title: Comparing and Exploring the Sensory Processing Patterns of Higher Education Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research regarding sensory processing and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited. This study aimed to compare sensory processing patterns of groups of higher education students with ADHD or ASD and to explore the implications of these disorders for their college life.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile was administered to 28 students with ADHD and 27 students with ASD. Students and professionals were interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of students received scores that differed from those of the general population. Students with ADHD received significantly higher scores than students with ASD in relation to sensation seeking; however, there were no other major differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Few differences exist between the sensory processing patterns of students with ADHD and ASD; however, both groups differ significantly from the general population. Occupational therapists should consider sensory processing patterns when designing supports for these groups.
authors.affiliation: Maria Clince, MSc, BSc, is Postgraduate Research Student, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clince
authors.affiliation: Laura Connolly, MSc, BSc, is Postgraduate Research Student, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.affiliation: Clodagh Nolan, PhD, MA, MSc, DipCOT, is Assistant Professor, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; nolancl@tcd.ie.
authors.forename: Clodagh
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nolan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055139:Sensory Gating; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult