Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) tend to have sensory processing difficulties (Baranek et al. in J Child
Psychol Psychiatry 47:591–601, 2006). These difficulties include over- and under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli, and problems modulating sensory input (Ben-Sasson
et al. in J Autism Dev Disorders 39:1–11, 2009). As those with ASD exist at the extreme end of a continuum of autistic traits that is also evident in the general population,
we investigated the link between ASD and sensory sensitivity in the general population by administering two questionnaires
online to 212 adult participants. Results showed a highly significant positive correlation (r = .775, p < .001) between number of autistic traits and the frequency of sensory processing problems. These data suggest a strong link
between sensory processing and autistic traits in the general population, which in turn potentially implicates sensory processing
problems in social interaction difficulties.
Psychol Psychiatry 47:591–601, 2006). These difficulties include over- and under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli, and problems modulating sensory input (Ben-Sasson
et al. in J Autism Dev Disorders 39:1–11, 2009). As those with ASD exist at the extreme end of a continuum of autistic traits that is also evident in the general population,
we investigated the link between ASD and sensory sensitivity in the general population by administering two questionnaires
online to 212 adult participants. Results showed a highly significant positive correlation (r = .775, p < .001) between number of autistic traits and the frequency of sensory processing problems. These data suggest a strong link
between sensory processing and autistic traits in the general population, which in turn potentially implicates sensory processing
problems in social interaction difficulties.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1608-7
- Authors
- Ashley E. Robertson, School of Psychology, University of Glasgow, 58 Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8QB UK
- David R. Simmons, School of Psychology, University of Glasgow, 58 Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8QB UK
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257