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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Auditory abnormalities in autism: toward functional distinctions among findings
Gabriella R Kellerman1, Jin Fan, Jack M Gorman
1Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. grosen@post.harvard.edu
CNS Spectrums
|September 6, 2005
Summary
Individuals with autism show varied auditory processing differences, with impaired perception of social sounds but enhanced musical abilities. These distinct auditory patterns may relate to core autism traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Audiology
Background:
- Auditory abnormalities are frequently reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Functional distinctions among these auditory findings remain poorly understood.
- Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize auditory processing findings in autism.
- To identify general trends in auditory perception among individuals with ASD.
- To provide a framework for future research on autism and auditory function.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on auditory perception in autism.
- Categorization of findings based on stimulus type: linguistic/social, musical/pitch, and non-linguistic/non-musical.
- Analysis of trends and potential correlations with behavioral characteristics of autism.
Main Results:
- Impaired auditory perception of linguistic and social stimuli is common in autism, potentially linking to communication deficits.
- Enhanced perception of pitch and music is often observed, possibly correlating with focused interests in autism.
- Auditory perception of non-linguistic, non-musical stimuli shows inconsistent findings, resisting generalization.
Conclusions:
- Three general trends in auditory processing abnormalities in autism have been identified.
- Distinguishing between impaired global and enhanced local processing may help reconcile varied auditory findings.
- Further research is needed to clarify the functional significance of these auditory differences in autism.
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01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.