Relationship between Sensory Alterations and Repetitive Behaviours in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Parents’ Questionnaire Based Study

The relationship between sensory profile and repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been known. However, there is no consensus on the type of relationship that exists between them. This monocentric retrospective–prospective observational study aimed (a) to detect a clinical correlation between the severity of repetitive behaviours and the alterations of sensory profile in a sample of 50 children diagnosed with ASD; (b) to evaluate how different patterns of stereotypies and sensory alterations correlate with each other and with the main clinical–instrumental variables in the same sample. We enrolled 29 children in the retrospective phase of the study and 21 in the prospective phase. The Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) were administered to the caregivers, and clinical–instrumental data were collected. SSP and RBS-R total scores directly correlated with a high significance rate. Among the subscales, the strongest correlations involved “Visual/Auditory Sensitivity”, related to “Stereotyped Behaviour” and “Sameness Behaviour”. “Under-Responsive/Seeks Sensation” related to “Stereotyped Behaviour”. Sex and intellectual disability significantly influenced both the stereotypies and the sensory alterations of the examined population. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the relationship between sensory alterations and repetitive behaviours in ASD children by using direct medical observation and parent observation.

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Sensory hypersensitivity predicts repetitive behaviours in autistic and typically-developing children

Autism ◽

10.1177/1362361318774559 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 1028-1041 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Samantha E Schulz ◽

Ryan A Stevenson

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Sensory Profile ◽

Typically Developing ◽

Repetitive Behaviours ◽

Typically Developing Children ◽

Restricted Interests ◽

Sensory Hypersensitivity ◽

The Relationship

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sensory hypersensitivity and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder and their typically-developing peers. Furthermore, the aims included the examination of the relationship across sensory modalities and various types of restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Data were collected from the parents of 114 children: 49 of whom were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 65 typically-developing children. Parents completed the Sensory Profile 2 – Child Version and the Repetitive Behaviours Questionnaire, Second Edition. The results suggested that sensory hypersensitivity is strongly related to the core autism spectrum disorder symptom of repetitive behaviours. This relationship was not specific to autism spectrum disorder; repetitive behaviours significantly increased with sensory hypersensitivity in typically-developing individuals as well. This effect was consistent across all modalities in both autism spectrum disorder and typically developing groups; group differences were observed in the oral and tactile modalities. Furthermore, sensory hypersensitivity was significantly predictive of repetitive behaviours in all participants, autism spectrum disorder and typically-developing, and importantly, autism spectrum disorder diagnosis did not add any predictive influence above and beyond sensory hypersensitivity. Finally, sensory hypersensitivity was significantly predictive of all subdomains of repetitive behaviours, including repetitive motor movements, rigidity and adherence to routine, preoccupation with restricted patterns of interest and unusual sensory interests, and diagnosis added no predictive ability beyond sensory hypersensitivity.

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The Relationship Between Eating Pathologies and Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-66445-9_12 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 197-213

Author(s):

Roni Enten-Vissoker

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Repetitive Behaviours ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Relationship

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Sensory Overresponsivity, Loneliness, and Anxiety in Taiwanese Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Occupational Therapy International ◽

10.1155/2018/9165978 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ya-Cing Syu ◽

Ling-Yi Lin

Keyword(s):

Sensory Processing ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Sensory Profile ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Adults With Asd ◽

The Relationship

Purpose. Sensory overresponsiveness is highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically persist into adulthood. However, the role of sensory processing difficulties in influencing emotional well-being among adults with ASD remains unclear. Additionally, the associations between sensory overresponsiveness, anxiety, and loneliness are yet to be examined among adults with ASD. Therefore, to address these critical gaps in the literature, we aimed to investigate the relationships among sensory avoiding, anxiety, and loneliness in a sample of adults with ASD. Participants. Seventy adults (age, 20–39 years) completed three self-reported measures. All participants had a documented diagnosis of ASD and had normal IQ. Methods. Sensory processing, loneliness, and anxiety were assessed with the Adult Sensory Profile, short-form UCLA loneliness scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Results. Autism spectrum traits and sensory avoiding were associated with anxiety and loneliness. Participants who experienced sensory avoiding more frequently reported higher anxiety and feelings of loneliness, with loneliness mediating the relationship between sensory avoiding and anxiety. More anxiety symptoms in participants with greater sensory avoiding were associated with their higher level of loneliness. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that the relationships existed between sensory processing difficulties, loneliness, and anxiety among adults with ASD. Interventions regarding sensory processing difficulties and emotional well-being are substantial need for adults with ASD, and our results highlight the importance of sensory overresponsiveness and anxiety in evaluating and improving the psychological well-being of adults with ASD.

