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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Recommendations for Increasing Sample Diversity in Autism Research: Lessons from Multisensory Studies
Sarah G Vassall1, Ingrid Shragge2, Hari Srinivasan2
1Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Ave S, Medical Research Building III, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. sarah.g.vassall@vanderbilt.edu.
Multisensory research in autism predominantly studies individuals with low support needs, neglecting those with high support needs (HSN). This review highlights this gap and calls for more inclusive research methods for HSN autistic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Autism Research
Background:
- Atypical sensory processing is a core feature of autism, impacting multisensory integration.
- Existing research often excludes autistic individuals with high support needs (HSN).
- The Autism CARES Act emphasizes inclusivity in autism research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight sample disparities in multisensory integration research within the autism spectrum.
- To identify underrepresented autistic populations in current multisensory studies.
- To advocate for more inclusive research methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of all published studies on multisensory function in autism.
- Descriptive statistical analysis of study samples.
- Identification of trends in participant demographics and research focus.
Main Results:
- The majority of studies focus on young, low-support-needs autistic individuals.
- There is a significant lack of research on autistic individuals with high support needs (HSN).
- Research on the influence of sex and comorbidities on multisensory processing in autism is limited.
Conclusions:
- Current multisensory research in autism lacks representation of HSN individuals.
- Methodological improvements are needed to enhance inclusivity for HSN autistic individuals.
- Future research should address the influence of sex and comorbidities in multisensory processing across the autism spectrum.
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