Autistic adults prefer social touch less but engage just as much: The impact of social context, relationship type, sensory responsivity, and psychological factors / Macy Tsz Wing LI in Autism, 30-3 (March 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.626-641 Titre : Autistic adults prefer social touch less but engage just as much: The impact of social context, relationship type, sensory responsivity, and psychological factors Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Macy Tsz Wing LI, Auteur ; Manuel MELLO, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Haemy LEE MASSON, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.626-641 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autism  relationship  sensory responsivity  social context  social touch  touch-related anxiety Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people face touch-related challenges, yet the factors influencing these difficulties are not well understood. We developed a novel instrument to capture social touch experiences of autistic adults, along with both social and individual factors that influence them. Using a body-painting task and questionnaires, we demonstrated that the perception of touch interactions varies based on social contexts and neurotypes. Autistic adults, on average, prefer touch less, but the type of relationship influences the perceived comfort and meaningfulness of touch similarly in both groups. Regarding the appropriateness, erogeneity, and pleasantness of social touch, the autistic group showed different touch perceptions in professional and friendly scenarios compared to the non-autistic group, whereas touch in intimate scenarios was perceived similarly. Sensory responsivity, touch predictability, social confidence, and touch-related anxiety affect social touch to a greater extent than the non-autistic group. Despite these marked differences in perception, the autistic adults, on average, engage in social touch as frequently as non-autistic adults, and their satisfaction with touch is comparable. Our findings suggest that supporting autistic people would involve understanding their preferences and the contextual factors that contribute to their sense of comfort, rather than excluding them from touch interactions.Lay abstract Autistic people find certain types of touch, particularly light or unexpected touch, uncomfortable or overwhelming. The reasons for this are not fully understood. To address this, we asked both autistic and non-autistic adults how they feel about being touched in different situations and on different parts of the body. We also asked how much they enjoy touch and how they feel about being touched by people in various relationships, such as a partner, parent, or friend. Finally, we looked at how individual traits affect their experience of touch. We found that the autistic group engaged in social touch just as often as the non-autistic group and reported similar overall satisfaction. In intimate contexts, such as with a romantic partner, both groups perceived touch similarly. Both groups agreed that touch from a partner or child is the most meaningful and comfortable compared to other relationship types. Despite some similarities, autistic adults, on average, still reported enjoying social touch less overall and experiencing more touch-related challenges in romantic relationships. They also placed less importance on touch for bonding. Moreover, the autistic group rated touch as less appropriate, less pleasant, or less intimate than the non-autistic group in professional (like physiotherapy) or friendly (like a dance class) situations. While social interaction difficulties influence how both groups experience touch, other factors seem to play a stronger role for the autistic group, such as how predictable the touch is, whether they experience sensory challenges, and how socially confident they feel or how anxious about touch they are. Rather than assuming autistic people dislike touch, it is important to recognise that they may have different preferences, and that certain situations make touch feel more comfortable and enjoyable. Respecting these preferences can help make social touch more positive and meaningful, potentially improving relationship quality with autistic people. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251403906 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582 [article] Autistic adults prefer social touch less but engage just as much: The impact of social context, relationship type, sensory responsivity, and psychological factors [texte imprimé] / Macy Tsz Wing LI, Auteur ; Manuel MELLO, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Haemy LEE MASSON, Auteur . - p.626-641. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.626-641 Mots-clés : autism  relationship  sensory responsivity  social context  social touch  touch-related anxiety Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people face touch-related challenges, yet the factors influencing these difficulties are not well understood. We developed a novel instrument to capture social touch experiences of autistic adults, along with both social and individual factors that influence them. Using a body-painting task and questionnaires, we demonstrated that the perception of touch interactions varies based on social contexts and neurotypes. Autistic adults, on average, prefer touch less, but the type of relationship influences the perceived comfort and meaningfulness of touch similarly in both groups. Regarding the appropriateness, erogeneity, and pleasantness of social touch, the autistic group showed different touch perceptions in professional and friendly scenarios compared to the non-autistic group, whereas touch in intimate scenarios was perceived similarly. Sensory responsivity, touch predictability, social confidence, and touch-related anxiety affect social touch to a greater extent than the non-autistic group. Despite these marked differences in perception, the autistic adults, on average, engage in social touch as frequently as non-autistic adults, and their satisfaction with touch is comparable. Our findings suggest that supporting autistic people would involve understanding their preferences and the contextual factors that contribute to their sense of comfort, rather than excluding them from touch interactions.Lay abstract Autistic people find certain types of touch, particularly light or unexpected touch, uncomfortable or overwhelming. The reasons for this are not fully understood. To address this, we asked both autistic and non-autistic adults how they feel about being touched in different situations and on different parts of the body. We also asked how much they enjoy touch and how they feel about being touched by people in various relationships, such as a partner, parent, or friend. Finally, we looked at how individual traits affect their experience of touch. We found that the autistic group engaged in social touch just as often as the non-autistic group and reported similar overall satisfaction. In intimate contexts, such as with a romantic partner, both groups perceived touch similarly. Both groups agreed that touch from a partner or child is the most meaningful and comfortable compared to other relationship types. Despite some similarities, autistic adults, on average, still reported enjoying social touch less overall and experiencing more touch-related challenges in romantic relationships. They also placed less importance on touch for bonding. Moreover, the autistic group rated touch as less appropriate, less pleasant, or less intimate than the non-autistic group in professional (like physiotherapy) or friendly (like a dance class) situations. While social interaction difficulties influence how both groups experience touch, other factors seem to play a stronger role for the autistic group, such as how predictable the touch is, whether they experience sensory challenges, and how socially confident they feel or how anxious about touch they are. Rather than assuming autistic people dislike touch, it is important to recognise that they may have different preferences, and that certain situations make touch feel more comfortable and enjoyable. Respecting these preferences can help make social touch more positive and meaningful, potentially improving relationship quality with autistic people. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251403906 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582

Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium / Roseann C. SCHAAF ; Karla K. AUSDERAU ; Grace T. BARANEK ; D. Jonah BARRETT ; Carissa J. CASCIO ; Rachel L. DUMONT ; Ekomobong E. EYOH ; Michelle D. FAILLA ; Jacob I. FELDMAN ; Jennifer H. FOSS-FEIG ; Heather L. GREEN ; Shulamite A. GREEN ; Jason L. HE ; Elizabeth A. KAPLAN-KAHN ; Bahar KEÇELI-KAYSILI ; Keren MACLENNAN ; Zoe MAILLOUX ; Elysa J. MARCO ; Lisa E. MASH ; Elizabeth P. MCKERNAN ; Sophie MOLHOLM ; Stewart H. MOSTOFSKY ; Nicolaas A.J. PUTS ; Caroline E. ROBERTSON ; Natalie RUSSO ; Nicole SHEA ; John SIDERIS ; James S. SUTCLIFFE ; Teresa TAVASSOLI ; Mark T. WALLACE ; Ericka L. WODKA ; Tiffany G. WOYNAROSKI in Molecular Autism, 14 (2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inMolecular Autism > 14 (2023) . - 31 p. Titre : Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Roseann C. SCHAAF, Auteur ; Karla K. AUSDERAU, Auteur ; Grace T. BARANEK, Auteur ; D. Jonah BARRETT, Auteur ; Carissa J. CASCIO, Auteur ; Rachel L. DUMONT, Auteur ; Ekomobong E. EYOH, Auteur ; Michelle D. FAILLA, Auteur ; Jacob I. FELDMAN, Auteur ; Jennifer H. FOSS-FEIG, Auteur ; Heather L. GREEN, Auteur ; Shulamite A. GREEN, Auteur ; Jason L. HE, Auteur ; Elizabeth A. KAPLAN-KAHN, Auteur ; Bahar KEÇELI-KAYSILI, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Zoe MAILLOUX, Auteur ; Elysa J. MARCO, Auteur ; Lisa E. MASH, Auteur ; Elizabeth P. MCKERNAN, Auteur ; Sophie MOLHOLM, Auteur ; Stewart H. MOSTOFSKY, Auteur ; Nicolaas A.J. PUTS, Auteur ; Caroline E. ROBERTSON, Auteur ; Natalie RUSSO, Auteur ; Nicole SHEA, Auteur ; John SIDERIS, Auteur ; James S. SUTCLIFFE, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur ; Mark T. WALLACE, Auteur ; Ericka L. WODKA, Auteur ; Tiffany G. WOYNAROSKI, Auteur Article en page(s) : 31 p. Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : BACKGROUND: Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. METHODS: Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK (sub)constructs. RESULTS: All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (?(H)=.800) but not a supra-modal HYPO construct (?(H)=.653), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (?(H)=.800; 4/7 modalities). Modality-specific subscales demonstrated significant added value for all response patterns. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (with general HYPER and speech HYPO demonstrating the largest numbers of practically significant correlations). LIMITATIONS: Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to caregiver report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. CONCLUSION: Of the three sensory response patterns, only HYPER demonstrated sufficient evidence for valid interpretation at the supra-modal level, whereas supra-modal HYPO/SEEK constructs demonstrated substantial psychometric limitations. For clinicians and researchers seeking to characterize sensory reactivity in autism, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent viable alternatives that overcome many of these limitations. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13229-023-00563-4 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=513 [article] Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium [texte imprimé] / Roseann C. SCHAAF, Auteur ; Karla K. AUSDERAU, Auteur ; Grace T. BARANEK, Auteur ; D. Jonah BARRETT, Auteur ; Carissa J. CASCIO, Auteur ; Rachel L. DUMONT, Auteur ; Ekomobong E. EYOH, Auteur ; Michelle D. FAILLA, Auteur ; Jacob I. FELDMAN, Auteur ; Jennifer H. FOSS-FEIG, Auteur ; Heather L. GREEN, Auteur ; Shulamite A. GREEN, Auteur ; Jason L. HE, Auteur ; Elizabeth A. KAPLAN-KAHN, Auteur ; Bahar KEÇELI-KAYSILI, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Zoe MAILLOUX, Auteur ; Elysa J. MARCO, Auteur ; Lisa E. MASH, Auteur ; Elizabeth P. MCKERNAN, Auteur ; Sophie MOLHOLM, Auteur ; Stewart H. MOSTOFSKY, Auteur ; Nicolaas A.J. PUTS, Auteur ; Caroline E. ROBERTSON, Auteur ; Natalie RUSSO, Auteur ; Nicole SHEA, Auteur ; John SIDERIS, Auteur ; James S. SUTCLIFFE, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur ; Mark T. WALLACE, Auteur ; Ericka L. WODKA, Auteur ; Tiffany G. WOYNAROSKI, Auteur . - 31 p. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Molecular Autism > 14 (2023) . - 31 p. Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : BACKGROUND: Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. METHODS: Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK (sub)constructs. RESULTS: All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (?(H)=.800) but not a supra-modal HYPO construct (?(H)=.653), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (?(H)=.800; 4/7 modalities). Modality-specific subscales demonstrated significant added value for all response patterns. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (with general HYPER and speech HYPO demonstrating the largest numbers of practically significant correlations). LIMITATIONS: Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to caregiver report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. CONCLUSION: Of the three sensory response patterns, only HYPER demonstrated sufficient evidence for valid interpretation at the supra-modal level, whereas supra-modal HYPO/SEEK constructs demonstrated substantial psychometric limitations. For clinicians and researchers seeking to characterize sensory reactivity in autism, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent viable alternatives that overcome many of these limitations. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13229-023-00563-4 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=513

