A Quantitative Sensory Testing Approach to Pain in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

A Quantitative Sensory Testing Approach to Pain in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 Feb 15;:
Authors: Vaughan S, McGlone F, Poole H, Moore DJ
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities in autism has been noted clinically, with pain insensitivity as a specified diagnostic criterion. However, there is limited research using psychophysically robust techniques. Thirteen adults with ASD and 13 matched controls completed an established quantitative sensory testing (QST) battery, supplemented with measures of pain tolerance and central modulation. The ASD group showed higher thresholds for light touch detection and mechanical pain. Notably, the ASD group had a greater range of extreme scores (the number of z-scores outside of the 95% CI > 2), dynamic mechanical allodynia and paradoxical heat sensation; phenomena not typically seen in neurotypical individuals. These data support the need for research examining central mechanisms for pain in ASD and greater consideration of individual difference.
PMID: 30771132 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - February 15, 2019 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Vaughan S, McGlone F, Poole H, Moore DJ Tags: J Autism Dev Disord Source Type: research