Unique Relationships Between Autistic Traits and Visual, Auditory, and Tactile Sensory Thresholds in Typically Developing Adults

Perception ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-421
Author(s):  
Ayako Yaguchi ◽  
Souta Hidaka
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Sensory Thresholds ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
And Behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by symptoms such as social deficits and restricted interests and behavior. Several studies have investigated specific sensory processing in relation to ASD traits. However, findings appear to be inconsistent and inconclusive because of variation in ASD traits among participants and differences in the tasks adopted. In this study, we investigated relationships between sensory thresholds in visual, auditory, and tactile modalities and various ASD traits to account for individual variability of traits in typically developing adults using the same experimental tasks. We estimated detection and discrimination thresholds for brightness, sound pressure, and vibrotactile stimulus strength. We also estimated the degree of ASD traits in each participant with a questionnaire. We found that higher tactile detection and visual discrimination thresholds were related to ASD traits in difficulty of communication. A lower tactile discrimination threshold and higher visual detection threshold was also related to the ASD trait of strong focus of attention. These findings suggest the existence of unique relationships between particular low-level sensory processing and specific ASD traits, indicating that irregularities in sensory processing may underlie variation in ASD traits.

Distinct Autistic Traits Are Differentially Associated With the Width of the Multisensory Temporal Binding Window

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 523-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayako Yaguchi ◽  
Souta Hidaka
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Audiovisual Integration ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Temporal Binding ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Temporal Binding Window ◽  
And Behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted interests and behavior patterns. These characteristics are considered as a continuous distribution in the general population. People with ASD show atypical temporal processing in multisensory integration. Regarding the flash–beep illusion, which refers to how a single flash can be illusorily perceived as multiple flashes when multiple auditory beeps are concurrently presented, some studies reported that people with ASD have a wider temporal binding window and greater integration than typically developed people; others found the opposite or inconsistent tendencies. Here, we investigated the relationships between the manner of the flash–beep illusion and the various dimensions of ASD traits by estimating the degree of typically developed participants’ ASD traits including five subscales using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. We found that stronger ASD traits of communication and social skill were associated with a wider and narrower temporal binding window respectively. These results suggest that specific ASD traits are differently involved in the particular temporal binding processes of audiovisual integration.

Shared and Divergent Auditory and Tactile Processing in Children with Autism and Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction Relative to Typically Developing Peers

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 444-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Demopoulos ◽  
Annie N. Brandes-Aitken ◽  
Shivani S. Desai ◽  
Susanna S. Hill ◽  
Ashley D. Antovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Significant Impairment

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare sensory processing in typically developing children (TDC), children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and those with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) in the absence of an ASD. Performance-based measures of auditory and tactile processing were compared between male children ages 8–12 years assigned to an ASD (N=20), SPD (N=15), or TDC group (N=19). Both the SPD and ASD groups were impaired relative to the TDC group on a performance-based measure of tactile processing (right-handed graphesthesia). In contrast, only the ASD group showed significant impairment on an auditory processing index assessing dichotic listening, temporal patterning, and auditory discrimination. Furthermore, this impaired auditory processing was associated with parent-rated communication skills for both the ASD group and the combined study sample. No significant group differences were detected on measures of left-handed graphesthesia, tactile sensitivity, or form discrimination; however, more participants in the SPD group demonstrated a higher tactile detection threshold (60%) compared to the TDC (26.7%) and ASD groups (35%). This study provides support for use of performance-based measures in the assessment of children with ASD and SPD and highlights the need to better understand how sensory processing affects the higher order cognitive abilities associated with ASD, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, regardless of diagnostic classification. (JINS, 2015, 21, 444–454)

scholarly journals Brief Report: Sensory processing phenotypes in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel M Lyons-Warren ◽  
Maria C McCormack ◽  
J. Lloyd Holder
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Syndromic Autism ◽  
Sensory Features ◽  
Syndromic Asd ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Sensory Profiles

AbstractSensory processing differences are an established feature of both syndromic and non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Significant work has been done to characterize and classify specific sensory profiles in non-syndromic Autism. However, it is not known if syndromic Autism disorders such as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMD) or SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability (SYNGAP1-ID) have unique sensory phenotypes. Understanding the sensory features of these disorders is important for providing appropriate care and for understanding the underlying mechanisms of the disorders. In this manuscript we use the Short Sensory Profile-2 to characterize sensory features in 41 patients with PMD and 24 patients with SYNGAP1-ID and compare their responses to both expected results for typically developing children and published sensory profiles for non-syndromic ASD.

scholarly journals The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mackus ◽  
D. de Kruijff ◽  
L. S. Otten ◽  
A. D. Kraneveld ◽  
J. Garssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ring Finger ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Subscale Score ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Digit Ratio ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Attention Switching ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Attention To Detail