In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults / Keren MACLENNAN in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52-7 (July 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-7 (July 2022) . - p.3061-3075 Titre : In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Sinéad O'BRIEN, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.3061-3075 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Adult  Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications  Autistic Disorder/complications  Humans  Quality of Life  Surveys and Questionnaires  Autism  Autistic  Participatory  Qualitative  Sensory  content of this article. Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic adults commonly experience sensory reactivity differences. Sensory hyperreactivity is frequently researched, whilst hyporeactivity and seeking, and experiences across domains, e.g., vision, are often neglected. Therefore, we aimed to understand more about the sensory experiences of autistic adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study, co-produced with stakeholders; recruiting 49 autistic adults who completed an online survey. Firstly, quantitative results and content analysis enhanced our understanding of sensory input/contexts associated with sensory hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking across modalities. Secondly, thematic analysis developed themes relating to 'Outcomes', 'Control', 'Tolerance and management', and 'The role of other people', informing a theoretical model of sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults. These findings have implications for support services and improving quality of life for autistic adults. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05186-3 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=477 [article] In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults [texte imprimé] / Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Sinéad O'BRIEN, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur . - p.3061-3075. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 52-7 (July 2022) . - p.3061-3075 Mots-clés : Adult  Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications  Autistic Disorder/complications  Humans  Quality of Life  Surveys and Questionnaires  Autism  Autistic  Participatory  Qualitative  Sensory  content of this article. Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic adults commonly experience sensory reactivity differences. Sensory hyperreactivity is frequently researched, whilst hyporeactivity and seeking, and experiences across domains, e.g., vision, are often neglected. Therefore, we aimed to understand more about the sensory experiences of autistic adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study, co-produced with stakeholders; recruiting 49 autistic adults who completed an online survey. Firstly, quantitative results and content analysis enhanced our understanding of sensory input/contexts associated with sensory hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking across modalities. Secondly, thematic analysis developed themes relating to 'Outcomes', 'Control', 'Tolerance and management', and 'The role of other people', informing a theoretical model of sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults. These findings have implications for support services and improving quality of life for autistic adults. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05186-3 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=477

