energy, increase body awareness, emotion regulation and strengthen self-identity.Implications for practice and policyMovement could be a well-being resource, used to reduce distraction, overwhelm, confusion and distress for autistic people. This should be considered within personal coping strategies and psychological therapies. The examples provided in this study could inform autism assessments, to ensure that the meanings of movements are considered alongside the appearances of movement. Some movements such as stimming have the same functions as many other ways of moving, including dancing and exercising, which could help to reduce stigma around being autistic if reflected in policy and practice. Improving understanding is important for informing how autism is assessed, and how personal experiences of being autistic are heard.
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Harrold A, Keating K, Larkin F, Setti A. The association between sensory processing and stress in the adult population: A systematic review. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024. [PMID: 38838078 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
There is emerging empirical evidence indicating that differences in self-reported sensory processing may be associated with differences in levels of stress in the adult populations. Understanding how sensory processing relates to stress is of clinical relevance, given the well-established impact of stress on physical health, mental health and well-being. Although several studies have examined the association between sensory processing and stress in adult populations, no published reviews have systematically summarised and synthesised these findings. We aimed to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review to synthesise the available evidence examining the association between self-reported sensory processing and self-reported measures of stress in the adult population. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-S) checklist. Twenty studies were included in the final review. Quality assessment was conducted with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, the evidence is strong for an association between differences in sensory processing and self-reported stress in adults. This association was found across a range of populations and measures of stress, in cross-sectional studies. The most commonly used measure of sensory processing was the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, which was consistently moderately associated with a range of measures of stress. The quality of the included studies was generally good, with most meeting four or five out of five criteria. Longitudinal studies are lacking. There is strong evidence for a cross-sectional association between sensory processing and stress in an adult population. Further research, in particular longitudinal studies and studies including clinical populations, would be of benefit in order to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine Harrold
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kim Keating
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fionnuala Larkin
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Annalisa Setti
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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O'Connor RA, Doherty M, Ryan-Enright T, Gaynor K. Perspectives of autistic adolescent girls and women on the determinants of their mental health and social and emotional well-being: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of lived experience. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:816-830. [PMID: 38145308 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231215026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Difficulties with mental health and low levels of well-being are more common among autistic girls and women than non-autistic people, but we do not fully understand why. Research does not focus enough on what autistic girls and women could tell us about this. This review aims to summarise the studies where autistic girls and women explain things that affect their mental health and well-being to help us understand how to prevent these difficulties from developing. Three research databases were searched to find possibly relevant studies. There were 877 studies found, which two researchers screened according to particular criteria. They found 52 studies that could be included in this review. One researcher evaluated the quality of these studies and extracted the key information from them. This review summarises the views of 973 autistic girls and women aged between 13 and 70+. The findings from the 52 studies were analysed, and we found many factors that affect the mental health and well-being of autistic girls and women. These factors fall into two categories: (1) difficulties living in a world not designed for autistic people and (2) the impact of stigma due to being autistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ag O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Health Service Executive, Republic of Ireland
| | - Mary Doherty
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, Republic of Ireland
| | - Theresa Ryan-Enright
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Health Service Executive, Republic of Ireland
| | - Keith Gaynor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- DETECT, Early Intervention Service, Blackrock, Republic of Ireland
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Unwin KL, Powell G, Price A, Jones CRG. Patterns of equipment use for autistic children in multi-sensory environments: Time spent with sensory equipment varies by sensory profile and intellectual ability. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:644-655. [PMID: 37421130 PMCID: PMC10913295 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231180266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Multi-sensory environments, often called sensory rooms, are widely used with autistic children. However, we know very little about how autistic children choose to spend their time in multi-sensory environments. We also do not know how their equipment preferences relate to their individual characteristics such as their sensory differences, level of ability or general autistic behaviours. We measured the frequency and duration of visits to multi-sensory environment equipment of 41 autistic children during 5 min of free play. The bubble tube and touch, sound and light board were both highly popular, with the fibre optics and tactile board receiving less attention. The children displayed significantly more sensory seeking behaviours in the multi-sensory environment than sensory-defensive behaviours. These sensory seeking behaviours, as well as the sensory behaviours that their parents reported they showed in daily life, were associated with specific patterns of multi-sensory environment equipment use. Non-verbal ability was also associated with multi-sensory environment equipment use, but broader autistic behaviours were not. Our findings show that the multi-sensory environment equipment preferences of autistic children are related to individual differences in sensory behaviours and non-verbal ability. This information could be useful for teachers and other practitioners who want to know how best to use multi-sensory environments with autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy L Unwin
- Cardiff University, UK
- La Trobe University, Australia
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8
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Hantman RM, Johnston EB, Tager-Flusberg H. Parental Perspectives: How Sensory Sensitivities Impact the Transition to Adulthood in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:544-562. [PMID: 36402934 PMCID: PMC9676764 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory sensitivities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and impact daily life, but research has largely focused on children, neglecting older individuals. Likewise, while there is research regarding parental concerns for their autistic children's transition to adulthood, little is known about the role of sensory sensitivities. To address this gap, 66 parents of autistic adolescents and young adults were interviewed and their responses were qualitatively analyzed. All parents believed their children's sensory sensitivities impacted their transition to adulthood, primary developmentally/psychologically, interpersonally/socially, and managerially. These beliefs did not significantly differ by child characteristics, such as age and ASD severity. Parent perceptions were modality and context specific. Given these findings, transition planning should consider individual's specific sensory sensitivities to optimize independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Hantman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Emily B Johnston
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Dwyer P, Vukusic S, Williams ZJ, Saron CD, Rivera SM. "Neural Noise" in Auditory Responses in Young Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:642-661. [PMID: 36434480 PMCID: PMC10209352 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated "neural noise" has been advanced as an explanation of autism and autistic sensory experiences. However, functional neuroimaging measures of neural noise may be vulnerable to contamination by recording noise. This study explored variability of electrophysiological responses to tones of different intensities in 127 autistic and 79 typically-developing children aged 2-5 years old. A rigorous data processing pipeline, including advanced visualizations of different signal sources that were maximally independent across different time lags, was used to identify and eliminate putative recording noise. Inter-trial variability was measured using median absolute deviations (MADs) of EEG amplitudes across trials and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC). ITPC was elevated in autism in the 50 and 60 dB intensity conditions, suggesting diminished (rather than elevated) neural noise in autism, although reduced ITPC to soft 50 dB sounds was associated with increased loudness discomfort. Autistic and non-autistic participants did not differ in MADs, and indeed, the vast majority of the statistical tests examined in this study yielded no significant effects. These results appear inconsistent with the neural noise account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | | | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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MacLennan K, Woolley C, @21andsensory E, Heasman B, Starns J, George B, Manning C. "It Is a Big Spider Web of Things": Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults in Public Spaces. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:411-422. [PMID: 38116051 PMCID: PMC10726197 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Sensory processing differences are commonly experienced by autistic individuals, and some sensory experiences can greatly impact the mental health and quality of life of individuals. Previous research suggests that adapting the sensory nature of environments may improve individual experiences and engagement with these spaces. However, knowledge about which public places are particularly disabling is limited, especially from the perspective of autistic individuals. Little is also known about what in the sensory environment makes them particularly disabling. Methods In this participatory research study, we investigated the sensory experiences of autistic adults in public spaces. We used an online focus group method, recruiting 24 autistic adults across 7 focus groups. We applied content analysis, reflexive thematic analysis, and case study analysis. Results The results of the content analysis showed that supermarkets, eateries (i.e., restaurants, cafés, pubs), highstreets and city/town centers, public transport, health care settings (i.e., doctor's surgeries and hospitals), and retail shops and shopping centers are experienced to be commonly disabling sensory environments for autistic adults. However, outdoor spaces, retail shops, museums, concert venues/clubs, cinemas/theaters, and stadiums are identified to be commonly less disabling sensory environments. In addition, through reflexive thematic analysis we identified 6 key principles that underlie how disabling or enabling sensory environments are: Sensoryscape (sensory environment), Space, Predictability, Understanding, Adjustments, and Recovery. We represented these principles as a web to emphasize the interconnected, dimensional spectrum of the different themes. Lastly, we used case study analysis to evidence these principles in the commonly disabling sensory environments for richer detail and context and to provide credibility for the principles. Conclusions Our findings have important implications for businesses, policy, and built environment designers to reduce the sensory impact of public places to make them more enabling for autistic people. By making public spaces more enabling, we may be able to improve quality of life for autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren MacLennan
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Woolley
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily @21andsensory
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Brett Heasman
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Jess Starns
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Becky George
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Manning
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Taels L, Feyaerts J, Lizon M, De Smet M, Vanheule S. 'I felt like my senses were under attack': An interpretative phenomenological analysis of experiences of hypersensitivity in autistic individuals. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2269-2280. [PMID: 36876409 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231158182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Research shows that the way autistic individuals perceive and process sensory stimuli differs from those of non-autistic people. However, while current research often focuses on what sensory differences in autism are and which neurocognitive processes may explain these, it often does not explicitly address what it is like to experience the world through the senses of an autistic person. To explore this understudied dimension, we conducted 18 in-depth interviews with autistic individuals in order to better understand how they personally experienced hypersensitivity from a first-person perspective. Participants described hypersensitivity as a feeling of being bombarded by intrusive stimuli that seemed to invade their bodies and from which they had difficulties distancing themselves. They also indicated how due to hypersensitivity they often perceived their (social) environment as invasive, chaotic, unpredictable or threatening. Hypersensitivities were thus not only described as unsettling bodily experiences but also related to challenges in perceiving, understanding and interacting with the (social) world. By focussing on the subjective dimension of sensory processing in autism, our study thus highlights how sensory difficulties are not peripheral features of autism but play an essential part in the daily challenges faced by autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Melissa De Smet
- Ghent University, Belgium
- Tilburg University, The Netherlands
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Ćirović M, Jeličić L, Maksimović S, Fatić S, Marisavljević M, Bošković Matić T, Subotić M. EEG Correlates of Cognitive Functions in a Child with ASD and White Matter Signal Abnormalities: A Case Report with Two-and-a-Half-Year Follow-Up. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2878. [PMID: 37761245 PMCID: PMC10529253 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to examine the EEG correlates of different stimuli processing instances in a child with ASD and white matter signal abnormalities and to investigate their relationship to the results of behavioral tests. The prospective case study reports two and a half years of follow-up data from a child aged 38 to 66 months. Cognitive, speech-language, sensory, and EEG correlates of auditory-verbal and auditory-visual-verbal information processing were recorded during five test periods, and their mutual interrelation was analyzed. EEG findings revealed no functional theta frequency range redistribution in the frontal regions favoring the left hemisphere during speech processing. The results pointed to a positive linear trend in the relative theta frequency range and a negative linear trend in the relative alpha frequency range when listening to and watching the cartoon. There was a statistically significant correlation between EEG signals and behavioral test results. Based on the obtained results, it may be concluded that EEG signals and their association with the results of behavioral tests should be evaluated with certain restraints considering the characteristics of the stimuli during EEG recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Ćirović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Jeličić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slavica Maksimović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Saška Fatić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maša Marisavljević
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Bošković Matić
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
- Clinic of Neurology, University Clinical Centre of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miško Subotić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Ć.); (S.M.); (S.F.); (M.M.); (M.S.)
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Williams ZJ, Schaaf R, Ausderau KK, Baranek GT, Barrett DJ, Cascio CJ, Dumont RL, Eyoh EE, Failla MD, Feldman JI, Foss-Feig JH, Green HL, Green SA, He JL, Kaplan-Kahn EA, Keçeli-Kaysılı B, MacLennan K, Mailloux Z, Marco EJ, Mash LE, McKernan EP, Molholm S, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ, Robertson CE, Russo N, Shea N, Sideris J, Sutcliffe JS, Tavassoli T, Wallace MT, Wodka EL, Woynaroski TG. Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium. Mol Autism 2023; 14:31. [PMID: 37635263 PMCID: PMC10464466 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. METHODS Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK (sub)constructs. RESULTS All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (ωH = .800) but not a supra-modal HYPO construct (ωH = .653), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (ωH = .800; 4/7 modalities). Modality-specific subscales demonstrated significant added value for all response patterns. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (with general HYPER and speech HYPO demonstrating the largest numbers of practically significant correlations). LIMITATIONS Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to caregiver report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. CONCLUSION Of the three sensory response patterns, only HYPER demonstrated sufficient evidence for valid interpretation at the supra-modal level, whereas supra-modal HYPO/SEEK constructs demonstrated substantial psychometric limitations. For clinicians and researchers seeking to characterize sensory reactivity in autism, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent viable alternatives that overcome many of these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karla K Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Jonah Barrett
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel L Dumont
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ekomobong E Eyoh
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer H Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather L Green
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Kaplan-Kahn
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bahar Keçeli-Kaysılı
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Keren MacLennan
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Zoe Mailloux
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Lisa E Mash
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth P McKernan
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline E Robertson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Shea
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ericka L Wodka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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14
