Too much or too little: Hyper- and hypo-reactivity in high-functioning autism spectrum conditions

Abstract

Background Sensory reactivity in people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) has been found to differ in comparison to reactivity in people without ASC. In this study sensory experiences of high-functioning individuals with ASC were explored and described.

Method Interview data from 15 participants with a diagnosis of ASC were analysed by content analysis.

Results Seven aspects of sensory experiences were identified: Being hyper- and hypo-reactive, reacting to general overload, having strong stimuli preferences, managing attentiveness to stimuli, managing sensory/motor stimuli, and dealing with consequences of sensory reactions in daily life.

Conclusions The categorisation of sensory reactivity in this study can guide clinicians on how to pose questions about sensory issues to individuals with ASC. The assessment of spectrum-specific sensory experiences in high-functioning ASC and their association with other social and nonsocial features of ASC are goals for further research.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• sensory reactivity
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We are indebted to all participants and thank them for sharing their experiences. This research was supported by Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden, and by a grant from the Research Committee of Örebro County Council.

Conflict of interest: None.