Mediating role of sensory differences in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems

Abstract

Sensory processing abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and previous studies have shown a positive correlation between sensory processing and internalizing problems. This study examines the role of sensory processing abnormalities and difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities on relationships between autistic traits and internalizing problems in Japanese female university students. One hundred and twelve female university students completed a questionnaire about their autistic traits, sensory processing, awareness of difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities, and internalizing problems. Analysis of the data reveals that autistic traits correlate with low registration and sensation avoiding. Moreover, those who scored high on these indicators, demonstrated difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities as the cause of internalizing problems.

Validation of the abridged version of the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ-28) in the Arabic-speaking adult general population

“…For instance, more social di culties were distinctly and speci cally linked to the presence of a local processing bias in non-clinical individuals (Russell-Smith et al, 2012). Other research showed that imagination di culties are speci c predictors of di culty in perceiving speech in noise in non-autistic individuals (Tsuji et al, 2024). Therefore, as autistic traits are heterogeneous in nature, it is crucial to not treat all autistic individuals as a homogenous group, and rather explore the shared as well as distinct characteristics of particular domains of autism using a psychometrically-sound multifactorial measure such as the AQ-28.…”