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McDonald TAM, Lalani S, Chen I, Cotton CM, MacDonald L, Boursoulian LJ, Wang J, Malow BA. Appropriateness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of a Neurodiversity-Based Self-determination Program for Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:2933-2953. [PMID: 35618972 PMCID: PMC9934918 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Published self-determination programs do not adequately address the needs of autistic adults. We designed a multi-component self-determination program, grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, to help autistic adults achieve goals to improve their quality of life. The first phase involved 5 days of psychoeducation, practice, and social events; the second phase included 3 months of telecoaching; and the third phase included follow-up. Thirty-four university students coached 31 autistic adults on three evolving goals. On average, participants completed one goal per week. Most participants were satisfied with the program. We found that the program was appropriate, acceptable, and feasible. This program is a promising approach to helping autistic adults gain self-determination skills and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Meridian McDonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
| | - Salima Lalani
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Ivy Chen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
- Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Claire M Cotton
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Lydia MacDonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Lana J Boursoulian
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2218, Australia
| | - Beth A Malow
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, A-0118 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
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15
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Zeisel A, Thiel T, Gaigg SB, Roessner V, Ring M. Validation of the German Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire and replication of sensory processing differences in students with higher and lower Autism-Spectrum Quotient. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:426. [PMID: 37316778 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ) gives insight into sensory processing differences (hypo- and hyper-sensitivity across modalities), which is a clinically defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because there is no validated German version of this instrument, this study aimed at validating the German GSQ. Further, a replication of the GSQ's sensory processing differences was intended. METHODS University students of Technische Universität or Universitätsklinikum in Dresden, Germany, were recruited via email distribution or the university homepage and 297 German-speaking students completed the online survey, comprising the German GSQ, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Symptom-Checklist (SCL-90). For validation of the German GSQ, confirmatory factor analyses followed by exploratory factor analyses were applied. RESULTS The German GSQ has moderate to low validity, good to acceptable reliability, and a different internal structure from the original GSQ. Replicating the sensory processing differences in students with higher and lower AQ was not successful. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that the GSQ, developed especially for individuals with ASD, is less informative for the general population if there are not enough individuals with higher AQ scores in the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalena Zeisel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Thiel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian B Gaigg
- Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Veit Roessner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Ring
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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16
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Kyriacou C, Forrester-Jones R, Triantafyllopoulou P. Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important? J Autism Dev Disord 2023. [PMID: 34287735 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05140-] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tactile defensiveness in autistic individuals is the least investigated sensory modality. The current multi-component, explorative study aimed to understand the experiences of ten autistic adults regarding tactile defensiveness and fabrics, using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Participants were asked to discuss the effects of seven provided samples of fabrics and were also asked to bring their 'favourite' fabric (s) and express their thoughts about their choices. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Content Analysis, the findings showed that some fabrics can impact individuals' reported wellbeing. Participants' experiences with several stimuli appeared to have helped them implement coping strategies. By understanding tactile defensiveness, society could move towards increasing autism-friendly approaches with appropriate fabrics. Recommendations for future research, policy and practice are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalanto Kyriacou
- Tizard Centre, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Rachel Forrester-Jones
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, Centre of Analysis of Social Policy, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou
- Tizard Centre, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
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17
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Williams ZJ, Schaaf R, Ausderau KK, Baranek GT, Barrett DJ, Cascio CJ, Dumont RL, Eyoh EE, Failla MD, Feldman JI, Foss-Feig JH, Green HL, Green SA, He JL, Kaplan-Kahn EA, Keçeli-Kaysılı B, MacLennan K, Mailloux Z, Marco EJ, Mash LE, McKernan EP, Molholm S, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ, Robertson CE, Russo N, Shea N, Sideris J, Sutcliffe JS, Tavassoli T, Wallace MT, Wodka EL, Woynaroski TG. Examining the Latent Structure and Correlates of Sensory Reactivity in Autism: A Multi-site Integrative Data Analysis by the Autism Sensory Research Consortium. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2447849. [PMID: 36712092 PMCID: PMC9882639 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2447849/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. Methods Leveraging a combined sample of 3,868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO and SEEK (sub)constructs. Results All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses unambiguously supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (ω H = .800), whereas a coherent supra-modal HYPO construct was not supported (ω H = .611), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (ω H = .799; 4/7 modalities). Within each sensory construct, modality-specific subscales demonstrated substantial added value beyond the supra-modal score. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most strongly with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Certain subconstructs within the HYPO and SEEK domains were also associated with lower adaptive behavior scores. Limitations: Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to parent-report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. Conclusion Psychometric issues may limit the degree to which some measures of supra-modal HYPO/SEEK can be interpreted. Depending on the research question at hand, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent a valid alternative method of characterizing sensory reactivity in autism.
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18
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Talcer MC, Duffy O, Pedlow K. A Qualitative Exploration into the Sensory Experiences of Autistic Mothers. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:834-849. [PMID: 34251566 PMCID: PMC9944021 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research has found 96% of autistic individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, and being a parent presents many sensory demands that may be especially challenging for autistic mothers. Despite the high prevalence, no research exists exploring the sensory experiences of autistic mothers, highlighting the gap in current knowledge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 autistic mothers, data were analysed using thematic analysis identifying 5 major themes: antenatal experiences, sensory experiences in motherhood, the impact of sensory processing difficulties, strategies and needs, diagnosis. This research provides greater insight and understanding into the sensory experiences of autistic mothers which can influence earlier diagnosis and inform appropriate support and adaptations for autistic mothers in a variety of different sectors and highlights a possible emerging role for Occupational Therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orla Duffy
- Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, UK.
| | - Katy Pedlow
- grid.12641.300000000105519715Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey , BT37 0QB UK
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19
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Umagami K, Remington A, Lloyd-Evans B, Davies J, Crane L. Loneliness in autistic adults: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:2117-2135. [PMID: 35257592 PMCID: PMC9597154 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221077721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Recently, researchers have been interested in how autistic people experience loneliness. Yet, most of this research has focused on loneliness in autistic children and young people. We present the results of a systematic review on loneliness in autistic adults. A systematic review is a rigorous way of searching for all existing research on a topic and summarizing the findings about specific questions. We searched for all research published on this topic until 9 April 2021. We found 34 articles that investigated loneliness in autistic adults. This research showed that (1) there is fairly little research that has involved directly asking autistic adults about their first-hand experiences of loneliness (e.g. what loneliness feels like for them); (2) few research studies have used loneliness questionnaires specifically developed for autistic adults (this was attempted in just one research study); (3) collective loneliness (i.e. loneliness associated with how much an autistic person feels they 'fit in' to society) seems important to autistic adults but has not been investigated as commonly as other aspects of loneliness (e.g. loneliness associated with romantic relationships or friendships); (4) things that might increase loneliness in autistic adults include anxiety and depression, and a lack of autism understanding and acceptance, for example; and (5) things that might reduce loneliness in autistic adults include having relationships and self-acceptance, for example. In our article, we discuss the kinds of future research on loneliness in autistic adults that might be useful.
