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Fascination and Isolation: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Unusual Sensory Experiences in Adults with Asperger Syndrome

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Abstract

Unusual sensory experiences are commonly seen in people with Asperger syndrome (AS). They correlate with functional impairments and cause distress. The current study investigates how these experiences have affected nine adults with AS’s lives, as well as the coping strategies utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using Instant Messaging software. Data were analysed using Grounded Theory. A number of inter-related categories and focused codes were identified. The categories included heightened senses, sensory stress, the stress avalanche, moderating factors, coping strategies, other people, self-acceptance, fascination, and isolation. A model was constructed as to how these categories and codes interact. How these findings link with previous research into autism spectrum disorders is discussed. Implications for services and future research are also made.

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Notes

  1. * ntps: neurotypicals: a commonly-used word by people with Asperger Syndrome to describe those without an autistic spectrum disorder.

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Acknowledgments

Great thanks goes to the participants for their honesty and eloquence. Many thanks to Dr Krysia Canvin, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, for all her invaluable help and infectious enthusiasm making the study a Grounded theory one. Thanks also to Dr Myra Cooper, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology, for her advice throughout the process. This paper is based on research forming part of a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, St Georges Community Hospital, Winter Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7ND, UK

    Richard S. Smith

  2. Northamptonshire Adult ADHD and Asperger Team, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northampton, UK

    Jonathan Sharp

  3. St Mary’s Hospital, 77 London Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 7PW, UK

    Jonathan Sharp

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  1. Richard S. Smith
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  2. Jonathan Sharp
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Correspondence to Richard S. Smith.

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Dr. Richard S. Smith formerly worked at Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford and Oxford Health Foundation Trust, Oxford, England, where the research was conducted.

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Smith, R.S., Sharp, J. Fascination and Isolation: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Unusual Sensory Experiences in Adults with Asperger Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 891–910 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1633-6

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