Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Touch Processing and Social Behavior in ASD
Helga O Miguel1, Adriana Sampaio2, Rocío Martínez-Regueiro3
1Neuropsychophysiology Lab, CiPsi, Department of Basic Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal. helga.miguel@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Abnormal patterns of touch processing have been linked to core symptoms in ASD. This study examined the relation between tactile processing patterns and social problems in 44 children and adolescents with ASD, aged 6-14 (M = 8.39 ± 2.35). Multiple linear regression indicated significant associations between touch processing and social problems. No such relationships were found for social problems and autism severity. Within touch processing, patterns of hyper-responsiveness and hypo-responsiveness best predicted social problems, whereas sensory-seeking did not. These results support that atypical touch processing in individuals with ASD might be contributing to the social problems they present. Moreover, it the need to explore more in depth the contribution of sensory features to the ASD phenotype.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior
Social Anxiety Disorder

