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Hudac CM, Friedman NR, Ward VR, Estreicher RE, Dorsey GC, Bernier RA, Kurtz-Nelson EC, Earl RK, Eichler EE, Neuhaus E. Characterizing Sensory Phenotypes of Subgroups with a Known Genetic Etiology Pertaining to Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2386-2401. [PMID: 37031308 PMCID: PMC10083138 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify unique constellations of sensory phenotypes for genetic etiologies associated with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Caregivers reported on sensory behaviors via the Sensory Profile for 290 participants (younger than 25 years of age) with ASD and/or ID diagnoses, of which ~ 70% have a known pathogenic genetic etiology. Caregivers endorsed poor registration (i.e., high sensory threshold, passive behaviors) for all genetic subgroups relative to an "idiopathic" comparison group with an ASD diagnosis and without a known genetic etiology. Genetic profiles indicated prominent sensory seeking in ADNP, CHD8, and DYRK1A, prominent sensory sensitivities in SCN2A, and fewer sensation avoidance behaviors in GRIN2B (relative to the idiopathic ASD comparison group).
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Hudac
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1800 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
- Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Nicole R Friedman
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Victoria R Ward
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Rachel E Estreicher
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Grace C Dorsey
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Rachel K Earl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Neuhaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Machado AS, Dias G, P Carvalho I. Disentangling the relationship between sensory processing, alexithymia and broad autism spectrum: A study in parents' of children with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 149:104742. [PMID: 38678875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic features and sensory processing difficulties and their phenotypic co-expression with alexithymia share a transdiagnostic vulnerability. In this work, we explored whether the current concept of broad autism phenotype rather translates altered sensory processing (non-specific to autism), meaning that the characteristics of altered sensory processing should be overexpressed among individuals with heightened vulnerability to sensory processing atypicalities (parents of children with sensorial processing disorder, or SPD parents) and individuals with heightened vulnerability to autistic traits (parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, or ASD parents). In addition, the association between altered sensory processing and alexithymia was inspected. METHOD The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Autism Spectrum Quotient, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale were completed by 31 parents of children with ASD, 32 parents of children with SPD, and 52 parents of typically developed (TD) children. RESULTS Extreme sensory patterns were overexpressed both in parents of children with SPD and parents of children with ASD when compared to parents of TD children. In addition, extreme sensory patterns were significantly associated with alexithymia scores. Specifically, sensory avoidance, low registration, and sensory sensitivity were positively correlated with alexithymia. No significant differences were found regarding the proportion of autistic traits and alexithymia between ASD and SPD groups of parents. CONCLUSIONS These results challenge the specificity of broad autism phenotype and suggest a neurodevelopmental atypicity with roots in altered sensory and emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Machado
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Psychiatry Service of São João University Hospital Center (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Goretti Dias
- Child and Adolescence Psychiatry Service, Santo António University Hospital Center (CHUSA), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene P Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
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Chen C, Cheng Y, Wu CT, Chiang CH, Wong CC, Huang CM, Martínez RM, Tzeng OJL, Fan YT. A sensory signature of unaffected biological parents predicts the risk of autism in their offspring. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 78:60-68. [PMID: 37807577 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Despite the emphasis on sensory dysfunction phenotypes in the revised diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there has been limited research, particularly in the field of neurobiology, investigating the concordance in sensory features between individuals with ASD and their genetic relatives. Therefore, our objective was to examine whether neurobehavioral sensory patterns could serve as endophenotypic markers for ASD. METHODS We combined questionnaire- and lab-based sensory evaluations with sensory fMRI measures to examine the patterns of sensory responsivity in 30 clinically diagnosed with ASD, 26 matched controls (CON), and 48 biological parents for both groups (27 parents of individuals with ASD [P-ASD] and 21 for individuals with CON [P-CON]). RESULTS The ASD and P-ASD groups had higher sensory responsivity and rated sensory stimuli as more unpleasant than the CON and P-CON groups, respectively. They also exhibited greater hemodynamic responses within the sensory cortices. Overlapping activations were observed within these sensory cortices in the ASD and P-ASD groups. Using a machine learning approach with robust prediction models across cohorts, we demonstrated that the sensory profile of biological parents accurately predicted the likelihood of their offspring having ASD, achieving a prediction accuracy of 71.4%. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide support for the hereditary basis of sensory alterations in ASD and suggest a potential avenue to improve ASD diagnosis by utilizing the sensory signature of biological parents, especially in families with a high risk of ASD. This approach holds promising prospects for early detection, even before the birth of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yawei Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Te Wu
