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Cited by 120Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchFamily and Disability Support ResearchChild Nutrition and Feeding Issues

Fascination and Isolation: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Unusual Sensory Experiences in Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Smith, Richard S., Sharp, Jonathan·2013·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1633-6
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Abstract

Unusual sensory experiences are commonly seen in people with Asperger syndrome (AS). They correlate with functional impairments and cause distress. The current study investigates how these experiences have affected nine adults with AS's lives, as well as the coping strategies utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using Instant Messaging software. Data were analysed using Grounded Theory. A number of inter-related categories and focused codes were identified. The categories included heightened senses, sensory stress, the stress avalanche, moderating factors, coping strategies, other people, self-acceptance, fascination, and isolation. A model was constructed as to how these categories and codes interact. How these findings link with previous research into autism spectrum disorders is discussed. Implications for services and future research are also made.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s10803-012-1633-6

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  • Receiving the diagnosis helped people develop coping strategies for sensory difficulties and communicate their needs to others.

    “Receiving the diagnosis helped people develop coping strategies for sensory difficulties and communicate their needs to others.”

    From Diagnosis of autism in adulthood: A scoping review (2020) · cites this paper as R. S. Smith and Sharp (2013)

  • In adults, self-report studies with cognitively able autistic participants indicate a conscious awareness of their sensory processing being different, which might help them to develop coping strategies.

    “In adults, self-report studies with cognitively able autistic participants (Elwin et al., 2013; Jones et al., 2003; Smith & Sharp, 2012) indicate a conscious awareness of their sensory processing being different, which might help them to develop coping strategies.”

    From The design and implementation of a CBT-based intervention for sensory processing difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum (2016) · cites this paper as Smith & Sharp, 2012

  • Coping strategies of avoiding or controlling an unpleasant sensory stimulus can sometimes result in unhelpful outcomes for the individual.

    “In self-report studies of sensory experiences in children with autism, coping strategies of avoiding or controlling an unpleasant stimulus are present even in the youngest participants (e.g., Kirby et al., 2014), though these can sometimes result in unhelpful outcomes for the individual (Ashburner et al., 2013; Smith & Sharp, 2012).”

    From The design and implementation of a CBT-based intervention for sensory processing difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum (2016) · cites this paper as Smith & Sharp, 2012

  • Previous self-reports of unhelpful sensory coping strategies suggest that outcomes might not always be considered in autism.

    “Previous self-reports of unhelpful sensory coping strategies (Ashburner et al., 2013; Smith & Sharp, 2012), suggest outcomes might not always be considered in autism”

    From The design and implementation of a CBT-based intervention for sensory processing difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum (2016) · cites this paper as Smith & Sharp, 2012

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Authors
Smith, R. S., & Sharp, J.
Affiliations
  • Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
  • St Mary's Hospital (GB)
Corresponding author
Smith, Richard S.
ORCID
Smith, Richard S.
Venue
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2012-08-25
Volume
43
Issue
4
Pages
891-910
ISSN
  • 0162-3257 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-3432
DOI
10.1007/s10803-012-1633-6
OpenAlex
W2067975863
Cited by
120
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 2
FWCI
1.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Family and Disability Support Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
Keywords
Asperger syndrome, coping strategies, fascination, social isolation, self-acceptance, autism spectrum disorder, autistic adults
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Female, Humans, Interview, Psychological, Male, Middle Aged, Perceptual Disorders, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychological Theory, Sensation Disorders, Social Isolation, Stress, Psychological, Internet, Asperger Syndrome, Qualitative Research

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