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20
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Weber C, Krieger B, Häne E, Yarker J, McDowall A. Physical Workplace Adjustments to Support Neurodivergent Workers: A Systematic Review. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Weber
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
- Department of Environmental Psychology, School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Beate Krieger
- Institute of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Science Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur Switzerland
| | - Eunji Häne
- Institute of Facility Management, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland; and Environmental Psychology Department School of Psychology University of Surrey Guildford UK
| | - Joanna Yarker
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
| | - Almuth McDowall
- Department of Organizational Psychology Birkbeck University of London London United Kingdom
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21
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Verhulst I, MacLennan K, Haffey A, Tavassoli T. The Perceived Causal Relations Between Sensory Reactivity Differences and Anxiety Symptoms in Autistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2022; 4:183-192. [PMID: 36606154 PMCID: PMC9648696 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Rates of anxiety are inordinately high in autistic adults. Sensory reactivity differences, such as hyperreactivity (e.g., strong reactions to sound), hyporeactivity (e.g., no, or slower reactions to pain), and seeking (e.g., fascination with spinning objects), are a diagnostic criterion of autism and have been linked with anxiety. Understanding how individuals perceive these to be causally related can impact the assessment and treatment of anxiety. Therefore, we examined the perceived causal relations (PCR) between sensory reactivity differences and anxiety in autistic adults. Method Two hundred forty-six autistic adults aged 18-76 years took part in an online study. They completed self-report assessments of sensory reactivity differences, and anxiety, followed by the PCR scale, indicating whether they perceived their sensory reactivity differences to be more of a cause or an effect of their anxiety symptoms. Results We found sensory reactivity hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking to be significantly correlated with anxiety. Further, we found total sensory hyperreactivity, and visual, auditory, and olfactory hyperreactivity, to be perceived as significantly more of a cause of anxiety than an effect, and total sensory seeking, and tactile and vestibular seeking, to be perceived as significantly more of an effect of anxiety than a cause. Conclusion Future individualized approaches to treating anxiety in autistic individuals may benefit from differentiating between potential sensory causes of anxiety (e.g. hypersensitivities) vs. potential sensory effects of anxiety (e.g. sensory seeking behaviors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Verhulst
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Keren MacLennan
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, The University of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Haffey
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, The University of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, The University of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
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22
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Dwyer P, Takarae Y, Zadeh I, Rivera SM, Saron CD. Multisensory integration and interactions across vision, hearing, and somatosensation in autism spectrum development and typical development. Neuropsychologia 2022; 175:108340. [PMID: 36028085 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Most prior studies of multisensory integration (MSI) in autism have measured MSI in only a single combination of modalities - typically audiovisual integration. The present study used onset reaction times (RTs) and 125-channel electroencephalography (EEG) to examine different forms of bimodal and trimodal MSI based on combinations of auditory (noise burst), somatosensory (finger tap), and visual (flash) stimuli presented in a spatially-aligned manner using a custom desktop apparatus. A total of 36 autistic and 19 non-autistic adolescents between the ages of 11-14 participated. Significant RT multisensory facilitation relative to summed unisensory RT was observed in both groups, as were significant differences between summed unisensory and multisensory ERPs. Although the present study's statistical approach was not intended to test effect latencies, these interactions may have begun as early as ∼45 ms, constituting "early" (<100 ms) MSI. RT and ERP measurements of MSI appeared independent of one another. Groups did not significantly differ in multisensory RT facilitation, but we found exploratory evidence of group differences in the magnitude of audiovisual interactions in ERPs. Future research should make greater efforts to explore MSI in under-represented populations, especially autistic people with intellectual disabilities and nonspeaking/minimally-verbal autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, USA; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, USA.
| | - Yukari Takarae
- Department of Neurosciences, UC San Diego, USA; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, USA
| | | | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, USA; Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, USA
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Sibeoni J, Massoutier L, Valette M, Manolios E, Verneuil L, Speranza M, Revah-Levy A. The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1032-1045. [PMID: 35362340 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sensory atypicalities are very common among autistic people and are integrated in several theories and explanatory models of autism. Qualitative studies have explored these singular sensory experiences from the perspectives of autistic people themselves. This article gathers all these qualitative studies and provides original findings regarding the everyday sensory experience of autistic people, that is, around four dimensions - physical, emotional, relational and social - experienced holistically, as inseparable, and not hierarchically or in terms of cause and effect. Adopting this holistic view could improve the adaptation of the sensory environment in health care facilities and the training of professionals around this specific issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sibeoni
- Argenteuil Hospital Centre, France.,Université de Paris, France
| | - Laura Massoutier
- Université de Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier de Gonesse, France
| | | | - Emilie Manolios
- Université de Paris, France.,Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, France
| | - Laurence Verneuil
- Université de Paris, France.,GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, France
| | - Mario Speranza
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Anne Revah-Levy
- Argenteuil Hospital Centre, France.,Université de Paris, France
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Abstract
Introduction At present, very few autistic people are employed, even though many want to be. It is important that their strengths are identified and valued to help them to find jobs that they enjoy, and that make good use of their skills. The aim of this study was to investigate what strengths autistic people have in the workplace, self-reported by autistic people themselves. Methods In this study, autistic participants (n = 66) completed an online questionnaire that asked their views about employment-related strengths that they experienced. We analyzed these data using thematic analysis to identify commonalities across participants' experiences, and areas where they felt that they could perform better than their nonautistic colleagues. Results The main strengths identified from these data revealed cognitive advantages such as superior creativity, focus, and memory; increased efficiency and personal qualities such as honesty and dedication; and the ability to offer a unique autism-specific perspective. Conclusions Overall, this study suggests that autistic people have many employment-related strengths that should be recognized and valued by autistic people and employers alike. By understanding the strengths that could be associated with autism in the workplace, autistic people may be better able to identify their own strengths in the workplace (with the help of support workers, where necessary). The results should also encourage employers to make an effort to recruit and retain autistic employees, making appropriate adjustments to interview processes and working conditions, and seeking out training when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Cope
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Remington
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Anna Remington, PhD, Centre for Research in Autism and Education, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, WC1H 0NU, United Kingdom
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25
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Williams ZJ, Suzman E, Woynaroski TG. Prevalence of Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis) in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Ear Hear 2021; 42:1137-1150. [PMID: 33577214 PMCID: PMC8349927 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hyperacusis, defined as decreased tolerance to sound at levels that would not trouble most individuals, is frequently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the functional impairment attributable to hyperacusis, little is known about its prevalence or natural history in the ASD population. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis estimating the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. By precisely estimating the burden of hyperacusis in the ASD population, the present study aims to enhance recognition of this particular symptom of ASD and highlight the need for additional research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of hyperacusis in persons on the spectrum. DESIGN We searched PubMed and ProQuest to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English after January 1993. We additionally performed targeted searches of Google Scholar and the gray literature, including studies published through May 2020. Eligible studies included at least 20 individuals with diagnosed ASD of any age and reported data from which the proportion of ASD individuals with current and/or lifetime hyperacusis could be derived. To account for multiple prevalence estimates derived from the same samples, we utilized three-level Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis. Bayesian meta-regression was used to assess potential moderators of current hyperacusis prevalence. To reduce heterogeneity due to varying definitions of hyperacusis, we performed a sensitivity analysis on the subset of studies that ascertained hyperacusis status using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), a structured parent interview. RESULTS A total of 7783 nonduplicate articles were screened, of which 67 were included in the review and synthesis. Hyperacusis status was ascertained in multiple ways across studies, with 60 articles employing interviews or questionnaires and seven using behavioral observations or objective measures. The mean (range) age of samples in the included studies was 7.88 years (1.00 to 34.89 years). The meta-analysis of interview/questionnaire measures (k(3) = 103, nASD = 13,093) estimated the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis in ASD to be 41.42% (95% CrI, 37.23 to 45.84%) and 60.58% (50.37 to 69.76%), respectively. A sensitivity analysis restricted to prevalence estimates derived from the ADI-R (k(3) = 25, nASD = 5028) produced similar values. The estimate of current hyperacusis prevalence using objective/observational measures (k(3) = 8, nASD = 488) was 27.30% (14.92 to 46.31%). Heterogeneity in the full sample of interview/questionnaire measures was substantial but not significantly explained by any tested moderator. However, prevalence increased sharply with increasing age in studies using the ADI-R (BF10 = 93.10, R2Het = 0.692). CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis, we found a high prevalence of current and lifetime hyperacusis in individuals with ASD, with a majority of individuals on the autism spectrum experiencing hyperacusis at some point in their lives. The high prevalence of hyperacusis in individuals with ASD across the lifespan highlights the need for further research on sound tolerance in this population and the development of services and/or interventions to reduce the burden of this common symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Evan Suzman
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Tiffany G. Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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26
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Kyriacou C, Forrester-Jones R, Triantafyllopoulou P. Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important? J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 53:1495-1508. [PMID: 34287735 PMCID: PMC10066095 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tactile defensiveness in autistic individuals is the least investigated sensory modality. The current multi-component, explorative study aimed to understand the experiences of ten autistic adults regarding tactile defensiveness and fabrics, using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Participants were asked to discuss the effects of seven provided samples of fabrics and were also asked to bring their 'favourite' fabric (s) and express their thoughts about their choices. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Content Analysis, the findings showed that some fabrics can impact individuals' reported wellbeing. Participants' experiences with several stimuli appeared to have helped them implement coping strategies. By understanding tactile defensiveness, society could move towards increasing autism-friendly approaches with appropriate fabrics. Recommendations for future research, policy and practice are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalanto Kyriacou
- Tizard Centre, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Rachel Forrester-Jones
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, Centre of Analysis of Social Policy, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou
- Tizard Centre, School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
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27
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Abstract
Autistic adults commonly experience sensory reactivity differences. Sensory hyperreactivity is frequently researched, whilst hyporeactivity and seeking, and experiences across domains, e.g., vision, are often neglected. Therefore, we aimed to understand more about the sensory experiences of autistic adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study, co-produced with stakeholders; recruiting 49 autistic adults who completed an online survey. Firstly, quantitative results and content analysis enhanced our understanding of sensory input/contexts associated with sensory hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking across modalities. Secondly, thematic analysis developed themes relating to 'Outcomes', 'Control', 'Tolerance and management', and 'The role of other people', informing a theoretical model of sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults. These findings have implications for support services and improving quality of life for autistic adults.
