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Abstract
Purpose. Individuals with Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) are characterized by an inability to normally grade the degree, intensity and nature of their responses to sensory input and are limited in their ability to fully participate in daily life activities, and attain optimal quality of life. Most existing diagnostic tools are intended for paediatric populations. A questionnaire that assesses the intensity of the affective-emotive responsiveness of adults to stimuli in all sensory modalities and the frequency of such responses for diagnosing adults with disorders in sensory modulation is necessary. This article describes the development and assessment of the psychometric properties of a novel instrument, the Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire (SRQ), for this purpose (see Appendix).
Method. The SRQ evolved through three developmental phases (Pilot, Version-I, and the most recent Version-II). Each phase comprised several studies conducted to further refine the instrument and to examine its psychometric properties with adults with Sensory Modulation Disorder versus SMD-free individuals (n=39 for the pilot version, n=399 for Version-I, and n=48 for Version-II).
Results. The scales of Version-II indicated high test-retest reliability, moderate criterion validity and strong significant construct validity.
Conclusion. There is strong indication that the SRQ can be used to diagnose adults with SMD.