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chung-Hsin Chiang
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ching Wong
- Child Developmental Assessment & Intervention Center, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mao Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Róger Marcelo Martínez
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Psychological Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Ovid J L Tzeng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Linguistics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Teng Fan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Interventions for Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101584. [PMID: 36291519 PMCID: PMC9601143 DOI: 10.3390/children9101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for the issue remain limited. This paper collates and reviews studies on SOR and information on the potential for effective interventions for people with ASD. This review reveals evidence that SOR has a close relationship with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and family life impairment and an underlying mechanism related to SOR. Four interventions and their theoretical bases in sensory-motor processing are discussed in this paper, namely, physical activity (PA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These interventions focus on establishing coping strategies for regulating the emotional response to sensory information, and they have been found to be effective and to have the potential to help children with ASD reduce their SOR behaviors. This paper provides guidance for selecting appropriate interventions and for further investigation of more effective interventions in the future.
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Neufeld J, Hederos Eriksson L, Hammarsten R, Lundin Remnélius K, Tillmann J, Isaksson J, Bölte S. The impact of atypical sensory processing on adaptive functioning within and beyond autism: The role of familial factors. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2341-2355. [PMID: 34340600 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211019852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Individuals diagnosed with autism tend to process sensory information differently than individuals without autism, resulting for instance in increased sensitivity to sounds or smells. This leads to challenges in everyday life and may restrict the individual's daily functioning. How direct this link is, however, is currently unclear. We investigated this question in 289 twins of whom 60 were diagnosed with autism and further 61 were diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental disorders. We looked at the association between unusual sensory processing and adaptive skills, both across individuals and within-twin pairs, testing whether individuals with higher levels of atypical sensory processing showed reduced adaptive skills compared to their twins. Since twins share 50%-100% of their genes and part of their environment (e.g. family background), associations within-twin pairs are free from effects of these familial factors. We found that an increased sensitivity to, as well as the avoiding of, sensory input (hyper-responsiveness) was linked to reduced adaptive skills across individuals-but not within-twin pairs. We also found an association between the degree to which individuals seek for sensory input (sensation seeking) and reduced adaptive skills, but only in individuals diagnosed with autism. The results suggest that sensory hyper-responsiveness has negative effects on individuals' general ability to function, but that this link is influenced by familial factors and hence not direct. In addition, sensation seeking behaviors might have a negative impact on adaptive skills specifically in autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Johan Isaksson
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin University, Australia
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6
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Sakakibara N, Makita K, Hiraoka D, Kasaba R, Kuboshita R, Shimada K, Fujisawa TX, Tomoda A. Increased resting-state activity in the cerebellum with mothers having less adaptive sensory processing and trait anxiety. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:4985-4995. [PMID: 34270152 PMCID: PMC8449103 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25594] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Child‐rearing mothers with high levels of trait anxiety have a tendency for less adaptive sensory processing, which causes parenting stress. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this sensory processing and trait anxiety remain unclear. We aimed to determine the whole‐brain spontaneous neural activity and sensory processing characteristics in mothers with varying parenting stress levels. Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we assessed mothers caring for more than one preschool aged (2–5 years) child and presenting with varying levels of sensory processing, trait anxiety, and parenting stress. Spontaneous neural activities in select brain regions were evaluated by whole‐brain correlation analyses based on the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF). We found significant positive correlations between levels of sensory processing with trait anxiety and parenting stress. Mothers having less adaptive sensory processing had significantly increased resting‐state network activities in the left lobule VI of the cerebellum. Increased fALFF values in the left lobule VI confirmed the mediation effect on the relationship between trait anxiety and sensory processing. A tendency for less adaptive sensory processing involving increased brain activity in lobule VI could be an indicator of maternal trait anxiety and the risk of parenting stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Sakakibara
