Brief Report : DSM-5 Sensory Behaviours in Children With and Without an Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Atypical responses to sensory stimuli are a new criterion in DSM-5 for the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but are also reported in other developmental disorders. Using the Short Sensory profile (SSP) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised we compared atypical sensory behaviour (hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests) in children aged 10–14 years with (N = 116) or without an ASD but with special educational needs (SEN; N = 72). Atypical sensory behaviour was reported in 92 % of ASD and 67 % of SEN children. Greater sensory dysfunction was associated with increased autism severity (specifically restricted and repetitive behaviours) and behaviour problems (specifically emotional subscore) on teacher and parent Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires but not with IQ.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Autism spectrum disorder

Behaviour

Diagnostic criteria

DSM-5

Sensory interests

Sensory reactivity

adolescent

Article

autism

Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised

behavior disorder

child

chromosome disorder

conduct disorder

controlled study

disease severity

female

hearing

hearing impairment

human

intellectual impairment

intelligence quotient

language disability

major clinical study

male

movement (physiology)

physical disability

priority journal

problem behavior

sensation

sensory dysfunction

sensory stimulation

stereotypy

taste acuity

Wechsler intelligence scale for children

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)