The development and validation of the "SENSE" - Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults.
The 3-factor SENSE questionnaire quickly flags adult sensory-behavior modulation problems and separates ADHD from neurotypical adults.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Engel-Yeger (2024) built a new adult questionnaire called SENSE. It asks about sensory and behavioral modulation in daily life.
The team ran factor analysis on a large adult group with and without ADHD. They wanted three clean factors and solid validity.
What they found
The final SENSE has three factors that hang together well. Adults with ADHD scored higher than neurotypical peers on all three.
Internal consistency and concurrent validity were good. The tool cleanly separates the two groups.
How this fits with other research
McGrath et al. (2012) used skin sensors and found ADHD and sensory modulation disorder show different physiology. Batya now gives you a quick paper form to capture the same sensory modulation construct without wires.
Seifan et al. (2018) also built a short adult self-report to flag lifelong neurodevelopmental traits in memory clinics. Both papers show adults can reliably screen themselves; SENSE zooms in on sensory-behavior issues while Alon targets broader learning and attention signs.
Keating et al. (2024) studied kids with DCD and saw ADHD traits driving sensory problems. Batya’s adult data echo this link: sensory-behavior scores rise together with ADHD status across the lifespan.
Why it matters
You now have a free, three-factor tool that takes minutes to give to adult clients. Use it during intake to spot sensory-behavior modulation concerns and to document ADHD-related risk before you plan interventions or refer for diagnosis.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Sensory modulation is critical for interacting with the physical and social environment. When sensory input from the environment is not properly perceived and modulated, it may elevate arausability, avoidant behavior, impair function and wellbeing. Sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) are mainly reported during childhood and are related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). SMD in adulthood further deteriorate function and emotional status, hence should be screened and treated. Nonetheless, relevant measures of SMD for adults are limited. This study aims to establish the psychometric properties of the "SENSE" - Sensory and Behavioral Modulation Questionnaire for adults. Based on theoretical/clinical knowledge the SENSE measures sensitivity/arousability, habituation and avoidance. After establishing content and face validity, 663 participants aged 18-65 completed a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Scale-5 (ASRS-5), the SENSE and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Factor analysis approved the determination of SENSE scales. Medium- high internal consistency was found. SENSE discriminated between adults with/without ADHD and correlated with HSPS scores, confirming concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: SENSE has good psychometric properties and may be feasible for screening sensory-behavioral modulation difficulties in adults. Studies should further examine SENSE applicability to clinical populations.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2024 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104715