Sensory Processing and Executive Functioning in Autistic Adults

Purpose One of the core features that can be experienced by adults on the autism spectrum is hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory stimuli. Research suggests that executive functioning (EF) impairments are related to sensory issues. In this study the relationship between sensory processing issues and EF was investigated. We expected sensory processing issues to predict EF impairments. Methods Thirty men and 30 women on the autism spectrum, 20 men and 24 women without autism were included and matched on intelligence and age. Group comparisons were conducted to determine if groups differed regarding self-reported sensory processing issues (GSQ-NL) and self-reports on EF (BRIEF-A). Correlational and regression analyses were carried out to investigate the relationship between self-reports on GSQ-NL and BRIEF-A. Results We found significant differences between men and women on the spectrum with regard to sensory processing issues and EF. Hyporeactivity to sensory information explained most of the EF problems. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of differences in sensory experiences between adults on the spectrum and non-autistic adults and differences between men and women during assessment and subsequent counselling.