Development and pilot validation of an Indian instrument for severity of sensory reactivity in children with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental condition of childhood characterized by qualitative impairment in social and communicative behavior. In our clinical experience, a significant number of children who have been diagnosed with autism have sensory issues. The study of sensory and motor issues in autism is a relatively new frontier for research in ASD. Assessment of sensory symptoms and associated behavioral construct is important as it can help to ascertain the sensory strategies used to regulate the sensory reactivity of a child with ASD.  The current assessment measures have issues related to cultural and clinical applicability, which makes them difficult to be consistently applied in the Indian context. Thus, there is a need for a locally relevant and simple instrument for identification of sensory reactivity in children with ASD.

Novelty: This would be an indigenously developed severity instrument for sensory symptoms in ASD through a consultative approach, which will be tested with parents of ASD and professionals.

Aims & Objectives:

The overall aim will be to capture the parental experiences and expert perspectives on patterns of sensory reactivity in children with ASD and translate them into a validated severity tool.Primary objective (s):

1. To explore, describe and characterize the sensory reactivity in children with ASD.

2. To develop and pilot test a valid & reliable instrument for identification and severity of sensory issues in children with ASD.

Methods: A step wise approach would be taken for completion of the work. The steps are as follows:

1. Preparation of in-depth interview and focused group discussion guide (Identification of domains) via literature review and consultative iterations

2. Development of a questionnaire/ checklist based upon the inputs from parents of ASD & professionals/ early interventionist

3. Reviewing of a questionnaire/ checklist by professionals/ early interventionist for content validity and modifications based upon concerns

4. Application of the instrument among parents of children with ASD & parents of typical developing children for pilot validation

Expected outcome: A severity instrument will be developed for sensory symptoms in ASD children that will be simple, validated, reliable and available in public domain for easy application. It will be precise, more focused and will provide accurate information about sensory issues in children with ASD. So, that we can plan individualized treatment strategy for them.