Abstract
Sensory issues have been widely reported in Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Since olfaction is one of the least investigated
senses in ASC, the current studies explore olfactory detection thresholds and adaptation to olfactory stimuli in adults with
ASC. 80 participants took part, 38 (18 females, 20 males) with ASC and 42 control participants (20 males, 22 females). A subgroup
of participants (N = 19 in each group) also conducted an adaptation task. Standardized “Sniffin’ Sticks” were used to measure
olfactory detection levels and adaptation. Adults with and without ASC showed similar olfactory detection thresholds, and
similar adaptation to an olfactory stimulus. Since diminished adaptation in ASC has been previously suggested, future research
needs to examine adaptation in other modalities as well.
senses in ASC, the current studies explore olfactory detection thresholds and adaptation to olfactory stimuli in adults with
ASC. 80 participants took part, 38 (18 females, 20 males) with ASC and 42 control participants (20 males, 22 females). A subgroup
of participants (N = 19 in each group) also conducted an adaptation task. Standardized “Sniffin’ Sticks” were used to measure
olfactory detection levels and adaptation. Adults with and without ASC showed similar olfactory detection thresholds, and
similar adaptation to an olfactory stimulus. Since diminished adaptation in ASC has been previously suggested, future research
needs to examine adaptation in other modalities as well.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1321-y
- Authors
- T. Tavassoli, Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Teresa Tavassoli, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- S. Baron-Cohen, Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Teresa Tavassoli, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257