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Toward a Best-Practice Protocol for Assessment of Sensory Features in ASD

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Abstract

Sensory difficulties are a commonly occurring feature of autism spectrum disorders and are now included as one manifestation of the ‘restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities’ diagnostic criteria of the DSM5 necessitating guidelines for comprehensive assessment of these features. To facilitate the development of such guidelines, this paper provides an overview of the literature on sensory features in autism spectrum disorder. We summarize the literature pertaining to: terminology, current assessment practices, sensory development, and the relationship of sensory features to core symptoms of autism. The paper concludes with recommendations for clinical assessment of sensory features in Autism.

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Notes

  1. Low Energy Weak is suggestive of postural (proprioceptive) difficulties.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Rachel Dumont for her assistance with the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of the Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Roseann C. Schaaf

  2. Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia

    Alison E. Lane

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Schaaf, R.C., Lane, A.E. Toward a Best-Practice Protocol for Assessment of Sensory Features in ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 1380–1395 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2299-z

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