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kai Makita
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Daiki Hiraoka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Kasaba
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Ryo Kuboshita
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Fukui Health Science University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Koji Shimada
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Japan Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Takashi X Fujisawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Akemi Tomoda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
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7
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Neufeld J, Taylor MJ, Lundin Remnélius K, Isaksson J, Lichtenstein P, Bölte S. A co-twin-control study of altered sensory processing in autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:1422-1432. [PMID: 33645260 PMCID: PMC8264631 DOI: 10.1177/1362361321991255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is associated with sensory processing alterations, such as sensory hyper- and hypo-responsiveness. Twin studies are scarce in this field, but they are necessary in order to disentangle the genetic and environmental contributions to this association. Furthermore, it is unclear how different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions contribute to altering sensory processing. We investigated the association between autistic traits/autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and sensory processing alterations in twins (N = 269), using the adult/adolescent sensory profile, which differentiates four sub-domains: Low Registration, Sensation Seeking, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding. While the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding persisted within monozygotic (genetically identical) twins, Sensory Sensitivity was only associated with autistic traits within dizygotic twins. In multivariate analyses with different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric diagnoses as predictor variables, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were the strongest predictors for two adult/adolescent sensory profile sub-domains each. The results suggest that the association between autistic traits and Sensory Sensitivity is influenced by genetics while non-shared environmental factors influence the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding. They further indicate that altered sensory processing is not specific to autism spectrum disorder, while autism spectrum disorder is a strong predictor of certain sensory processing alterations, even when controlling for other (comorbid) neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Johan Isaksson
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Sven Bölte
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin University, Australia
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8
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Taylor E, Holt R, Tavassoli T, Ashwin C, Baron-Cohen S. Revised scored Sensory Perception Quotient reveals sensory hypersensitivity in women with autism. Mol Autism 2020; 11:18. [PMID: 32122389 PMCID: PMC7053068 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research using the Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ) has reported greater sensory hypersensitivity in people with autism spectrum condition (ASC) compared to controls, consistent with other research. However, current scoring of the SPQ does not differentiate between hyper and hyposensitivity, making it uncertain whether individuals with ASC might also show differences in hyposensitivity. Furthermore, no research to date has focused on sensory differences in females, and whether differences in sensory sensitivity extend to the broader autism phenotype (BAP). The present study aimed to fill these gaps. METHODS The present study developed and validated a Revised Scoring of the Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ-RS) in order to investigate self-reported hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in three groups of adults: a female ASC group (n = 152), mothers of children with ASC (BAP mothers group; n = 103), and a control mothers group (n = 74). All participants completed the SPQ as a self-report measure of sensory processing and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) as a measure of the degree of autism traits. RESULTS The female ASC group reported significantly more hypersensitivity, but not more hyposensitivity, compared to the control female and BAP mothers groups. The BAP mothers group did not differ from the control mothers group in either reported hypersensitivity (p = .365) or hyposensitivity (p = .075), suggesting atypical sensory sensitivity is not a BAP trait within females. SPQ-RS hypersensitivity scores positively correlated with autistic traits in the female ASC (r = .266) and BAP mothers groups (r = .350). CONCLUSIONS The present findings revealed greater sensory hypersensitivity, but not hyposensitivity, in females with ASC compared to BAP and control female groups, and that a greater degree of autism traits relates to higher hypersensitivity in ASC females. The results offer support for the enhanced perceptual functioning model using large samples of females, who are an understudied population, and demonstrate the validity of the SPQ-RS as a valuable new research tool for exploring self-reported hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Taylor
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 7BE UK
| | - Chris Ashwin
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
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9
