Sensory Processing in the Autism Spectrum: The Role of Attention to Detail and Somatic Trait Anxiety in the Olfactory Pe
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Sensory Processing in the Autism Spectrum: The Role of Attention to Detail and Somatic Trait Anxiety in the Olfactory Perception of the General Population Filipa Barros1,2 · Cláudia Figueiredo3 · Adriana Costa4 · Sandra C. Soares1,2
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as autism traits (AT), have been associated with altered sensory processing. However, the role of AT in olfactory processing is still unclear. We analyzed the impact of AT and trait anxiety (TANX), relevant in the context of autism and olfactory perception, in the olfactory abilities of a nonclinical adult sample. Participants (N = 116) completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA) and the Sniffin’ Sticks Extended Test to measure AT, TANX and olfactory abilities, respectively. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis suggested that women and higher scores on the Attention to Detail subscale of AQ were associated with better odor discrimination, and higher somatic TANX was related to poorer odor discrimination. Keywords Autism spectrum disorders · Autism quotient · Olfaction · Sensory processing · Sniffin’ sticks · Trait anxiety Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by atypical social communication skills, as well as by patterns of repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests (American Psychiatric Association 2013). Altered sensory processing has been also established as a core characteristic of this population, frequently involving multiple sensory modalities and extending over the course of development (American Psychiatric Association 2013; Baranek et al. 2014; Leekam et al. 2007). Although atypical sensory processing has been observed across modalities in ASD, some senses, such as * Filipa Barros [email protected] 1
William James Center for Research (WJCR), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810‑193 Aveiro, Portugal
2
Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810‑193 Aveiro, Portugal
3
Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810‑193 Aveiro, Portugal
4
Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Campus Palma de Cima, Palma de Cima, 1649‑023 Lisboa, Portugal
olfaction, seem to have been less explored (Galle et al. 2013). Olfaction is a complex sensory system that plays a pivotal role in survival, since it allows the identification and management of resources, opportunities and threats, and is also critical in human social interaction and communication (Stevenson 2010). Therefore, alterations in olfactory processing may underlie important consequences, influencing not only behaviors associated with food intake and safety, but also social communication and relatio
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