Clinical Report: Exploring Sensory Reactivity and Touch in Adolescents with ASD

Overview

This pilot study investigates the relationship between caregiver-reported sensory characteristics and tactile texture matching performance in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Findings indicate that while caregiver reports differ between ASD and typically developing controls, active touch performance does not significantly vary.

Background

Sensory reactivity is a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affecting a significant proportion of individuals. Understanding the relationship between caregiver-reported sensory behaviors and objective measures of tactile processing is crucial.

Data Highlights

No significant differences were found in active-touch texture/material matching performance between adolescents with ASD and typically developing controls.

Key Findings

• Caregiver-reported sensory behaviors differed significantly between adolescents with ASD and typically developing peers.
• Active-touch texture/material matching performance was not significantly different between the two groups.
• Texture/material matching performance was not consistently associated with caregiver-reported sensory characteristics.
• Caregiver reports may not fully explain objective tactile processing capabilities in adolescents with ASD.
• Active touch may allow for regulation of contact with textures, differing from passive tactile experiences.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the discrepancies between caregiver reports and objective assessments of sensory processing when evaluating adolescents with ASD. Incorporating both subjective and objective measures may provide a more comprehensive understanding of tactile function.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that caregiver-reported sensory characteristics may not align with objective tactile performance.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Factors influencing the sensory profile in patients with autism spectrum disorder from 16 months to 14 years: results of an observational study
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Atypical modulation of electrodermal reactivity during exposure to graded unisensory and multisensory stimuli in autistic children and adolescents
3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Exploring the Efficacy of Low-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Sensory and Behavioral Improvements in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Study
4. Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC
5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Enhanced Cognitive Abilities and Sleep Quality in Preteens with High-Functioning Autism After Engaging in a Structured Exercise Program
6. Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC
7. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT
8. A Multidimensional Investigation of Sensory Processing in Autism: Parent- and Self-Report Questionnaires, Psychophysical Thresholds, and Event-Related Potentials in the Auditory and Somatosensory Modalities - PMC