Unusual sensory experiences in autism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding psychotic-like-experiences in an autistic population
IRAS ID
359590
Contact name
Nicola Barclay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 25 days
Research summary
Psychosis is characterised by a different perception of reality, for example seeing or hearing things that others may not (hallucinations) or a strongly held false belief (delusions). Psychotic like experiences (PLEs) are the experiences often seen in psychosis but that fall below the threshold for a diagnosis. PLE’s can be predictive of later developing psychosis.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by differences in social communication and restricted repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities which have been present since childhood. The link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and psychosis is well established in the literature and exceeds the prevalence rate of psychosis seen in the general population.
At risk mental state (ARMS) services are NHS services set up to support those with PLE’s and prevent the development of a first episode of psychosis. The CAARMS (Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State) is a semi-structured assessment tool used within ARMS services to identify those at risk of developing psychosis. However, there is very little research exploring the experience of PLE’s in an autistic population and whether the CAARMS is an appropriate and accurate assessment tool for use in this population.
This study will be the first to interview autistic people and ask about their unusual sensory experiences (PLE’s). We will use a set of structured questions as well as personalised questions depending on what each person reports to answer these questions.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0272
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion