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The Interplay Between Sensory Processing Abnormalities, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Anxiety and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours in Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Sensory processing abnormalities, anxiety and restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) frequently co-occur in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Though the relationship between these phenomena is not well understood, emerging evidence indicates intolerance of uncertainty (IU) may play an important role. This study aimed to determine pathways between sensory abnormalities and RRBs, and the role anxiety and IU may have. We gathered caregiver report data for 53 children with ASD aged 8–16 years. We found sensory under responsiveness and sensory over responsiveness were significantly associated with repetitive motor and insistence on sameness behaviours, and the relationships significantly mediated by IU and anxiety. Our findings indicate different mechanisms may underpin repetitive motor and insistence on sameness RRBs, which can inform treatment interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK

    Sarah Wigham & Helen McConachie

  2. Clinical Psychology, Ridley Building, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, UK

    Jacqui Rodgers & Mark Freeston

  3. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA

    Mikle South

  4. Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Gosforth, UK

    Mark Freeston

Authors
  1. Sarah Wigham
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  2. Jacqui Rodgers
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  3. Mikle South
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  4. Helen McConachie
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  5. Mark Freeston
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Correspondence to Sarah Wigham.

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Wigham, S., Rodgers, J., South, M. et al. The Interplay Between Sensory Processing Abnormalities, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Anxiety and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 943–952 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2248-x

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