Sensory App
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving in-patient experiences of autistic adults by identifying and increasing knowledge about sensory reactivity differences
IRAS ID
300650
Contact name
Teresa Tavassoli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Up to 95% of autistic adults report sensory reactivity differences, including sensory hyperreactivity (e.g. an aversion towards ordinary stimuli, covering ears when there is a sound), or hyperactivity (e.g. being less sensitive, not feeling pain as much), or sensory seeking (e.g. craving sensations, such as being fascinated by looking at spinning objects).
Although sensory reactivity differences are diagnostic criteria for autism and are common and seen in 65-80% of autistic individuals (1 out of 10 children overall are on the autism spectrum), in the UK, sensory assessments are not regularly conducted in healthcare settings, and vary greatly depending on the individual service and commissioning.
This NHS England funded project will provide the healthcare community with an easily accessible open resource sensory App that can be used to identify sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults, and provide specific recommendations for healthcare providers. Importantly this project will benefit those individuals with few to no words, who otherwise have difficulties describing their sensory needs. As most existing assessments require specialists and additional equipment, both these constraints are reduced considerably with an App that can be administered by healthcare specialists as well as non-specialists if needed. Furthermore, most existing assessments are costly copyrighted instruments, which limits their reach. The App will break these artificial barriers and provide the community with an easily accessible free sensory measure.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0388
Date of REC Opinion
14 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion