'We're Quite Good at Thinking outside the Box': Early Autistic Sensory Experiences Expressed by Autistic Adults and Caregivers of Autistic Children
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| Title: | 'We're Quite Good at Thinking outside the Box': Early Autistic Sensory Experiences Expressed by Autistic Adults and Caregivers of Autistic Children |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Katy L. Unwin (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(8):2084-2096. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Sensory Experience, Adults, Children, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Perceptual Impairments, Childhood Needs, Caregiver Role, Coping, Psychological Patterns, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Preferences, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251335069 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Sensory differences are well documented in autistic individuals. However, early sensory experiences have not been fully explored, particularly from the perspective of autistic people. We sought to understand early sensory experiences in autism from the perspective of autistic adults (some of whom also had autistic children) and caregivers of autistic children (some of whom also had a personal autism diagnosis). Using a qualitative descriptive design, aligned with a constructivist paradigm, focus groups were conducted with 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children. Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were generated accounting for early sensory experiences in autism: (1) Acknowledging the uniqueness of sensory preferences, (2) Negative impacts of different sensory experiences, (3) Feeling different and the pursuit of belonging, (4) Controlling sensory experiences to support daily function, and finally (5) Overcoming the challenges of the sensory world. The findings highlight the specific sensory needs of autistic children in early childhood and the adaptability of caregivers. This information can help young autistic people and caregivers advocate the importance of recognising the uniqueness of each autistic child's sensory preferences when seeking support. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1476900 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Sensory differences are well documented in autistic individuals. However, early sensory experiences have not been fully explored, particularly from the perspective of autistic people. We sought to understand early sensory experiences in autism from the perspective of autistic adults (some of whom also had autistic children) and caregivers of autistic children (some of whom also had a personal autism diagnosis). Using a qualitative descriptive design, aligned with a constructivist paradigm, focus groups were conducted with 3 autistic adults and 12 caregivers of autistic children. Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were generated accounting for early sensory experiences in autism: (1) Acknowledging the uniqueness of sensory preferences, (2) Negative impacts of different sensory experiences, (3) Feeling different and the pursuit of belonging, (4) Controlling sensory experiences to support daily function, and finally (5) Overcoming the challenges of the sensory world. The findings highlight the specific sensory needs of autistic children in early childhood and the adaptability of caregivers. This information can help young autistic people and caregivers advocate the importance of recognising the uniqueness of each autistic child's sensory preferences when seeking support. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613251335069 |
