Autistic Traits and Abnormal Sensory Experiences in Adults

Abstract

Sensory processing abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and now form part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, but it is unclear whether they characterize the ‘broader phenotype’ of the disorder. We recruited adults (n = 772) with and without an ASD and administered the Autism Quotient (AQ) along with the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), the Cardiff Anomalous Perceptions Scale (CAPS), and the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ), all questionnaire measures of abnormal sensory responsivity. Autism traits were significantly correlated with scores on all three sensory scales (AQ/GSQ r = 0.478; AQ/AASP r = 0.344; AQ/CAPS r = 0.333; all p < 0.001). This relationship was linear across the whole range of AQ scores and was true both in those with, and without, an ASD diagnosis. It survived correction for anxiety trait scores, and other potential confounds such as mental illness and migraine.

Psychometric Properties and Overlap of the GSQ and AQ among Japanese University Students

“…For the AQ, such gender differences are expected, based on the sex ratio in diagnosing ASD (Baron-Cohen et al, 2001). The gender difference in the total AQ score was consistent with the result of previous studies (Austin, 2005;Baron-Cohen et al, 2001;Hoekstra et al, 2008;Horder et al, 2014;Robertson & Simmons, 2013;Stewart & Austin, 2009;. For the GSQ, this study is the first to report gender differences.…”

“…The original study of the GSQ showed a significant positive correlation between GSQ and AQ scores in the general population (Robertson & Simmons, 2013). In addition, a score difference between individuals with ASD and those without ASD was found (Horder, Wilson, Mendez, & Murphy, 2014). Furthermore, Horder et al (2014) compared the correlation between scores of the AQ, GSQ, and AASP, and revealed that the correlation between the AQ and GSQ was the strongest.…”

“…In addition, a score difference between individuals with ASD and those without ASD was found (Horder, Wilson, Mendez, & Murphy, 2014). Furthermore, Horder et al (2014) compared the correlation between scores of the AQ, GSQ, and AASP, and revealed that the correlation between the AQ and GSQ was the strongest. These results provided evidence that the GSQ is a more adequate measure of sensory processing problems in ASD.…”

Social Anxiety and Response to Touch

“…Robertson and Simmons (2012) assessed sensory sensitivities in the BAP in several modalities (including auditory, tactile, and olfactory) and reported that higher levels of autistic traits were associated with higher levels of sensory behaviors across each of these domains. More recently, Horder, Wilson, Mendez, and Murphy (2014) have replicated these findings in a larger scale study, showing a linear relationship between autistic traits and sensory scores. Furthermore, they were able to replicate this relationship across three different measures of sensory behaviors.…”

The Sensory Experiences of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis

“…As such, taking measures to modify the environment could make accessibility easier for individuals with ASD, and could potentially minimise distress in uncomfortable situations. Indeed, it may be the case that small adjustments to the environment could be helpful to many people in the general population, as evidence suggests that individuals with elevated, albeit subclinical, levels of autistic traits report atypical sensory perception (Horder, Wilson, Mendez, & Murphy, 2014;Robertson & Simmons, 2013, Uljarevi• et al, 2014.…”