Sensory Processing in Autism: Mechanisms, Impacts and Interventions

Sensory processing differences are a distinctive feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and can profoundly impact the quality of life of autistic children, adolescents, and adults. Autistic individuals often exhibit atypical sensory processing, experiencing hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory stimuli. These alterations can contribute to difficulties in emotional regulation, social integration, and participation in daily activities.

Despite growing scientific knowledge about autism and increased attention to hyper- and hyposensitivity in autistic individuals, evidence-based intervention strategies remain limited, and many approaches still lack empirical validation. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms and developing effective support strategies is essential to improving the well-being of autistic individuals.

This Research Topic aims to gather innovative studies on the mechanisms, effects, and intervention strategies related to hypo and hypersensitivity in ASD. Authors are invited to submit articles on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

1. New technologies (e.g., eye-tracking, EEG, neuroimaging, wearable sensors, VR, artificial intelligence) to study hypo and hypersensitivity in autism;

2. Evidence-based intervention strategies to manage sensory alterations and improve social integration;

3. Effects of hypo and hypersensitivity on cognitive and emotional development in autistic children and adults;

4. Gender differences and individual variability in sensory profiles of autistic individuals;

5. Educational and environmental approaches to support sensory adaptation in school and workplace settings.

6. Effects of hypersensitivity on motor features in autistic children and adults;

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Hypersensitivity, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Integration, Quality of Life, Innovative Technologies, Evidence-based Interactions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.