Modifying Quantitative Sensory Testing to Investigate Tactile Sensory Function and Behavioral Reactivity in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Establishing Feasibility and Testing Sex, Autism, and Self-injury Effects

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Author(s)
Jaclyn A Gunderson, Emma R Worthley, Breanne J Byiers, Alyssa M Merbler, Andrea Huebner, Deanna Hofschulte, Jasmine T Lee, Catherine H Riodique, Frank J Symons
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Description

Sensory reactivity differences are common across neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), however very few studies specifically examine tactile or pain responses in children with NNDs, especially those with communication challenges. The current study aimed to (a) replicate the feasibility of a modified quantitative sensory test (mQST) with a sample of children with NDDs, (b) assess validity evidence based on behavioral reactivity during mQST application and the corresponding behavioral measurement coding system, and (c) explore group differences in behavioral reactivity to mQST stimuli by demographic (sex), clinical (autism status), and behavioral pathology (self-injury) variables.

Suggested Citation

Gunderson, J., Worthley, E., Byiers, B., Merbler, A., Huebner, A., Hofschulte, D., Lee, J., Riodique, C., & Symons, F. (2025). Modifying quantitative sensory testing to investigate tactile sensory function and behavioral reactivity in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: establishing feasibility and testing sex, autism, and self-injury effects. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-025-09603-x

Details

Date
2025 
Type
Peer-Reviewed Article 
Publisher
Springer Link/Springer Nature

Topics

  • Early education and development
    • Early childhood screening and assessment
  • Specific disability
    • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
    • Intellectual/developmental disability (IDD)