Assessing the sensory needs of autistic adults

Introduction: Many autistic adults have sensory needs. There is little research around the extent to which these needs are recognised, understood and taken account of. Objectives: The researchers worked with key stakeholders, including autistic people, to adapt an assessment of sensory issues and to develop an assessment of the sensory environment. An observational study was planned but this was not possible due to Covid-19.

Method: An online survey was completed by 130 autistic adults and by family-carers or paid supporters of 58 autistic adults who also had intellectual disabilities. Results: All but one participant identified some sensory needs. Fifty-five percent of participants identified 20 or more sensory issues (max score 34). More items in the individual questionnaire were scored ‘yes’ by autistic adults who did not have intellectual disabilities. For 11 items, more than 20% of informants did not know whether the autistic person they were completing the questionnaire for had a sensory need in that area. There were significant differences between autistic people who did and did not have intellectual disabilities in 75% of the items. In most cases (17) autistic adults who did not have additional intellectual disabilities were significantly more likely to report an item as being an issue. Autistic people who did not have intellectual disabilities were less likely to get their sensory needs met but this may reflect that more of this group reported on non-home settings.

Conclusion: Sensory issues in autistic adults who have intellectual disabilities may not be recognised. urther research is needed.