Sensory Processing and Aggressive Behavior in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Frank Van Den Boogert,Yvonne H A Bouman,Bram Sizoo,Sabine J Roza,Pascalle Spaan,Witte J G Hoogendijk,Sharon Tolstra

doi:10.3390/brainsci11010095

Frank Van Den Boogert, Yvonne H A Bouman + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11010095

Copy DOI

Journal: Brain sciences	Publication Date: Jan 14, 2021
Citations: 19	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Erasmus MC, Dimence, Netherlands Forensic Institute

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accompanied by aggressive behavior and is associated with sensory processing difficulties. The present study aims to investigate the direct association between sensory processing and aggressive behavior in adults with ASD. A total of 101 Dutch adult participants with ASD, treated in outpatient or inpatient facilities, completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and the Aggression Questionnaire—Short Form (AQ-SF). Results revealed that sensory processing difficulties are associated with more aggressive behavior (), more proactive () and reactive aggression (), more physical () and verbal aggression (), and more anger () and hostility (). Evidence was found for an interaction of the neurological threshold and behavioral response on total aggression and hostility. Participants with higher scores in comparison to the norm group in sensory sensitivity had the highest risk of aggressive behavior. In conclusion, clinical practice may benefit from applying detailed diagnostics on sensory processing difficulties when treating aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.

Highlights

Published: 14 January 2021Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often confronted with problems in social, professional, and educational functioning and in physical and mental health [1].In children with ASD, aggression is associated with more negative outcomes, such as decreased quality of life or less educational and social support [2]
Our study aims to investigate the association between sensory processing difficulties and aggressive behavior in adults with autism spectrum disorder, using differentiated measurements of both sensory processing and aggressive behavior
For the specific types of aggressive behavior, we found medium to large effects in models with reactive aggression and anger as dependent variables, and scores on sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking as independent variables

Summary

Introduction

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often confronted with problems in social, professional, and educational functioning and in physical and mental health [1]. In children with ASD, aggression is associated with more negative outcomes, such as decreased quality of life or less educational and social support [2]. When compared with typically developing children, aggressive behavior seems more common in children with ASD [5]. ASD showed more physical and reactive aggression [6]. In adults with ASD, there is no clear evidence for increased risk for aggressive or violent behavior [7]. Research on factors that are associated with aggressive behavior in individuals with ASD might help inform treatment strategies, as too little is known

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion