title: Development and pilot validation of a sensory reactivity scale for adults with high functioning autism spectrum conditions: Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum (SR-AS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli are experienced by 90-95% of people with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Self-reported sensory reactivity in ASC has mainly been measured with generic questionnaires developed and validated on data from the general population. Interest in sensory reactivity in ASC increased after the inclusion of hyper- and hypo-reactivity together with unusual sensory interest as diagnostic markers of ASC in the DSM-5.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop and pilot validate a self-report questionnaire designed from first-hand descriptions of the target group of adults diagnosed with high functioning ASC. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated on a sample of participants with ASC diagnoses (N = 71) and a random sample from the general population (N = 162).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum (SR-AS is intended to be used as a screening tool in diagnostic processes with adults and for support in adapting compensating strategies and environmental adjustments. The internal consistency was high for both the SR-AS and its subscales. The total scale Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 and the subscales alphas were ≥ 0.80. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed best fit for a four-factor model of inter-correlated factors: hyper and hypo-reactivity, strong sensory interest and a sensory/motor factor. The questionnaire discriminated well between ASC-diagnosed participants and participants from the general population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SR-AS displayed good internal consistency and discriminatory power and promising factorial validity.
authors.affiliation: a Marie Elwin, Psychiatric Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Sweden.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elwin
authors.affiliation: b Agneta Schröder, Psychiatric Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Sweden.
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schröder
authors.affiliation: c Lena Ek, Habilitation and rehabilitation for adults , Växjö , Sweden.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ek
authors.affiliation: d Lars Kjellin, Psychiatric Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Sweden.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kjellin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics; D057566:Self Report; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism spectrum; Psychometric validation; Scale development; Sensory reactivity