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28
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Bellamy R, Ring H, Watson P, Kemp A, Munn G, Clare IC. The effect of ambient sounds on decision-making and heart rate variability in autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2209-2222. [PMID: 34132124 PMCID: PMC7614480 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211014993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Many autistic people report difficulties making decisions during everyday tasks, such as shopping. To examine the effect of sounds on decision-making, we developed a supermarket task where people watched a film shown from the shopper's perspective and were asked to make decisions between different products. The task was divided into three sections and participants completed each section in a different auditory environment: (1) no sounds, (2) non-social sounds (e.g. fridges humming) and (3) social sounds (e.g. people talking). Thirty-eight autistic and 37 neurotypical adults took part. We measured decision-making by examining how long it took to make a decision and how consistent people were with their decisions. We also measured heart rate variability because this biological response provides a measure of anxiety. After the supermarket shopping task, participants told us in their own words about their experiences. Autistic participants said that they found the non-social and social sound conditions more difficult than the no sound condition, and autistic participants found the social sound condition more negative than neurotypical participants. However, decision-making and heart rate variability were similar for autistic and neurotypical participants across the sound conditions, suggesting that these measures may not have been sensitive enough to reflect the experiences the autistic participants reported. Further research should consider alternative measures to explore the experiences reported by autistic people to help us understand which specific aspects of the environment autistic people are sensitive to. This, in turn, may enable more specific and evidence-based autism-friendly changes to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Howard Ring
- University of Cambridge, UK.,Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | | | | | - Isabel Ch Clare
- University of Cambridge, UK.,Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,NIHR ARC East of England at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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29
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Parmar KR, Porter CS, Dickinson CM, Pelham J, Baimbridge P, Gowen E. Visual Sensory Experiences From the Viewpoint of Autistic Adults. Front Psychol 2021; 12:633037. [PMID: 34168586 PMCID: PMC8217662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous research has investigated altered sensory reactivity in autistic individuals, there has been no specific focus on visual sensory experiences, particularly in adults. Using qualitative methods, this study aimed to characterize autistic visual sensory symptoms, contextualize their impact and document any associated coping strategies. A total of 18 autistic adults took part in four focus groups which involved questions around visual experiences, the impact of these on daily life, and strategies for their reduction. Transcripts of each session were thematically analyzed allocating six key themes. Participants described a range of visual hypersensitivities, including to light, motion, patterns and particular colors, which contributed to distraction and were frequently part of a wider multisensory issue. Such experiences had significant negative impacts on personal wellbeing and daily life with participants describing fatigue, stress and hindrances on day-to-day activities (e.g., travel and social activities). However, the degree of understanding that participants had about their visual experiences influenced their emotional response, with greater understanding reducing concern. Participants employed a variety of coping strategies to overcome visual sensory experiences but with varied success. Discussions also highlighted that there may be a poor public understanding of sensory issues in autism affecting how well autistic individuals are able manage their sensory symptoms. In summary, autistic adults expressed significant concern about their visual experiences and there is a need to improve understanding of visual experiences on a personal and public level as well as for developing potential support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan R Parmar
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine S Porter
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christine M Dickinson
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Pelham
- Greater Manchester Autism Consortium, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Autscape, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Autism@Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Baimbridge
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Autism@Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Salfordautism, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Gowen
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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30
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Searching for What Really Matters: A Thematic Analysis of Quality of Life among Preschool Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2098-2111. [PMID: 34060000 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Quality of life (QoL) is an essential measure when assessing health interventions. Most early interventions for preschool children on the spectrum evaluate the effects on autism symptoms. However, researchers increasingly believe that good interventions should also improve the QoL of these children. Domains of QoL among preschool children on the autism spectrum have not previously been researched. We interviewed adults on the spectrum to explore early childhood experiences that made their lives satisfying. Our data revealed four major themes: interests, environmental regularity, sensory differences and social interactions. This study provides the first insights on aspects of life important to pre-schoolers on the spectrum. Findings will contribute to developing items for a measure of QoL among this population.
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31
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Williams ZJ, He JL, Cascio CJ, Woynaroski TG. A review of decreased sound tolerance in autism: Definitions, phenomenology, and potential mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 121:1-17. [PMID: 33285160 PMCID: PMC7855558 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Atypical behavioral responses to environmental sounds are common in autistic children and adults, with 50-70 % of this population exhibiting decreased sound tolerance (DST) at some point in their lives. This symptom is a source of significant distress and impairment across the lifespan, contributing to anxiety, challenging behaviors, reduced community participation, and school/workplace difficulties. However, relatively little is known about its phenomenology or neurocognitive underpinnings. The present article synthesizes a large body of literature on the phenomenology and pathophysiology of DST-related conditions to generate a comprehensive theoretical account of DST in autism. Notably, we argue against conceptualizing DST as a unified construct, suggesting that it be separated into three phenomenologically distinct conditions: hyperacusis (the perception of everyday sounds as excessively loud or painful), misophonia (an acquired aversive reaction to specific sounds), and phonophobia (a specific phobia of sound), each responsible for a portion of observed DST behaviors. We further elaborate our framework by proposing preliminary neurocognitive models of hyperacusis, misophonia, and phonophobia that incorporate neurophysiologic findings from studies of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 221 Eskind Biomedical Library and Learning Center, 2209 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN, 37240, United States; Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States.
