Alexithymia May Explain the Genetic Relationship Between Autism and Sensory Sensitivity

Alexithymia may explain the genetic relationship between autism and sensory sensitivity

Sensory symptoms are highly prevalent amongst autistic individuals and are now considered in the diagnostic criteria. Whilst evidence suggests a genetic relationship between autism and sensory symptoms, sensory symptoms are neither universal within autism nor unique to autism. One explanation for the heterogeneity within autism and commonality across conditions with respect to sensory symptoms, is that it is alexithymia (a condition associated w…

Sensory issues in autism may stem from co-occurring emotional blindness, not autism itself

Researchers have uncovered evidence that sensory sensitivities linked to autism may instead be genetically tied to alexithymia. This emotional processing trait, often overlooked, could be the true source of sensory challenges across multiple conditions, not just autism.