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Diagnostic Validity of Sensory Over-Responsivity: A Review of the Literature and Case Reports

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Abstract

Atypical responses to sensory stimulation are frequently reported to co-occur with diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, and Fragile-X syndrome. It has also been suggested that children and adults may present with atypical sensory responses while failing to meet the criteria for other medical or psychological diagnoses. This may be particularly true for individuals with over-responsivity to sensation. This article reviews the literature related to sensory over-responsivity and presents three pediatric cases that present a profile of having sensory over-responsivity without a co-occurring diagnosis. Findings from these cases provide very preliminary evidence to support the suggestion that sensory over-responsivity can occur as a sole diagnosis. Within this small group, tactile over-responsivity was the most common and pervasive form of this condition.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge the Alpha-R collaborative research group for their vision and guidance in this project.

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  1. Stacey Reynolds

    Present address: , 1000 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23227, USA

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  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Stacey Reynolds & Shelly J. Lane

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Correspondence to Stacey Reynolds.

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Reynolds, S., Lane, S.J. Diagnostic Validity of Sensory Over-Responsivity: A Review of the Literature and Case Reports. J Autism Dev Disord 38, 516–529 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0418-9

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