A meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Under-responsivity is the standout sensory sign that separates kids with autism from typical peers.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Ben-Sasson et al. (2009) pooled 14 studies that compared sensory symptoms in kids with autism to typical kids.
They looked for three patterns: over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and seeking.
The goal was to see which pattern best separates the groups.
What they found
Under-responsivity showed the biggest gap between groups.
The effect was strongest in 6- to 9-year-olds with strict autism diagnoses.
Over-responsivity and seeking also differed, but by smaller margins.
How this fits with other research
Petry et al. (2007) had already shown that sensory issues cluster across senses and track with autism severity. The meta-analysis later confirmed this with numbers.
Meier et al. (2012) linked under-responsivity to a calm, slow-to-warm temperament. This matches the meta-analytic finding that these kids seem quiet or tuned out.
Schaaf et al. (2015) found weaker pupillary reflexes in kids with more sensory quirks. The meta-analysis shows the same quirks at a larger scale.
Why it matters
If a child seems sleepy or unaware of sounds and touch, probe deeper. Under-responsivity is the clearest red flag for autism on sensory checklists. Use it to prioritize assessments and craft sensory diets that boost input, not just block it.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Sensory modulation symptoms are common in persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however have a heterogeneous presentation. Results from 14 studies indicated a significant high difference between ASD and typical groups in the presence/frequency of sensory symptoms, with the greatest difference in under-responsivity, followed by over-responsivity and sensation seeking. Three moderators that reduced the variability in findings among studies were: chronological age, severity of autism, and type of control group. Sensory differences were highest for studies of children ages 6-9 years, samples with more than 80% with an autism diagnosis, and compared to a CA matched versus a MA or DD matched group. It is important to consider these moderators in the design of studies and interventions addressing sensory symptoms.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2009 · doi:10.1007/s10803-008-0593-3