Brief Report: Sensory Reactivity in Children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Jul;46(7):2508-13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2754-0.

Abstract

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), a monogenic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), results from deletion or mutation of the SHANK3 gene. Atypical sensory reactivity is now included in the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Examining the sensory phenotype in monogenic forms of ASD, such as PMS, may help identify underlying mechanisms of sensory reactivity. Using the Short Sensory Profile, the current study compared sensory reactivity in 24 children with PMS to 61 children with idiopathic ASD (iASD). Results suggest that children with PMS show more low energy/weak symptoms and less sensory sensitivity as compared to children with iASD. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in sensory reactivity between children with PMS and iASD, helping to refine the PMS phenotype.

Keywords: 22q13 deletion syndrome; Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Phelan–McDermid syndrome; Sensory profile; Sensory reactivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosome Deletion
  • Chromosome Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Chromosome Disorders / epidemiology
  • Chromosome Disorders / psychology
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Language Development Disorders / epidemiology
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Phenotype*
  • Sensation Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sensation Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sensation Disorders / psychology

Supplementary concepts

  • Telomeric 22q13 Monosomy Syndrome