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Strand Building, Strand Campus, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2254 Village at Vanderbilt, 1500 21st Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States.
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 7203 Medical Research Building III, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 115, Nashville, TN, 37212, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States.
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32
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Mallory C, Keehn B. Implications of Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences Associated With Autism in Academic Settings: An Integrative Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:695825. [PMID: 34512416 PMCID: PMC8430329 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.695825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of classroom environments on student engagement and academic performance is well-documented. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical sensory processing and attentional impairments, which may lead to challenges in successfully accessing educational material within these settings. These symptoms may help explain why students with ASD show discrepancies between intellectual ability and academic performance. Given the increasing number of students with ASD present in classrooms, understanding strengths and weaknesses in sensory processing and attention is necessary in order to design better classroom environments and develop more efficacious accommodations and interventions to support optimal student success. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to provide a brief review of the current literature on sensory processing and attention in ASD, survey how sensory and attentional functions affect academic outcomes in both neurotypical and ASD learners, and suggest potential accommodations/interventions for students with ASD based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Mallory
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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33
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Peñuelas-Calvo I, Sareen A, Porras-Segovia A, Cegla-Schvatzman FB, Fernandez-Berrocal P. The Association Between Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test Performance and Intelligence Quotient in Children and Adolescents With Asperger Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:642799. [PMID: 33854452 PMCID: PMC8039142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There has been an extensive debate about a potential association between intelligence and social cognition. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between social cognition as measured with the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) and intelligence as measured with the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) in children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 84 children diagnosed with AS aged 6-16 years (mean = 11.64; standard deviation = 2.75; 92.9% males). We analyzed the association between RMET performance and WISC-IV total score as well as the association between RMET performance and each of the four WISC-IV indexes (processing speed index, PSI; working memory index, WMI; perceptual reasoning index, PRI, and verbal comprehension index, VCI). Results: We found a positive correlation between RMET performance and full-scale intelligence quotient (r = 0.340; p < 0.01), VCI (r = 0.310; p < 0.01), PRI (r = 0.401; p < 0.01), and WMI (r = 0.292; p < 0.01). In the linear regression model, age was a significant predictor of RMET score (β = 0.409; p < 0.001) as was PRI (β = 0.309; p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our results suggest that intelligence quotient positively influences RMET performance, indicating that intelligence increases social cognition in individuals diagnosed with AS. However, weak-to-moderate size effects were found. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying the disturbance of social cognition in children and adolescents diagnosed with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Peñuelas-Calvo
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infantojuvenil, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aditya Sareen
- Bronxcare Health System, New York, NY, United States
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34
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Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, Gal E. The autism advantage at work: A critical and systematic review of current evidence. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 105:103750. [PMID: 32810716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite difficulties entering the workforce, people on the autism spectrum are often successful. Furthermore, they are suggested to bring unique abilities (e.g., attention to detail, tolerance for repetitive tasks) related to the repetitive and restrictive behaviours and interests (RRBI) diagnostic domain, that may be advantageous in employment. AIMS This critical and systematic review examined evidence supporting the superior workplace performance of employees on the autism spectrum, particularly regarding the RRBI domain. METHOD AND PROCEDURES A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) evaluated empirical peer-reviewed studies that assess employees on the autism spectrum's performance in the workplace or on work-specific tasks. Nine databases were searched, with additional papers identified from reference lists and consultation. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Two quantitative and four qualitative papers met criteria. Results reflect themes; attention to detail, tolerance of repetitive tasks, special/circumscribed interests, other RRBI related advantages/concerns. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Due to the nature and quality of the identified studies there is currently no strong evidence supporting or negating a workplace autism advantage. This review highlights the need for more research and urges constraint in utilising stereotypes that may not apply to all on the autism spectrum, arguing an individual differences approach to supporting autism strengths at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Bury
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Stanford Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, USA; University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eynat Gal
- University of Haifa, Department of Occupational Therapy, Haifa, Israel
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35
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Abstract
Purpose Many individuals with autism experience social anxiety (SA), yet, to date, this has almost exclusively been investigated using quantitative research methods. We know very little about why individuals with autism perceive they develop SA, what they view the impact and consequences of symptoms to be, and which coping strategies they find helpful. Methods Using a qualitative study design, six men with autism (aged 23–52 years old) participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Seven overarching themes were identified: (1) causal influences for SA; (2) anxiety-provoking social situations; (3) symptoms of SA; (4) chronicity; (5) coping; (6) impact; and (7) interventions. Conclusions Further studies are needed to more fully establish why individuals with autism are vulnerable to developing SA, to inform development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Spain
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London , London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust , England
| | - Esra Zıvralı Yarar
- Department of Psychology, Social Sciences University of Ankara , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Francesca Happé
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London , London, UK
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36
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Coleman-Smith RS, Smith R, Milne E, Thompson AR. 'Conflict versus Congruence': A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience of Gender Dysphoria for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2643-2657. [PMID: 32170540 PMCID: PMC7374476 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An emergent evidence base indicates a higher prevalence of autism exists amongst people attending gender identity clinics. This qualitative study explored adults' with autism experiences of coming to understand and address their gender dysphoria (GD). Data were collected and analysed using Grounded Theory. Ten adults with autism and GD undertook semi-structured interviews. A tentative theoretical framework of common processes involved in understanding and addressing GD for individuals with autism was developed. The experience is captured in the core category-Conflict versus Congruence. A key finding was the impact of autism as a barrier but sometimes a protective factor in participants' understanding and addressing GD. Participants appeared to achieve greater personal congruence and wellbeing upon transition. Nevertheless, conflicts remained as they navigated the social world with a continuing fear of hostility and sense of difference due to having two stigmatised identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Coleman-Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK.
- Child Development Psychology Team, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Calow, S44 5BL, UK.
