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Sensory Processing and Aggressive Behavior in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Frank van den Boogert1,2, Bram Sizoo3, Pascalle Spaan1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Brain Sciences
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Sensory processing difficulties in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are directly linked to increased aggressive behavior. Addressing sensory issues may help manage aggression in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with aggressive behaviors.
- Sensory processing difficulties are a common characteristic of ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct association between sensory processing and aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.
- To determine if specific sensory processing patterns correlate with different types of aggression.
Main Methods:
- 101 Dutch adults with ASD completed the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form (AQ-SF).
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations between sensory processing measures and aggression scores.
Main Results:
- Sensory processing difficulties showed a significant association with overall aggressive behavior (f2=0.25).
- Specific associations were found with proactive (f2=0.19) and reactive aggression (f2=0.27), physical (f2=0.08) and verbal aggression (f2=0.13), anger (f2=0.20), and hostility (f2=0.12).
- Higher sensory sensitivity compared to the norm group indicated the greatest risk for aggressive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Sensory processing difficulties are a significant correlate of aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.
- Clinical interventions for aggressive behavior in adults with ASD should include detailed assessment of sensory processing.
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