Örebro Studies in Medicine 139 I
ÖREBRO 2016 2016M
ARI
E E
LWI
N
De
sc
rip
tio
n a
nd m
ea
su
re
m
en
t o
f s
en
so
ry s
ym
pto
m
s i
n a
utis
m s
pec
tru
m
marie elwin is a licensed clinical psychologist working in adult psychiatric in- and outpatient care since 1991. She earned her Master’s degree in psychology at Uppsala University in 1987. She became a doctoral student at the Psychiatric Research Center (PFC) now University Health Care Research Center (UFC) in 2009. Her research involves sensory symptoms that are prevalent in adults diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions (ASC).
Taken together the results of this dissertation demonstrate that sensory symptoms are relevant in understanding the characteristics of ASC. There is a need for a clinical instrument specifically tailored for adults with ASC. A measurement was developed from the descriptions of sensory symptoms in the target group (study I and II). The measurement tool was psychometrically tested and the Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum scale (SR-AS) offers promising validity and reliability. An important use of the SR-AS is to assess individual patterns of sensory reactivity for self-knowledge and awareness, for development of coping and compensatory strategies and for information on social and physical environmental adjustments required. In diagnostic processes the SR-AS can be used to gather information on sensory reactivity for further discussion with the patient and to compare the results with the DSM-formulation of sensory symptoms.
issn 1652-4063 isbn 978-91-7529-129-1