| | - Richard Smith
- Sheffield Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Michael Carlisle Centre, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, 75 Osborne Road, Sheffield, S11 9BF, UK
| | - Elizabeth Milne
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK
| | - Andrew R Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK
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Dwyer P, Wang X, De Meo-Monteil R, Hsieh F, Saron CD, Rivera SM. Defining clusters of young autistic and typically developing children based on loudness-dependent auditory electrophysiological responses. Mol Autism 2020; 11:48. [PMID: 32539866 PMCID: PMC7294610 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic individuals exhibit atypical patterns of sensory processing that are known to be related to quality of life, but which are also highly heterogeneous. Previous investigations of this heterogeneity have ordinarily used questionnaires and have rarely investigated sensory processing in typical development (TD) alongside autism spectrum development (ASD). METHODS The present study used hierarchical clustering in a large sample to identify subgroups of young autistic and typically developing children based on the normalized global field power (GFP) of their event-related potentials (ERPs) to auditory stimuli of four different loudness intensities (50, 60, 70, 80 dB SPL): that is, based on an index of the relative strengths of their neural responses across these loudness conditions. RESULTS Four clusters of participants were defined. Normalized GFP responses to sounds of different intensities differed strongly across clusters. There was considerable overlap in cluster assignments of autistic and typically developing participants, but autistic participants were more likely to display a pattern of relatively linear increases in response strength accompanied by a disproportionately strong response to 70 dB stimuli. Autistic participants displaying this pattern trended towards obtaining higher scores on assessments of cognitive abilities. There was also a trend for typically developing participants to disproportionately fall into a cluster characterized by disproportionately/nonlinearly strong 60 dB responses. Greater auditory distractibility was reported among autistic participants in a cluster characterized by disproportionately strong responses to the loudest (80 dB) sounds, and furthermore, relatively strong responses to loud sounds were correlated with auditory distractibility. This appears to provide evidence of coinciding behavioral and neural sensory atypicalities. LIMITATIONS Replication may be needed to verify exploratory results. This analysis does not address variability related to classical ERP latencies and topographies. The sensory questionnaire employed was not specifically designed for use in autism. Hearing acuity was not measured. Variability in sensory responses unrelated to loudness is not addressed, leaving room for additional research. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data demonstrate the broader benefits of using electrophysiology to explore individual differences. They illuminate different neural response patterns and suggest relationships between sensory neural responses and sensory behaviors, cognitive abilities, and autism diagnostic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618 USA
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Statistics, UC Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | | | - Fushing Hsieh
- Department of Statistics, UC Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Clifford D. Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618 USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618 USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
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Nguyen W, Ownsworth T, Nicol C, Zimmerman D. How I See and Feel About Myself: Domain-Specific Self-Concept and Self-Esteem in Autistic Adults. Front Psychol 2020; 11:913. [PMID: 32477221 PMCID: PMC7235351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have examined the self-perceptions of autistic adults. This study aimed firstly to investigate domain-specific self-concepts and global self-esteem in autistic adults. The second aim was to examine associations between autism self-appraisals, perceived social support and global self-concept and self-esteem. The third was to determine which domains of self-concept were most closely associated with self-esteem. Participants included 71 autistic adults aged 18-70 years and 65 age, sex and education matched typically developing individuals. Participants completed an online survey of autism characteristics, global self-esteem and domain-specific self-concepts (i.e. likeability, task accomplishment, power, giftedness, invulnerability, and morality), self-appraisals about autism, and perceived social support. Autistic participants reported significantly lower power and global self-esteem than typically developing individuals after controlling for autism characteristics. More positive self-appraisals about autism (i.e. greater perceived benefits and lower helplessness) were significantly related to better global self-concept and self-esteem. Global self-esteem was significantly and positively associated with perceptions of giftedness, emotional resilience and power. These findings suggest that autistic adults may perceive themselves as having a low sense of power in their relationships and have negative global perceptions of their self-worth. However, those able to find positive meaning or benefits associated with autism are likely to have more positive global self-perceptions. This study provides new insights into how autistic adults perceive themselves which may guide the focus of psychosocial interventions that seek to recognize and promote unique talents and emotional resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Nguyen
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Chelsea Nicol
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - David Zimmerman
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
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Pfeiffer B, Stein Duker L, Murphy A, Shui C. Effectiveness of Noise-Attenuating Headphones on Physiological Responses for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:65. [PMID: 31798424 PMCID: PMC6863142 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proof of concept of an intervention to decrease sympathetic activation as measured by skin conductivity (electrodermal activity, EDA) in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and auditory hypersensitivity (hyperacusis). In addition, researchers examined if the intervention provided protection against the negative effects of decibel level of environmental noises on electrodermal measures between interventions. The feasibility of implementation and outcome measures within natural environments were evaluated. Method: A single-subject multi-treatment design was used with six children, aged 8–16 years, with a form of Autism (i.e., Autism, PDD-NOS). Participants used in-ear (IE) and over-ear (OE) headphones for two randomly sequenced treatment phases. Each child completed four phases: (1) a week of baseline data collection; (2) a week of an intervention; (3) a week of no intervention; and (4) a week of the other intervention. Empatica E4 wristbands collected EDA data. Data was collected on 16–20 occasions per participant, with five measurements per phase. Results: Separated tests for paired study phases suggested that regardless of intervention type, noise attenuating headphones led to a significance difference in both skin conductance levels (SCL) and frequency of non-specific conductance responses (NS-SCRs) between the baseline measurement and subsequent phases. Overall, SCL and NS-SCR frequency significantly decreased between baseline and the first intervention phase. A protective effect of the intervention was tested by collapsing intervention results into three phases. Slope correlation suggested constant SCL and NS-SCR frequency after initial use of the headphones regardless of the increase in environmental noises. A subsequent analysis of the quality of EDA data identified that later phases of data collection were associated with better data quality. Conclusion: Many children with ASD have hypersensitivities to sound resulting in high levels of sympathetic nervous system reactivity, which is associated with problematic behaviors and distress. The findings of this study suggest that the use of noise attenuating headphones for individuals with ASD and hyperacusis may reduce sympathetic activation. Additionally, results suggest that the use of wearable sensors to collect physiological data in natural environments is feasible with established protocols and training procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Pfeiffer
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Leah Stein Duker
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - AnnMarie Murphy
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chengshi Shui
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Abstract
Ward (this issue) has provided an elegant synthesis of the literature on the neural basis of individual differences in sensory sensitivity, and a useful proposed framework to guide future research. In this commentary I clarify some of the issues raised by Ward (this issue) surrounding neural noise and sensory sensitivities in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Simmons
- a School of Psychology , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
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41
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Sensory Overresponsivity, Loneliness, and Anxiety in Taiwanese Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occup Ther Int 2018; 2018:9165978. [PMID: 30245601 PMCID: PMC6139193 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9165978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sensory overresponsiveness is highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically persist into adulthood. However, the role of sensory processing difficulties in influencing emotional well-being among adults with ASD remains unclear. Additionally, the associations between sensory overresponsiveness, anxiety, and loneliness are yet to be examined among adults with ASD. Therefore, to address these critical gaps in the literature, we aimed to investigate the relationships among sensory avoiding, anxiety, and loneliness in a sample of adults with ASD. Participants Seventy adults (age, 20–39 years) completed three self-reported measures. All participants had a documented diagnosis of ASD and had normal IQ. Methods Sensory processing, loneliness, and anxiety were assessed with the Adult Sensory Profile, short-form UCLA loneliness scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Results Autism spectrum traits and sensory avoiding were associated with anxiety and loneliness. Participants who experienced sensory avoiding more frequently reported higher anxiety and feelings of loneliness, with loneliness mediating the relationship between sensory avoiding and anxiety. More anxiety symptoms in participants with greater sensory avoiding were associated with their higher level of loneliness. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the relationships existed between sensory processing difficulties, loneliness, and anxiety among adults with ASD. Interventions regarding sensory processing difficulties and emotional well-being are substantial need for adults with ASD, and our results highlight the importance of sensory overresponsiveness and anxiety in evaluating and improving the psychological well-being of adults with ASD.
