"Sensory Secrets Unveiled: Delving into the Link Between Touch Sensation, Nerve Sensitivity, and Autism."
Autism, or ASD (autism spectrum disorder), is a term for different kinds of challenges some people face. These challenges can include difficulties with social skills, repeating behaviors, talking, and communicating without words. The CDC says around 1 in 54 children in the U.S. are affected by autism. Since it's a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has their own strengths and challenges that make them unique.
There is not just one type of autism, but many, according to AutismSpeaks.org. Most of these types are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Autism is also often accompanied by various sensory sensitivities that can lead the person to experience sensory overload, which you can see a representation of in the video below.
An October 2020 study suggests that the peripheral nervous system (the nerves that control our sense of touch, pain, and other sensations), may play a role in autism.
Dr. Sung-Tsang Hsieh, who works at National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei and is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, explained to Science Daily that more than 70% of people with autism experience differences in how they sense things. Some might find a gentle touch really uncomfortable, while others might not even notice a cut on their foot. The study, which included 32 men with autism (average age 27) and 27 men and women without autism (average age 33), suggests that if larger studies confirm these findings, we might learn more about the peripheral nervous system and find ways to treat the sensory challenges that many people with autism face.
The people with autism completed questionnaires on their sensory symptoms. All of the participants then had tests of their sensory nerves, including skin biopsies to look for damage to the small fibers of their nerves. Then, another test was administered, where heat pulses were applied to the skin so researchers could look at the electrical signals produced by the nerves to see how they responded to the heat.
53 percent of individuals with autism exhibited a decrease in nerve fiber density.
The skin biopsy tests revealed that 53 percent of individuals with autism had lower nerve fiber density. In contrast, everyone in the control group (those without autism) showed normal levels.
Dr. Hsieh explained, "This suggests that the nerves have degenerated, similar to what occurs in people with peripheral neuropathy. In this condition, the ability to feel sensations like heat is higher than in others."
The reaction to touch varied among individuals with autism based on whether they had experienced nerve fiber damage or not.
Based on the findings, individuals with intact nerves tended to express a dislike for being touched and discomfort with certain textures. On the other hand, those with nerve fiber damage were more inclined to mention a preference for going barefoot and might not be aware of scratches or bruises.
Dr. Hsieh clarified in the interview, "This indicates that the nerves have degenerated, similar to what happens in people with the condition of peripheral neuropathy, where the threshold for feeling heat and other sensations is higher than for other people."
How do nerves that sense touch potentially play a role in autism?
Research suggests that more than 70% of individuals with autism have differences in their sensory perception, including touch. Some may find light touches unbearable, while others might not notice injuries like cuts on their feet.
What did a study on this topic reveal?
How did people with intact nerves and those with nerve damage differ in their responses to touch?
What could these findings mean for understanding and treating autism?
If you or a loved one is facing sensory challenges related to autism, it’s important to seek support. At Koott, our compassionate Malayali psychologists are here to help with online counseling tailored to your needs. Reach out today, and let's work together to find the best path forward for you.
コメント