Sensory Sensitivity, Play & Repetitive Behaviour in Children with ASD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sensory Sensitivities, Play and Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
IRAS ID
125537
Contact name
Lauren Breese
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by a triad of impairments in communication, social interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRB) (APA, 2000). RRBs include hand flapping, rocking, spinning and unusual interests. This study aims to investigate RRB in young children with ASD and how these might relate to a number of other factors including, sensory processing difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty and play. Furthering our understanding of RRBs is important in light of the updated diagnostic criteria for ASD (APA, 2012) which places a greater emphasis on their significance. As this will have diagnostic, research and clinical implications, it is important to understand the nature and function of RRBs in more detail. Previous research has suggested evidence for potential links between RRB and play which have not yet been fully understood. Additionally there is evidence of a relationship between RRB and sensory sensitivities but further research is needed to explore this in more detail, and how intolerance of uncertainty may influence this relationship.
Parents of young children with ASD will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview and complete a selection of short questionnaire measures that will explore these factors. Parents will be recruited from both NHS and non-NHS settings that provide services for their children. The interviews are expected to last for approximately one hour at a time and place convenient to the participant.
Data from the interviews and questionnaire measures will be analysed using cluster analysis and correlations.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0406
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion