Autism: tactile perception and emotion.
BACKGROUND
For many years, and especially since Waynbaum and Wallon, psychology and psychopathology have dealt with cognitive perception, but have had little to do with the affective qualities of perception. Our aim was to study the influence of the sensory environment on people with autism.


METHODS
Several experiments were carried out using different forms of tactile stimulation (passive and active subjects).


RESULTS
Our data showed specific responses in children with autism and intellectual disability. These children displayed a strong (positive) valence to the stimulation provided.


CONCLUSIONS
They were very attracted to the stimulation and were excited by it.
Pernon
E
E
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Centre de Ressources Autisme, Montpellier, France. e-pernonhu@montpellier.fr
Pry
R
R
Baghdadli
A
A
D000339:Affect; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D014110:Touch