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Dickinson A, Gomez R, Jones M, Zemon V, Milne E. Lateral inhibition in the autism spectrum: An SSVEP study of visual cortical lateral interactions. Neuropsychologia 2018; 111:369-376. [PMID: 29458075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Circuit level brain dysfunction has been suggested as a common mechanism through which diverse genetic risk factors and neurobiological sequelae lead to the core features of autism spectrum disorder (Geschwind 2009; Port et al. 2014). An important mediator of circuit level brain activity is lateral inhibition, and a number of authors have suggested that lateral inhibition may be atypical in ASD. However, evidence regarding putative atypical lateral connections in ASD is mixed. Here we employed a steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm to further investigate lateral connections within a group of high functioning adults with ASD. At a group level, we found no evidence of altered lateral interactions in ASD. Exploratory analyses reveal that greater ASD symptom severity (increased ADOS score) is associated with increased short range lateral inhibition. These results suggest that lateral interactions are not altered in ASD at a group-level, but that subtle alterations in such neurobiological processes may underlie the heterogeneity seen in the autism spectrum in terms of sensory perception and behavioral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-448, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America; Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK.
| | - Rosanna Gomez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK
| | - Myles Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK
| | - Vance Zemon
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Milne
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK
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The Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Validation of a French Language Version and Refinement of Sensory Profiles of People with High Autism-Spectrum Quotient. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1549-1565. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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44
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Abstract
We identified clusters of atypical sensory functioning adults with ASC by hierarchical cluster analysis. A new scale for commonly self-reported sensory reactivity was used as a measure. In a low frequency group (n = 37), all subscale scores were relatively low, in particular atypical sensory/motor reactivity. In the intermediate group (n = 17) hyperreactivity, sensory interests and sensory/motor issues were significantly elevated in relation to the first group, but not hyporeactivity. In a high frequency subgroup (n = 17) all subscale scores were significantly elevated and co-occurrence of hyper- and hyporeactivity was evident. In a population sample, a cluster of low scorers (n = 136) and high scorers relative to the other cluster (n = 26) was found. Identification of atypical sensory reactivity is important for targeting support.
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45
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Pfeiffer B, Braun K, Kinnealey M, Derstine Matczak M, Polatajko H. Environmental factors impacting work satisfaction and performance for adults with autism spectrum disorders. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-170878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Pfeiffer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kerri Braun
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Moya Kinnealey
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maggie Derstine Matczak
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Aegis Therapies, Allentown, PA, USA
| | - Helene Polatajko
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Milne E, Dickinson A, Smith R. Adults with autism spectrum conditions experience increased levels of anomalous perception. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177804. [PMID: 28542171 PMCID: PMC5436824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is characterised by differences in social interaction and behavioural inflexibility. In addition to these core symptoms, atypical sensory responses are prevalent in the ASC phenotype. Here we investigated anomalous perception, i.e. hallucinatory and/or out of body experiences in adults with ASC. Thirty participants with an ASC diagnosis and thirty neurotypical controls completed the Cardiff Anomalous Perception Scale (CAPS) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). The CAPS is a 32-item questionnaire that asks participants to indicate whether or not they experience a range of anomalous and out of body experiences, and to rate how intrusive and distressing these experiences are. The SRS-2 asks participants to rate the extent to which they identify with a series of 65 statements that describe behaviours associated with the autism phenotype. We found that total CAPS score was significantly higher in the participants with ASC (mean = 14.8, S.D. = 7.9) than the participants without ASC (mean = 3.6, S.D. = 4.1). In addition, the frequency of anomalous perception, the level of distraction and the level of distress associated with the experience were significantly increased in participants with ASC. Importantly, both the frequency of anomalous perceptual experiences and the level of distress caused by anomalous perception in this sample of adults with ASC were very similar to that reported previously in a sample of non-autistic participants who were being treated in hospital for a current psychotic episode. These data indicate that anomalous perceptual experiences are common in adults with ASC and are associated with a high level of distress. The origins of anomalous perception in ASC and the implication of this phenomenon are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Milne
- Sheffield Autism Research Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Abigail Dickinson
- Sheffield Autism Research Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Smith
- Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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47
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Howe FEJ, Stagg SD. How Sensory Experiences Affect Adolescents with an Autistic Spectrum Condition within the Classroom. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:1656-68. [PMID: 26791372 PMCID: PMC4826419 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sensory processing difficulties are consistently reported amongst individuals with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC); these have a significant impact on daily functioning. Evidence in this area comes from observer reports and first-hand accounts; both have limitations. The current study used the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP; Brown and Dunn in The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: self questionnaire. Pearson, 2002a), and a qualitative questionnaire to investigate sensory issues in school children with ASC. The AASP found that the participants' mean scores were outside normal parameters. Participants reported difficulties in at least one sensory domain, with hearing affecting them the most. Content analysis revealed sensory sensitivity to affect the participant's learning and that sensory experiences were largely negative. Results suggest that schools need to create sensory profiles for each individual with ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona E J Howe
- Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Steven D Stagg
- Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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48
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Edgington L, Hill V, Pellicano E. The design and implementation of a CBT-based intervention for sensory processing difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 59:221-233. [PMID: 27639063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unusual reactions to sensory input now form part of the diagnostic criteria for autism. These features are common and can have an often-devastating impact on autistic individuals and their families. Yet there are few validated interventions that help to remediate or support autistic individuals' adverse sensory experiences. To date, both measurement of sensory experiences and the resulting interventions have been based on assumptions of neurological sensitivities and largely ignored the role of cognition. This study therefore sought to assess the feasibility of a new 8-week CBT-based group intervention for self-regulation of sensory processing difficulties. METHOD Seven cognitively able adolescents diagnosed with autism aged 11-16 years from one mainstream secondary school received the 8-week intervention. Measures of sensory reactivity, anxiety and repetitive behaviours were taken at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up, 8 weeks after the intervention had ceased. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were also conducted with adolescents and their parents to examine further the acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS The results showed that the intervention itself was feasible - both in its implementation and its acceptability to participants. Qualitative analysis clearly showed that the intervention was effective in raising meta-conscious awareness and self-regulation in these autistic adolescents. Analysis of outcome variables showed no significant change over the intervention period, although effect sizes were moderate-to-large. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results are encouraging and should inform the design of a future pilot randomized controlled trial to test its efficacy with a larger group of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Edgington
- Triborough Educational Psychology and Consultation Service, London, UK; Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, UK.
| | - Vivian Hill
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, UK; School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Robertson AE, David R Simmons R. The sensory experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative analysis. Perception 2015; 44:569-86. [PMID: 26422904 DOI: 10.1068/p7833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been well established that individuals with autism spectrum disorder report unusual experiences with sensory stimuli compared with typically developing individuals. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the nature of such experiences. A focus group was conducted with six adults with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome. Data were coded and analysed using an inductive, qualitative thematic analysis. Four main themes encompassing both positive and negative sensory experiences emerged from these data: (a) the importance of particular aspects of stimuli in their perception, (b) the importance of having control over stimuli, (c) how emotions/mental states could impact/be impacted by sensory stimuli, and (d) physical responses to stimuli. These data are discussed alongside extant literature. Limitations, possible implications, and potential directions of future research are also discussed.
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50
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Bölte S. The power of words: Is qualitative research as important as quantitative research in the study of autism? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2014; 18:67-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361313517367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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