It has been suggested that the second (2D, index finger) to fourth (4D, ring finger) digit ratio, 2D : 4D, may be a biomarker for the risk of developing autism. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of the 2D : 4D digit ratio as biomarker for autistic traits. N=401 healthy young volunteers participated in the study. For both hands, digit lengths were measured using digital Vernier calipers. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed, comprised of five subscales, assessing “social insights and behavior,” “attention switching,” “communication,” “imagination,” and “attention to detail.” Overall, no significant correlations were observed between the AQ total score, its subscales, and the 2D : 4D digit ratio. For women, the left hand 2D : 4D digit ratio correlated significantly with the subscale score “communication” (r=-0.142; p=0.036). For men, a significant positive correlation was found between the left 2D : 4D digit ratio and the total AQ score (r=0.157; p=0.042) and AQ subscale “attention switching” (r=0.182; p=0.017). In conclusion, gender specific associations between the 2D : 4D digit ratio and specific autism traits were observed, which were stronger in men than in women. Future studies should be conducted in patients that are formally diagnosed with autism.

scholarly journals Mediating role of abnormal sensory processing in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yurika Tsuji ◽  
Satoko Matsumoto ◽  
Aya Saito ◽  
Shu Imaizumi ◽  
Yoko Yamazaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
University Students ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Japanese Female ◽  
The Relationship

Sensory processing abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and previous studies have shown a positive correlation between sensory processing and internalizing problems. This study examines the role of sensory processing abnormalities and difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities on relationships between autistic traits and internalizing problems in Japanese female university students. One hundred and twelve female university students completed a questionnaire about their autistic traits, sensory processing, awareness of difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities, and internalizing problems. Analysis of the data reveals that autistic traits correlate with low registration and sensation avoiding. Moreover, those who scored high on these indicators, demonstrated difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities as the cause of internalizing problems.

#3085 Relationship between variant connective tissue (hypermobility) and autism sensory processing: externally oriented thinking as a mediator

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. A7.2-A8
Author(s):  
GK Savage ◽  
JLL Csecs ◽  
G Davies ◽  
HD Critchley ◽  
JA Eccles
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Joint Hypermobility ◽  
Circumscribed Interests ◽  
Motor Score ◽  
Social Relatedness ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Tas 20

Objectives/AimsAutism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in sensory processing, social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Joint hypermobility is a common connective tissue variant, reportedly overrepresented in Autism. Alexithymia is a personality construct characterised by altered emotional awareness which has notably high rates of overlap with autism spectrum disorder. This study tested whether hypermobility was associated with autistic traits and examined alexithymia as a mediator of this association.MethodForty-two people underwent eligibility assessment for a study of joint hypermobility and anxiety (ISRCTN17018615). Hypermobility was assessed using both the Brighton Criteria for Joint Hypermobilty Syndrome (JHS) and 2017 Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) Criteria. Participants completed the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS R: sensory/motor, language, social relatedness and circumscribed interest domains) to quantify autistic traits. No participant had a prior diagnosis of Autism. Participants also completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) to measure alexithymia. The TAS-20 has three domains: difficulty describing feelings, difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking.ResultsAll 42 participants met criteria for JHS, 26 participants also met criteria for hEDS. Strikingly, 22/42 (52.4%) scored above threshold for suspected Autism (26/42 in the sensory/motor domain; 22/42 in language domain; 22/42 in social relatedness domain; 17/42 in circumscribed interests domain). There were no significant differences in RAADS-R scores depending on hypermobility diagnosis. The number of connective tissue features (hEDS Criterion 2A) correlated with RAADS-R sensory/motor score (r = 0.418, p = 0.006) but not social relatedness nor circumscribed interests sub-scores. Full mediation of the relationship between the number of connective tissue features and RAADs sensory/motor score by TAS-20 externally oriented thinking was found using the method of Baron-Kenny (1986) and estimation of indirect effects (Hayes, 2018; bootstrapped confidence intervals (n = 5000, do not cross zero)). Difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings domains did not mediate this relationship.ConclusionThese results add to evidence linking variant connective tissue to neurodevelopmental conditions (including Autism) and interestingly, specifically to sensory processing differences. Our study provides a strong rationale for screening for neurodevelopmental conditions in people with hypermobility and motivates further to understand symptom expression in this group. Our results also provide an insight into the processes underlying this relationship, which maybe important for informing interventions for people with hypermobility and autistic traits.

Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder Characteristics and Humor Appreciation in Typically Developing Individuals

2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 2282-2297
Author(s):  
Kai Nagase
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Attention Switching ◽  
Humor Appreciation ◽  
The Relationship

Extant research regarding humor appreciation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder has been equivocal. This study aims to clarify the relationship between the severity of autism spectrum disorder characteristics and humor appreciation in typically developing individuals. We hypothesized that the severity of autistic traits would have a U-shaped linear relationship with humor appreciation. Eighty typically developing undergraduates between the ages of 18 and 22 years ( Mage = 20.20; SDage = 1.08) were recruited for this study. They were asked to answer 24 statements, devised to measure humor appreciation, in response to a joke stimulus comprising 12 typically funny daily life occurrences (two statements per episode). The participants also responded to the Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. A significant U-shaped relationship was observed between the severity of autistic traits and appreciation of humor. A similar significant U-shaped relationship was seen between humor appreciation and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient subscales of attention switching, communication, and imagination. Humor appreciation showed no significant U-shaped relationship with the Autism-Spectrum Quotient subscales of social skills and local details. This study identified ways that autistic traits may influence how people appreciate humor. These findings are discussed in relation to cognitive processes underlying humor appreciation.

