Page 1: Sensory Processing in ASD

Page 2: Sensory Issues in ASD

Overview

• Sensory processing differences are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as per DSM-5 under the repetitive behaviors domain.

• Not a required feature for diagnosis; among the list of repetitive behaviors where 2 symptoms are needed for a diagnosis.

• Previously, it was seen as an associated feature, not included in diagnostic criteria.

Key Points

• Sensory components exist in many repetitive behaviors.

• Not all sensory issues involve repetitive behaviors.

Page 3: Sensory Behaviors in ASD

Historical Context

• Differences in sensory behaviors noted since Kanner's original description.

• Sensory issues are not unique to ASD; can occur in various modalities.

Commonly Studied Modalities

• Auditory and visual modalities most researched.

• Picky eating observed in ASD may relate to sensory features, particularly taste and texture.

• Recent studies have examined differences in smell.

Page 4: Types of Sensory Behaviors in ASD

Categories of Sensory Behaviors

1. Hypo-sensitivity/Responsivity: Under-responsiveness.

2. Hyper-sensitivity/Responsivity: Over-responsiveness.

3. Repetitive Behaviors/Sensory Seeking: Intense interest leading to repetitive actions.

4. Enhanced Perception: Superior sensory abilities.

Challenges

• Limited research on certain sensory issues.

• Inconsistencies present in literature regarding sensory processing.

Page 5: Hypo-responsivity

Characteristics

• Reduced response to stimuli:

  • Lack of response to name.

  • Reduced sensitivity to touch and painful stimuli.

  • Reduced sensitivity to odors.

• Higher levels of hypo-responsivity found in ASD compared to other groups.

Page 6: Hyper-responsivity

Characteristics

• Increased response or sensitivity to stimuli:

  • Sounds: covering ears to certain noises.

  • Tactile: painful haircuts and avoidance of specific textures.

  • Visual: sensitivity to bright lights.

  • Pain and odors: increased sensitivity leading to sensory overload.

Page 7: Hyper-responsivity

Continued Discussion

• Further details on hyper-responsivity characteristics not provided.

Page 8: Repetitive Behaviors or Sensory Seeking

Description

• Intense interest in sensory aspects, leading to repetitive behaviors.

• May correlate with hypo-responsivity:

  • Examples include:

    • Intense visual inspections (different angles).

    • Spinning objects and self for vestibular stimulation.

    • Touching/rubbing textures (e.g., on cheek).

    • Smelling items.

Page 9: Enhanced Perception

Characteristics

• Superior perceptual abilities in ASD:

  • More frequent reports of perfect pitch.

  • Notable visual search abilities.

  • Enhanced detail detection in local visual processing.

Page 10: Sensory Behaviors in ASD

Additional Issues

• Difficulties in integrating information across sensory modalities.

• Unique processing of auditory language compared to general auditory information.

Influencing Factors

• Attention levels.

• Sensory thresholds.

• Brain processing differences.

• Stress and arousal differences.

Page 11: Developmental Changes

Research Status

• Insufficient studies to observe sensory feature changes over time.

• Sensory differences noted early, with infant studies identifying them by 6-12 months.

• Commonly reported in toddler and preschool ages; also prevalent in ASD adults.

Page 12: Associations

Research Findings

• Sensory processing differences associated with:

  • Social-communication deficits.

  • Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.

  • Atypical motor features.

  • Unclear associations with IQ.

Page 13: Measurements

Research Challenges

• Difficulty in studying sensory issues in ASD due to:

  • Variability in measurement tools.

  • Parent reports may lack accuracy.

  • Observation challenges in lab settings.

Considerations for Study

• Type of sensory behaviors to examine.

• Presence and quantification of behaviors.

• Exploration of multiple sensory issues.