Sensory Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding abnormalities in sensory functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including evidence regarding the neurobiological basis of these symptoms, their clinical correlates, and their treatment. Abnormalities in responses to sensory stimuli are highly prevalent in individuals with ASD. The underlying neurobiology of these symptoms is unclear, but several theories have been proposed linking possible etiologies of sensory dysfunction with known abnormalities in brain structure and function that are associated with ASD. In addition to the distress that sensory symptoms can cause patients and caregivers, these phenomena have been correlated with several other problematic symptoms and behaviors associated with ASD, including restrictive and repetitive behavior, self-injurious behavior, anxiety, inattention, and gastrointestinal complaints. It is unclear whether these correlations are causative in nature or whether they are due to shared underlying pathophysiology. The best-known treatments for sensory symptoms in ASD involve a program of occupational therapy that is specifically tailored to the needs of the individual and that may include sensory integration therapy, a sensory diet, and environmental modifications. While some empirical evidence supports these treatments, more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy, and other means of alleviating these symptoms, including possible psychopharmacological interventions, need to be explored. Additional research into the sensory symptoms associated with ASD has the potential to shed more light on the nature and pathophysiology of these disorders and to open new avenues of effective treatments.

Brain oscillations and connectivity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD): new approaches to methodology, measurement and modelling

“…Although atypical social behaviour remains a primary characterisation of ASD, the presence of sensory abnormalities has recently been given a more central role, consistent with reports that over 90% of ASD individuals experience some form of sensory abnormality in proprioception, olfaction, auditory and/or visual domains (Hazen et al, 2014;Leekam et al, 2007). Such problems have been described in qualitative interviews (Kirby, Dickie, & Baranek, 2015), as well as using self-report questionnaires such as the Sensory OverResponsivity Scale (Baranek et al, 2006;Liss et al, 2006) and the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (Robertson & Simmons, 2013).…”

Narratives of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders: focus on eating behavior

“…Hazen et al 22 and Cermak et al 4 estimated the prevalence of sensory processing disorders to range from 69 to 95% in children of various ages with ASD. In this study, however, the dietary profile of the children reflected the families' preferences.…”

Correlatos estructurales de las alteraciones cognitivas en niños con TEA

“…Sin embargo, en los últimos años se ha reconocido cada vez más la importancia central de los síntomas sensoriales en el TEA (Hazen et al, 2014). Un creciente número de investigaciones ha demostrado la frecuencia de estos síntomas y el papel que pueden desempeñar en la contribución a las características y los déficits funcionales en el autismo.…”

“…Si bien muchas de estas herramientas se han utilizado en estudios de niños con TEA, actualmente no se han desarrollado instrumentos publicados para esta población en particular (Hazen, Stornelli, O'Rourke, Koesterer & McDougle, 2014).…”

“…Las dificultades de atención que se observan en los niños con TEA tienden a ser muy diferentes de las personas con TDAH. En general, mientras que los niños con TDAH tienen dificultades para mantener la atención en la tarea, los niños con TEA tienen problemas para cambiar la atención (Hazen, Stornelli, O'Rourke, Koesterer & McDougle, 2014). Esta dificultad para cambiar la atención podría atribuirse a hiposensibilidad a estímulos externos junto con bajos niveles de excitación.…”