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DRD3 gene and striatum in autism spectrum disorder

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148973 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 206 (5) ◽

pp. 431-432 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Wouter G. Staal ◽

Marieke Langen ◽

Sarai van Dijk ◽

Vincent T. Mensen ◽

Sarah Durston

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽

Caudate Nucleus ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Stereotyped Behaviour ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽

Single Nucleotide ◽

Drd3 Gene ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Nucleus Volume

SummaryA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the DRD3 gene (rs167771) was recently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Different polymorphisms of rs167771 corresponded to varying degrees of stereotyped behaviour. As DRD3 receptors are relatively overexpressed in the striatum, we investigated whether striatal volume was related to these polymorphisms in autism. We assessed volumes of caudate nucleus and putamen in 86 participants with ASD (mean age 15.3 years). MANCOVA showed an association between alleles of the rs167771 SNP and the volume of striatal structures. Furthermore, greater caudate nucleus volume correlated with stereotyped behaviour. These findings support a relationship between DRD3 gene SNPs, striatum and stereotyped behaviour in ASD.

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Comparing psychopathology rates across autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities ◽

10.1108/amhid-04-2018-0023 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (5/6) ◽

pp. 163-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Martyn Matthews ◽

Elliot Bell ◽

Brigit Mirfin-Veitch

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum ◽

Case Review ◽

Community Based ◽

Content Type ◽

Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Adults With Asd ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the rates and patterns of comorbid anxiety, depression and ADHD across people with: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) plus intellectual disability (ID), ASD/no ID (AS/HFA) and ID only. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained using structured file review and two psychometric screening instruments. File reviews used a modified version of the Case Review Protocol from the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychiatric Disorders for Use with Adults with Learning Disabilities. Screening employed the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour and the ASD-Comorbidity-Adults scale. Findings Levels of anxiety, depression and ADHD were high for all three groups, and greater than in general population studies. Between groups, the AS/HFA sample had significantly higher anxiety, while the ASD/ID group had significantly greater ADHD. Groups did not differ on measures of depression or total psychopathology. Levels of ADHD, but not anxiety or depression, increased with severity of ID and ASD symptoms. Research limitations/implications More research is needed on the relationship between ASD and both anxiety and ADHD, particularly the identification of these comorbid conditions and their treatment. Practical implications Rigorous screening for comorbid mental health conditions is required to achieve the best outcomes for adults with ASD. Originality/value The study used a broader community-based sample than previous comorbidity research. Including adults with ID but without ASD enabled a comparison of types and rates of disorder across three distinct but related groups with neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Hyperacusis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Audiology Research ◽

10.3390/audiolres11040049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 547-556

Author(s):

Ali A. Danesh ◽

Stephanie Howery ◽

Hashir Aazh ◽

Wafaa Kaf ◽

Adrien A. Eshraghi

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Relationship

Hyperacusis is highly prevalent in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. This auditory hypersensitivity can trigger pragmatically atypical reactions that may impact social and academic domains. Objective: The aim of this report is to describe the relationship between decreased sound tolerance disorders and the ASD population. Topics covered: The main topics discussed include (1) assessment and prevalence of hyperacusis in ASD; (2) etiology of hyperacusis in ASD; (3) treatment of hyperacusis in ASD. Conclusions: Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of decreased sound tolerance disorders within the ASD population is growing and changing.

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Society and people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: an analysis of message descriptors of social media

RUDN Journal of Studies in Literature and Journalism ◽

10.22363/2312-9220-2019-24-4-744-755 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 744-755

Author(s):

Olga A. Vazhenina ◽

Lidiya K. Lobodenko

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Digital Media ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Media Space ◽

English Speaking ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Social Media Tool

The authors investigate the process of humanization of society in relation to people with autism spectrum disorders and its relationship with the reception of problems of this category of population by society. The authors based on the descriptors of messages in social media published in the digital media space. The article reveals the relationship between the content of messages in social media, as well as the tools of this type of media and the overall degree of humanization of society at both social and political levels. The typological features of such a social media tool as a hashtag, when covering the problems of people with autism spectrum disorders, as well as the impact of these features on the reception of messages on this topic by both domestic and English-speaking users are noted.

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Gluten Intolerance and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Is Nitric Oxide the Common Biomarker Linking These Conditions?

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1159/000448664 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 54-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Keith Fluegge

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Nitric Oxide ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Air Pollutant ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Nutrient Deficiencies ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Relationship

Cruchet et al. attempt to tease out the myths and facts surrounding the growing popularity of certain dietary approaches in the management of neurodevelopmental disorders, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The authors identify a particular exclusionary-type approach that seeks to eliminate dietary gluten. Although the relationship between celiac disease (CD) and ADHD/ASD is not well established, a repeated clinical feature noted in CD is the elevated levels of nitric oxide in serum and urine. Elevated oxidative stress has also been observed in neurodevelopmental conditions, and the author of this correspondence has been the first to propose that chronic, environmental exposure to the air pollutant, nitrous oxide may contribute to these oxidative stress profiles through neural cholinergic perturbation. Therefore, the purpose of this correspondence is to highlight this biochemical connection between these conditions so as to identify the clinical populations who may realize the greatest benefit of these dietary approaches, while minimizing any potential risk of nutrient deficiencies.

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