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Olfactory Detection Thresholds and Adaptation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Condition

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Abstract

Sensory issues have been widely reported in Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Since olfaction is one of the least investigated senses in ASC, the current studies explore olfactory detection thresholds and adaptation to olfactory stimuli in adults with ASC. 80 participants took part, 38 (18 females, 20 males) with ASC and 42 control participants (20 males, 22 females). A subgroup of participants (N = 19 in each group) also conducted an adaptation task. Standardized “Sniffin’ Sticks” were used to measure olfactory detection levels and adaptation. Adults with and without ASC showed similar olfactory detection thresholds, and similar adaptation to an olfactory stimulus. Since diminished adaptation in ASC has been previously suggested, future research needs to examine adaptation in other modalities as well.

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Acknowledgments

T.T. was supported by the Pinsent Darwin Trust and Autistica during the period of this work. S.B.C. was supported by the MRC UK. This work was conducted in association with the NIHR CLAHRC for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. We are grateful to the participants for their generous cooperation, and to Bonnie Auyeung, Jillian Sullivan, Emma and Chris Ashwin, and Bhismadev Chakrabarti for valuable discussions.

Conflict of interest

The authors of this paper report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Teresa Tavassoli, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK

    T. Tavassoli & S. Baron-Cohen

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  1. T. Tavassoli
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  2. S. Baron-Cohen
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Correspondence to T. Tavassoli.

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Tavassoli, T., Baron-Cohen, S. Olfactory Detection Thresholds and Adaptation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Condition. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 905–909 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1321-y

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