Characterizing Sensory Processing Features in Autism: Scope of the Problem and Clinical Measurement

Sensory processing research in autism has been hampered by myriad methodological issues such as the lack of consensus for terminology used across disciplines, controversies about the extent to which sensory processing problems exist, whether or not these issues relate to core features of autism, and debates surrounding the efficacy of sensory-based interventions. This presentation will describe recent findings on the nature of unusual sensory features, their prevalence, specificity, and developmental course in autism. A variety of sensory processing patterns have been identified behaviorally and may take the form of hyper- and hyporesponsiveness to environmental stimuli, extreme sensory seeking behaviors or fascinations, and/or paradoxical responses across sensory modalities. These sensory features may have significant consequences on adaptive functioning, daily activities, and social participation for persons with autism and their families. Careful clinical characterization of the “sensory phenotype” is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of these features, as well as to designing sensitive and specific assessments, and evaluating intervention outcomes. Systematic translational research, integrating evidence across multiple disciplines and stakeholders, is needed to move the field forward in understanding these complex issues.