Sensory-inclusive spaces for autistic people: We need to build the evidence base / Catherine MANNING in Autism, 27-6 (August 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 27-6 (August 2023) . - p.1511-1515 Titre : Sensory-inclusive spaces for autistic people: We need to build the evidence base Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Catherine MANNING, Auteur ; Gemma WILLIAMS, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1511-1515 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613231183541 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=509 [article] Sensory-inclusive spaces for autistic people: We need to build the evidence base [texte imprimé] / Catherine MANNING, Auteur ; Gemma WILLIAMS, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur . - p.1511-1515. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 27-6 (August 2023) . - p.1511-1515 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613231183541 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=509

The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words / Timothy ROSSOW ; Keren MACLENNAN ; Teresa TAVASSOLI in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53-6 (June 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-6 (June 2023) . - p.2384-2394 Titre : The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words : Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Timothy ROSSOW, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2384-2394 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Depression and sensory reactivity are both common in autism. However, there is little understanding of the predictive relationship between these factors, or the nature of this relationship in autistic children who speak few to no words. This study set out to explore the longitudinal relationship between sensory reactivity and depressive symptoms in 33 young autistic children who speak few to no words. We found positive correlations between depressive symptoms and hyper-reactivity and sensory seeking at both timepoints, and across timepoints. We further found a bidirectional predictive relationship between depressive symptoms and sensory seeking. These results implicate sensory seeking in the development of depressive symptoms in young autistic children who use few to no words. Our findings have important implications for preventative mental health interventions, especially for those with a developmental language delay. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05528-9 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=506 [article] The Predictive Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity and Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Children with Few to No Words : Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders [texte imprimé] / Timothy ROSSOW, Auteur ; Keren MACLENNAN, Auteur ; Teresa TAVASSOLI, Auteur . - p.2384-2394. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-6 (June 2023) . - p.2384-2394 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Depression and sensory reactivity are both common in autism. However, there is little understanding of the predictive relationship between these factors, or the nature of this relationship in autistic children who speak few to no words. This study set out to explore the longitudinal relationship between sensory reactivity and depressive symptoms in 33 young autistic children who speak few to no words. We found positive correlations between depressive symptoms and hyper-reactivity and sensory seeking at both timepoints, and across timepoints. We further found a bidirectional predictive relationship between depressive symptoms and sensory seeking. These results implicate sensory seeking in the development of depressive symptoms in young autistic children who use few to no words. Our findings have important implications for preventative mental health interventions, especially for those with a developmental language delay. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05528-9 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=506

The Relationship Between Sensory Reactivity Differences and Anxiety Subtypes in Autistic Children / Keren MACLENNAN in Autism Research, 13-5 (May 2020)  

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The relationship between sensory reactivity differences and mental health symptoms in preschool-age autistic children / Timothy ROSSOW in Autism Research, 14-8 (August 2021)  

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The relationship between sensory reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety subtypes in preschool-age autistic children / Keren MACLENNAN in Autism, 25-8 (November 2021)  

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