Sensory sensitivity can manifest itself in the form of hypersensitivity, where a child with ASD reacts strongly to certain stimuli that may be insignificant or normal to others.For example, he or she may respond to light touch or be overly sensitive to certain sounds that cause distress or discomfort.
On the other hand, children with ASD may also experience hyposensitivity, where they have reduced sensitivity to certain stimuli. They may not respond appropriately to pain or temperature, and may have an increased resistance to more intense sensory input.
It is important to note that not all children with ASD will exhibit all of these symptoms, and some children may exhibit other or less severe symptoms.
2.3 Screening (M-CHAT) and assessment tools used to diagnose ASD in children
The process of diagnosing ASD usually involves a comprehensive assessment by a team of professionals including a paediatrician, psychologist and speech-language pathologist. The evaluation may include observations of the child's behaviour and interactions with others, assessments of the child's language and communication skills, and assessments of the child's cognitive and developmental abilities.
Screening tools are also used to identify children who may be at risk for RAS.Some commonly used screening tools include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).