Gender identity and sexual orientation in autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 970-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita George ◽  
Mark A Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Gender Dysphoria ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing

Clinical impressions indicate that there is an overrepresentation of gender-dysphoria within the autism spectrum disorder. However, little is presently known about the demographics of gender-identity issues in autism spectrum disorder. Based upon what little is known, we hypothesized that there would be an increased prevalence of gender-dysphoria among those with autism spectrum disorder compared to a typically developing population. We surveyed gender-dysphoria with the Gender-Identity/Gender-Dysphoria Questionnaire among 90 males and 219 females with autism spectrum disorder and compared these rates to those of 103 males and 158 females without autism spectrum disorder. When compared to typically developing individuals, autistic individuals reported a higher number of gender-dysphoric traits. Rates of gender-dysphoria in the group with autism spectrum disorder were significantly higher than reported in the wider population. Mediation analysis found that the relationship between autistic traits and sexual orientation was mediated by gender-dysphoric traits. Results suggest that autism spectrum disorder presents a unique experience to the formation and consolidation of gender identity, and for some autistic individuals, their sexual orientation relates to their gender experience. It is important that clinicians working with autism spectrum disorder are aware of the gender-diversity in this population so that the necessary support for healthy socio-sexual functioning and mental well-being is provided.

scholarly journals A co-twin-control study of altered sensory processing in autism

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132199125
Author(s):  
Janina Neufeld ◽  
Mark J Taylor ◽  
Karl Lundin Remnélius ◽  
Johan Isaksson ◽  
Paul Lichtenstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with sensory processing alterations, such as sensory hyper- and hypo-responsiveness. Twin studies are scarce in this field, but they are necessary in order to disentangle the genetic and environmental contributions to this association. Furthermore, it is unclear how different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions contribute to altering sensory processing. We investigated the association between autistic traits/autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and sensory processing alterations in twins ( N = 269), using the adult/adolescent sensory profile, which differentiates four sub-domains: Low Registration, Sensation Seeking, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding. While the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding persisted within monozygotic (genetically identical) twins, Sensory Sensitivity was only associated with autistic traits within dizygotic twins. In multivariate analyses with different neurodevelopmental/psychiatric diagnoses as predictor variables, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were the strongest predictors for two adult/adolescent sensory profile sub-domains each. The results suggest that the association between autistic traits and Sensory Sensitivity is influenced by genetics while non-shared environmental factors influence the associations between autistic traits and Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding. They further indicate that altered sensory processing is not specific to autism spectrum disorder, while autism spectrum disorder is a strong predictor of certain sensory processing alterations, even when controlling for other (comorbid) neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions. Lay abstract Individuals diagnosed with autism often describe that they process sensory information differently from others, and many experience sensory issues as problematic. For instance, an increased sensitivity to smells or sounds can make participating in social settings challenging. While sensory issues are now part of the diagnostic criteria for autism, they also co-occur with other psychiatric diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders. It is unclear to what extent the relationship between autism and alterations in sensory processing are due to genetics or environment. In addition, more research is needed on how autism, as compared to other diagnoses, is associated with sensory issues. Using a twin study, we found that genetic factors influenced self-reported reactivity to sensory stimuli in autism while environmental factors influenced other sensory issues (e.g. difficulties in detecting or differentiating sensory input). Hence, sensory hyper-reactivity might be an early onset core feature of autism, while other domains of alterations in sensory processing might develop later, influenced by the environment. Moreover, autism was more strongly associated with sensory issues related to increased sensitivity/reactivity as compared to other psychiatric diagnoses. However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was more strongly related to deficits in detecting/differentiating sensory stimuli and with an increased drive to seek sensory input. Our results indicate that sensory issues are not specific to autism, but that some aspects of altered sensory processing are more relevant for autism than for other diagnoses.

scholarly journals People With High Autistic Traits Show Fewer Consensual Crossmodal Correspondences Between Visual Features and Tastes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Chen ◽  
Katsumi Watanabe ◽  
Makoto Wada
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Statistical Learning ◽  
Multisensory Integration ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Visual Features ◽  
Crossmodal Correspondences ◽  
Online Questionnaire

Crossmodal correspondences between visual features (e.g., color/shape) and tastes have been extensively documented in recent years. Visual colors and shapes have been shown to consensually match to specific tastes. Meanwhile, individuals with autism spectrum disorder are reported to have atypical sensory processing and deficits in multisensory integration. However, the influence of autistic traits on the formation of such correspondences is relatively unknown. Here, we examined whether autistic traits could influence visual–taste associations using an online questionnaire survey among Japanese participants. The results showed that the participants exhibited strong color–taste, shape–taste, and shape–color associations, and the proportions of choosing the consensual color–taste/shape–color associations were significantly associated with autistic traits. The participants with higher autistic quotient scores chose fewer of the consensual color–taste/shape–color associations while there was no difference in choosing shape–taste associations. We interpreted the results as statistical learning with a reduced prior knowledge effect in participants with higher autistic quotient scores.

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