Qualitative and quantitative analysis of self-reported sensory issues in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders

Makoto Wada; Katsuya Hayashi; Kai Seino; Naomi Ishii; Taemi Nawa; Kengo Nishimaki

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1077542

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of self-reported sensory issues in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders

Front Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 9:14:1077542. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1077542. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Makoto Wada¹, Katsuya Hayashi², Kai Seino³, Naomi Ishii¹, Taemi Nawa¹, Kengo Nishimaki^{2

4}

Affiliations

¹ Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.
² Information and Support Center for Persons With Developmental Disorders, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.
³ Psychological Experiment Section, Department of Social Rehabilitation, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.
⁴ Hospital of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorders (SLD) have various types of sensory characteristics.

Methods: This study investigated sensory issues in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders using a web-based questionnaire for qualitative and quantitative analysis, categorized the contents of their three most distressful sensory issues, and evaluated their order of priority.

Results: Auditory problems were reported as the most distressing sensory issue among the participants. In addition to auditory problems, individuals with ASD frequently reported more tactile problems, and individuals with SLD reported more visual problems. Among the individual sensory issues, in addition to aversion to sudden, strong, or specific stimuli, some participants reported confusions regarding multiple stimuli presenting concurrently. Additionally, the sensory issues related to foods (i.e., taste) was relatively more common in the minor group.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the diversity of sensory issues experienced should be carefully considered when aiding persons with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; developmental disorder; hypersensitivity; quality of life; sensory issue.