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Riccio A, Kapp SK, Daou N, Shane J, Gillespie-Lynch K. What are Replicable Aspects of the Broader Autism Phenotype among College Students? COLLABRA: PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1525/collabra.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Are people with heightened autistic traits less likely to help other people? Recent research suggests that heightened autistic traits are associated with reduced self-reported prosocial behavior among college students. However, the growing literature examining sub-clinical traits associated with autism, or the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP), among college students has invested insufficient attention in replication of findings, potential interrelationships between constructs, or the degree to which social desirability bias may contribute to findings. To identify replicable aspects of the BAP, we administered a battery of measures to 391 undergraduate students. Replicating prior work, findings suggested that self-reported difficulties understanding the self and others (but not less feeling for others) and sensory atypicalities are core aspects of the BAP. Reduced social desirability bias was also associated with the BAP. Prior associations between reduced prosocial tendencies and the BAP were not replicated. Findings highlight the importance of assessing multiple potential aspects of the BAP, particularly reduced susceptibility to the social desirability bias, when using self-report measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Riccio
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, US
| | - Steven K. Kapp
- Egenis, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - Nidal Daou
- Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LB
- Department of Psychology, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA, US
| | - Jacob Shane
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, US
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, US
| | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, US
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, NY, US
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10
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Larkin F, Meins E, Leekam SR. Predisposing Factors for Elevated Restricted and Repetitive Behavior in Typically Developing Toddlers. INFANCY 2019; 24:24-42. [PMID: 32677263 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the relation between levels of restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) in infants and parent factors. The present study investigated maternal and psychosocial factors (depressive symptoms, socio-economic status, social support) and mother-infant engagement factors (mind-mindedness, sensitivity, and infant-mother attachment security) as predictors of children's RRB at age 26 months in a sample of 206 mothers and children. Maternal depressive symptoms predicted levels of sensory and motor repetitive behavior and rigid, routinized, and ritualistic repetitive behavior. Lower socioeconomic status also predicted independent variance in children's sensory and motor repetitive behavior. The relations between maternal depressive symptoms and both types of RRB were not mediated through observational measures of maternal sensitivity or mind-mindedness at 8 months, or attachment security at 15 months. The results are discussed in terms of whether stress regulation, self-stimulation, and genetic susceptibility can help explain the observed link between maternal depressive symptoms and RRB in the child.
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11
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Taylor MJ, Gustafsson P, Larsson H, Gillberg C, Lundström S, Lichstenstein P. Examining the Association Between Autistic Traits and Atypical Sensory Reactivity: A Twin Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 57:96-102. [PMID: 29413155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atypical responses to sensory stimuli are common features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Consequently, atypical sensory reactivity (SR) is now a diagnostic feature of ASD. Quantitative genetic research on ASD has overlooked these symptoms, however. We therefore investigated the association between autistic traits and SR using twin methods. METHOD Autistic traits and SR were assessed by 2 separate scales in 12,419 Swedish twin pairs (n = 3,586 monozygotic [MZ], n = 8,833 dizygotic [DZ]) when the twins were 9 or 12 years of age. The classic twin design estimated the degree to which etiological factors associated with autistic traits were also associated with SR, and the degree to which such shared factors explained the covariance between these phenotypes. DeFries-Fulker analysis estimated the genetic correlation between screening diagnoses of ASD, defined broadly and strictly, and SR. RESULTS Autistic traits and SR were both highly heritable (62%-75% and 66%-71%, respectively). There was a moderate phenotypic correlation between autistic traits and SR (r = 0.47). Genetic influences on these phenotypes correlated moderately (genetic correlation = 0.60). These overlapping genetic factors explained most of the correlation between autistic traits and SR. Genetic correlations with SR increased for broad ASD (genetic correlation = 0.72) and strict ASD (genetic correlation = 0.80). CONCLUSION The genetic overlap observed between autistic traits and SR lends quantitative genetic support to the notion that ASD and SR are strongly linked. Such symptoms may thus comprise part of the ASD genotype, as well as phenotype. Associations persisted across all definitions of ASD, indicating a genetic link between the broader ASD phenotype and SR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henrik Larsson
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Sebastian Lundström
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Sweden Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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12
