In our own words: the complex sensory experiences of autistic adults.

MacLennan, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3148-3450, O'Brien, S. and Tavassoli, T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7898-2994 (2022) In our own words: the complex sensory experiences of autistic adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52. pp. 3061-3075. ISSN 0162-3257 doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05186-3

Abstract/Summary

Autistic adults commonly experience sensory reactivity differences. Sensory hyperreactivity is frequently researched, whilst hyporeactivity and seeking, and experiences across domains, e.g., vision, are often neglected. Therefore, we aimed to understand more about the sensory experiences of autistic adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study, co-produced with stakeholders; recruiting 49 autistic adults who completed an online survey. Firstly, quantitative results and content analysis enhanced our understanding of sensory input/contexts associated with sensory hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking across modalities. Secondly, thematic analysis developed themes relating to 'Outcomes', 'Control', 'Tolerance and management', and 'The role of other people', informing a theoretical model of sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults. These findings have implications for support services and improving quality of life for autistic adults. [Abstract copyright: © 2021. The Author(s).]

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/99492
Identification Number/DOI	10.1007/s10803-021-05186-3
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords	Adult, Autism, Autistic, Participatory, Qualitative, Sensory
Publisher	Springer
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item