A comparison of the sensory needs of autistic adults with and without intellectual disabilities: A short report

Background: Autistic people commonly report differing sensory experiences. This research aimed to find out about sensory issues and the sensory environments of autistic adults who did and did not have intellectual disabilities.

Method: Online questionnaires were designed to identify sensory needs. The survey was completed by 138 autistic adults who self-reported and 58 informants reporting about autistic adults who had intellectual disabilities.

Results: Autistic adults self-reported high numbers of sensory needs compared with informant reports of the needs of autistic adults who had intellectual disabilities.

Interpretation: It is possible that informants under-reported issues for autistic adults with intellectual disabilities. Some sensory needs are harder to observe and people with intellectual disabilities may find it difficult to communicate such needs.

Conclusion: The authors propose that better methods of supporting communication of ‘harder to observe’ sensory needs should be developed. Further research is needed.