ASD ASD Sensory Processing and Regulation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: DSM-5 includes sensory processing differences under which criterion for ASD diagnosis?
- Criterion A: Social communication and interaction
- Criterion B: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (Correct answer)
- A separate criterion added in DSM-5-TR
- Sensory differences are not included in DSM-5 criteria
Correct answer: Criterion B: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
DSM-5 Criterion B includes 'hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment' as a diagnostic feature.
Question 2: Sensory hypersensitivity (over-responsivity) in ASD is BEST described as:
- Seeking out intense sensory stimulation to feel calm
- An exaggerated or aversive response to sensory stimuli that most people find tolerable (Correct answer)
- An inability to detect any sensory input
- A preference for neutral sensory environments only
Correct answer: An exaggerated or aversive response to sensory stimuli that most people find tolerable
Sensory over-responsivity involves a lower neurological threshold for sensory input, causing seemingly minor stimuli (e.g., clothing tags, fluorescent lights) to feel overwhelming.
Question 3: Sensory seeking behaviors in individuals with ASD (e.g., spinning, hand flapping, seeking deep pressure) are understood to serve which function?
- Deliberate attention-seeking behavior to manipulate caregivers
- Neurological self-regulation to modulate arousal levels and achieve sensory equilibrium (Correct answer)
- A sign of intellectual disability co-occurring with ASD
- Random stereotyped motor behaviors with no functional purpose
Correct answer: Neurological self-regulation to modulate arousal levels and achieve sensory equilibrium
Sensory-seeking behaviors often serve an internal regulatory function, helping the nervous system reach an optimal arousal state for functioning.
Question 4: Occupational therapists (OTs) addressing sensory processing in ASD most commonly use which intervention framework?
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy (Correct answer)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Verbal Behavior therapy
Correct answer: Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy
ASI therapy, developed by A. Jean Ayres, uses structured sensory-rich play activities to improve the brain's ability to process and integrate sensory information.
Question 5: A sensory diet in the context of ASD intervention refers to:
- A special dietary protocol eliminating gluten and casein
- An individualized schedule of sensory activities designed to meet a person's sensory needs throughout the day (Correct answer)
- A nutritional plan developed by a dietitian for children with food selectivity
- A medication regimen for sensory-related anxiety
Correct answer: An individualized schedule of sensory activities designed to meet a person's sensory needs throughout the day
A sensory diet, developed by OT Patricia Wilbarger, provides regular sensory input (e.g., heavy work, proprioceptive activities) to maintain optimal arousal and regulation.
Question 6: Interoception, a sensory processing area increasingly recognized as important in ASD, refers to the sense of:
- Balance and spatial orientation (vestibular sense)
- Internal body states such as hunger, thirst, heartbeat, and pain (Correct answer)
- Light touch and deep pressure on the skin (tactile sense)
- Movement and body position in space (proprioception)
Correct answer: Internal body states such as hunger, thirst, heartbeat, and pain
Interoceptive processing difficulties in ASD can impair the ability to recognize and respond to internal signals like hunger, pain, or emotional states.
ASD ASD Sensory Processing and Regulation 1
DSM-5 includes sensory processing differences under which criterion for ASD diagnosis?