Exploring the Sensory Symptoms in Adults with ASD Through Self-Report

Background:  The Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) is a semi-structured parent interview that assesses the broad range of symptoms present in individuals with ASD, including the presence of sensory features. Research using the DISCO has reported that sensory features are reported in a high percentage of individuals with ASD.  Sensory atypicalities are widely present in individuals with ASD but frequency estimates vary according to type of report and tool used. The DISCO differs from other techniques, such as the Sensory Profile, as it is based on sensory modalities. 

Objectives:  The objective was to assess the frequency of self-reported sensory atypicalities in high functioning adults using a new questionnaire developed from the DISCO. The association between responding to this questionnaire and responding to the Sensory Profile was analysed. The research also analysed the association between responses to the new sensory questionnaire responses and responses to a different self-report questionnaire, measuring autistic traits; the AQ. 

Methods:  A new ‘Sensory Preferences Questionnaire’ was developed from the sensory items in the DISCO (see Leekam et al., 2007) and its reliability tested. Twenty three individuals with a clinical diagnosis of high functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome completed the ‘Sensory Preferences Questionnaire’, AQ and Sensory Profile.

Results:  Results revealed a significant difference between ASD and control participants on the ‘sensory preferences questionnaire’, with higher scores for the ASD group. Significant associations were also found between this measure and both the AQ and Sensory Profile. 

Conclusions:  It is argued that the sensory items from the DISCO provide a good measure of autism specific sensory problems.