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Top DN, Luke SG, Stephenson KG, South M. Psychophysiological Arousal and Auditory Sensitivity in a Cross-Clinical Sample of Autistic and Non-autistic Anxious Adults. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:783. [PMID: 30761031 PMCID: PMC6361859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many autistic people report overwhelming sensory experiences and also elevated levels of anxiety. Understanding how these experiences are linked to each other can contribute to improved support and intervention for reducing sensory overload and anxiety. This study included 95 young adult participants including autistic adults, non-autistic adults reporting to a psychotherapy clinic with high levels of anxiety, and neurotypical adults with no psychiatric concerns. We measured pupil size using including a baseline task with no auditory stimulus followed by two blocks of simple auditory habituation. In a subset of 80 participants we also measured self-report levels of sensory processing, anxious apprehension, and intolerance of uncertainty. The autism group showed atypical sensory processing on all four measured domains of the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile including sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, sensory avoidance, and low registration subscales. Dimensional analyses across all participants showed significant positive correlations between sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory avoidance domains with scores from the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Short Form and Penn State Worry Questionnaire. The autism group showed significantly larger pupil size than other groups at baseline, before any auditory stimulation. There were no group differences in the rate of auditory habituation, nonetheless the overall, absolute larger pupil size remained in the autism group throughout the experiment. We suggest that this and other findings could indicate chronic hyperarousal in many autistic people. Treatment for anxiety in autism should be informed by knowledge of unique aspects of anxiety in autism and consider the role of sensory experience and everyday psychophysiological arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nicholas Top
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Steven G Luke
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States.,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University Provo, UT, United States
| | | | - Mikle South
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States.,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University Provo, UT, United States
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13
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Baranek GT, Woynaroski TG, Nowell S, Turner-Brown L, DuBay M, Crais ER, Watson LR. Cascading effects of attention disengagement and sensory seeking on social symptoms in a community sample of infants at-risk for a future diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 29:30-40. [PMID: 28869201 PMCID: PMC6414208 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent work suggests sensory seeking predicts later social symptomatology through reduced social orienting in infants who are at high-risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on their status as younger siblings of children diagnosed with ASD. We drew on extant longitudinal data from a community sample of at-risk infants who were identified at 12 months using the First Year Inventory, and followed to 3-5 years. We replicate findings of Damiano et al. (in this issue) that a) high-risk infants who go on to be diagnosed with ASD show heightened sensory seeking in the second year of life relative to those who do not receive a diagnosis, and b) increased sensory seeking indirectly relates to later social symptomatology via reduced social orienting. We extend previous findings to show that sensory seeking has more clinical utility later in the second year of life (20-24 months) than earlier (13-15 months). Further, this study suggests that diminished attention disengagement at 12-15 months may precede and predict increased sensory seeking at 20-24 months. Findings add support for the notion that sensory features produce cascading effects on social development in infants at risk for ASD, and suggest that reduced attention disengagement early in life may set off this cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T Baranek
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sallie Nowell
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Turner-Brown
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; TEACCH Autism Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michaela DuBay
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Crais
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Program for Early Autism Research Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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Su X, Cai RY, Uljarević M. Predictors of Mental Health in Chinese Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1159-1168. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Increased Sensory Processing Atypicalities in Parents of Multiplex ASD Families Versus Typically Developing and Simplex ASD Families. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:535-548. [PMID: 27538965 PMCID: PMC5352777 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2888-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that sensory processing atypicalities may share genetic influences with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To further investigate this, the adolescent/adult sensory profile (AASP) questionnaire was distributed to 85 parents of typically developing children (P-TD), 121 parents from simplex ASD families (SPX), and 54 parents from multiplex ASD families (MPX). After controlling for gender and presence of mental disorders, results showed that MPX parents significantly differed from P-TD parents in all four subscales of the AASP. Differences between SPX and MPX parents reached significance in the Sensory Sensitivity subscale and also in subsequent modality-specific analyses in the auditory and visual domains. Our finding that parents with high genetic liability for ASD (i.e., MPX) had more sensory processing atypicalities than parents with low (i.e., SPX) or no (i.e., P-TD) ASD genetic liability suggests that sensory processing atypicalities may contribute to the genetic susceptibility for ASD.
