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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Enhanced olfactory sensitivity in autism spectrum conditions.

Chris Ashwin1, Emma Chapman2, Jessica Howells2

  • 1Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK.

Molecular Autism
|April 25, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC) have superior olfactory perception, detecting odors at greater distances than controls. This heightened sense of smell correlates with increased autistic traits, supporting other sensory hypersensitivity findings.

Keywords:
Asperger syndromeAutismAutistic traitsOlfactionSensory hypersensitivity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) often report heightened senses.
  • Previous research indicated hypersensitivity in visual, tactile, and auditory domains in ASC.
  • Olfactory sensitivity in ASC has not been extensively studied experimentally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate olfactory sensitivity in adults with ASC.
  • To determine the relationship between olfactory sensitivity and autistic traits.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 17 adult males with ASC and 17 neurotypical adult males.
  • Assessed olfactory detection thresholds using the standardized Alcohol Sniff Test (AST).
  • Administered the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to measure autistic traits.

Main Results:

  • The ASC group detected odors from a significantly greater mean distance (24.1 cm) compared to controls (14.4 cm).
  • Olfactory detection distance was not influenced by age or IQ.
  • A positive correlation was found between olfactory sensitivity and autistic traits in the ASC group (r = 0.522).

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first experimental evidence of superior olfactory perception in individuals with ASC.
  • Heightened olfactory sensitivity in ASC is associated with a higher number of autistic traits.
  • Findings align with other sensory hypersensitivity research in ASC and may explain self-reported heightened olfaction.