Sensory Symptoms and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Generally studies have shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience more sensory symptoms than age-matched peers that are neurotypical and developmentally delayed.
Sensory symptoms generally appear in patterns of being hypersensitive, hyposensitive and sensory seeking. Being hyperresponsive means to overreact to sensory input, being hyporesponsive means one under-reacts to sensory input, and sensory seeking behaviors include unusual sensory interest in items.
Sensory symptoms are estimated to occur in 69-93% of the population with ASD.
New research indicates that sensory symptoms may occur as early as social and communication symptoms occur. From age 2 years on there has been consistent documentation about sensory symptoms in children with ASD.
Functionally sensory differences have the potential to interfere with an individual’s day to day functioning. This includes things like self-care, participation in family activities and routines, and participate in school. Higher rates of sensory behaviors are also linked to family unit stress.
*Source: McCormick, Hepburn, Young and Rogers. Sensory symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder, other developmental disorders and typical development: A longitudinal study