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16
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Uljarević M, Baranek G, Vivanti G, Hedley D, Hudry K, Lane A. Heterogeneity of sensory features in autism spectrum disorder: Challenges and perspectives for future research. Autism Res 2017; 10:703-710. [PMID: 28266796 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pronounced heterogeneity is apparent across every facet of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and it remains difficult to predict likely future potential among individuals who share a common diagnosis of ASD on the basis of early presentation. In this commentary we argue that a fine-grained understanding of individual differences in sensory features and their influence across the life span can constrain noted clinical heterogeneity in ASD. We organize our discussion around the following three critical themes: (a) considering sensory features as dimensional construct; (b) taking an "individual differences" approach; and (c) adopting a comprehensive, multidimensional and multimodal approach to measurement of sensory features. We conclude that future research will need to investigate individual differences in sensory features via: (1) multidimensional and cross-disciplinary examination, (2) prospective longitudinal designs, and (3) dimensional and developmental frameworks that emphasize the potential value of early individual variability as indicators of later outcomes, not only in relation to the categorical diagnostic outcome status but also the presence of other clinical features. This is a key time for sensory-related research and in this commentary we provide some of the steps that, in our opinion, can shape future research in this area. Autism Res 2017, 10: 703-710. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grace Baranek
- Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Giacomo Vivanti
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.,Early Detection & Intervention Program, A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison Lane
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell®
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17
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Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), a monogenic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), results from deletion or mutation of the SHANK3 gene. Atypical sensory reactivity is now included in the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Examining the sensory phenotype in monogenic forms of ASD, such as PMS, may help identify underlying mechanisms of sensory reactivity. Using the Short Sensory Profile, the current study compared sensory reactivity in 24 children with PMS to 61 children with idiopathic ASD (iASD). Results suggest that children with PMS show more low energy/weak symptoms and less sensory sensitivity as compared to children with iASD. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in sensory reactivity between children with PMS and iASD, helping to refine the PMS phenotype.
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18
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Glod M, Riby DM, Honey E, Rodgers J. Sensory atypicalities in dyads of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents. Autism Res 2016; 10:531-538. [PMID: 27529166 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sensory atypicalities are a common feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, the relationship between sensory atypicalities in dyads of children with ASD and their parents has not been investigated. Exploring these relationships can contribute to an understanding of how phenotypic profiles may be inherited, and the extent to which familial factors might contribute towards children's sensory profiles and constitute an aspect of the broader autism phenotype (BAP). Parents of 44 children with ASD and 30 typically developing (TD) children, aged between 3 and 14 years, participated. Information about children's sensory experiences was collected through parent report using the Sensory Profile questionnaire. Information about parental sensory experiences was collected via self-report using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. Parents of children with ASD had significantly higher scores than parents of TD children in relation to low registration, over responsivity, and taste/smell sensory processing. Similar levels of agreement were obtained within ASD and TD parent-child dyads on a number of sensory atypicalities; nevertheless significant correlations were found between parents and children in ASD families but not TD dyads for sensation avoiding and auditory, visual, and vestibular sensory processing. The findings suggest that there are similarities in sensory processing profiles between parents and their children in both ASD and TD dyads. Familial sensory processing factors are likely to contribute towards the BAP. Further work is needed to explore genetic and environmental influences on the developmental pathways of the sensory atypicalities in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 531-538. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Glod
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Deborah M Riby
- Science Laboratories, Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Emma Honey
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Uljarević M, Lane A, Kelly A, Leekam S. Sensory subtypes and anxiety in older children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2016; 9:1073-1078. [PMID: 26765165 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify sensory subtypes in older children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and examine the relationship of sensory subtypes with anxiety levels in this group. Mothers of 57 children and adolescents with ASD aged 11-17 years (Mean age = 14 years. 2.4 months, SD = 1.81) completed the short sensory profile and Spence anxiety scales. Model-based cluster analysis was applied to sensory profile scores to identify sensory subtypes. Three sensory subtypes, sensory adaptive (N = 19), sensory moderate (N = 29) and sensory severe (N = 9) were identified. The results indicated that the differences between the subtypes were well characterised by the severity of sensory symptoms and were not attributable to sensory modality or varying types of sensory-related behaviors. Children and adolescents from the adaptive subtype had significantly lower anxiety scores when compared with other two subtypes. There were no differences between subtypes based on chronological age, expressive language, or severity of autism diagnostic features as measured by the social communication questionnaire (SCQ total score). This is the first study to identify the existence of sensory subtypes among older children and adolescents with ASD and explore their association with anxiety levels. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1073-1078. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia. .,School of Psychology and Public Health, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF10 3AT.
| | - Alison Lane
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF10 3AT
| | - Amanda Kelly
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Susan Leekam
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Cardiff University, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF10 3AT
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20
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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: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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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21
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Greenfield K, Ropar D, Smith AD, Carey M, Newport R. Visuo-tactile integration in autism: atypical temporal binding may underlie greater reliance on proprioceptive information. Mol Autism 2015; 6:51. [PMID: 26380064 PMCID: PMC4570750 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that social functioning deficits and sensory sensitivities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are related to atypical sensory integration. The exact mechanisms underlying these integration difficulties are unknown; however, two leading accounts are (1) an over-reliance on proprioception and (2) atypical visuo-tactile temporal binding. We directly tested these theories by selectively manipulating proprioceptive alignment and visuo-tactile synchrony to assess the extent that these impact upon body ownership. METHODS Children with ASD and typically developing controls placed their hand into a multisensory illusion apparatus, which presented two, identical live video images of their own hand in the same plane as their actual hand. One virtual hand was aligned proprioceptively with the actual hand (the veridical hand), and the other was displaced to the left or right. While a brushstroke was applied to the participants' actual (hidden) hand, they observed the two virtual images of their hand also being stroked and were asked to identify their real hand. During brushing, one of three different temporal delays was applied to either the displaced hand or the veridical hand. Thus, only one virtual hand had synchronous visuo-tactile inputs. RESULTS Results showed that visuo-tactile synchrony overrides incongruent proprioceptive inputs in typically developing children but not in autistic children. Evidence for both temporally extended visuo-tactile binding and a greater reliance on proprioception are discussed. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide definitive evidence for temporally extended visuo-tactile binding in ASD. This may result in reduced processing of amodal inputs (i.e. temporal synchrony) over modal-specific information (i.e. proprioception). This would likely lead to failures in appropriately binding information from related events, which would impact upon sensitivity to sensory stimuli, body representation and social processes such as empathy and imitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Greenfield
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Danielle Ropar
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Alastair D Smith
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Mark Carey
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Roger Newport
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
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22
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Brief Report: Effects of Sensory Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty on Anxiety in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 46:315-319. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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23
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Shared and Divergent Auditory and Tactile Processing in Children with Autism and Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction Relative to Typically Developing Peers. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2015; 21:444-54. [PMID: 26145730 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617715000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare sensory processing in typically developing children (TDC), children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and those with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) in the absence of an ASD. Performance-based measures of auditory and tactile processing were compared between male children ages 8-12 years assigned to an ASD (N=20), SPD (N=15), or TDC group (N=19). Both the SPD and ASD groups were impaired relative to the TDC group on a performance-based measure of tactile processing (right-handed graphesthesia). In contrast, only the ASD group showed significant impairment on an auditory processing index assessing dichotic listening, temporal patterning, and auditory discrimination. Furthermore, this impaired auditory processing was associated with parent-rated communication skills for both the ASD group and the combined study sample. No significant group differences were detected on measures of left-handed graphesthesia, tactile sensitivity, or form discrimination; however, more participants in the SPD group demonstrated a higher tactile detection threshold (60%) compared to the TDC (26.7%) and ASD groups (35%). This study provides support for use of performance-based measures in the assessment of children with ASD and SPD and highlights the need to better understand how sensory processing affects the higher order cognitive abilities associated with ASD, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, regardless of diagnostic classification.
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