Pain sensitivity and observer perception of pain in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder

Allely, C.S. (2013) Pain sensitivity and observer perception of pain in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder. Scientific World Journal, 2013(916178), (doi: 10.1155/2013/916178)

[img]
Preview
Text
81041.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

831kB

Abstract

The peer-reviewed literature investigating the relationship between pain expression and perception of pain in individuals with ASD is sparse. The aim of the present systematic PRIMSA review was twofold: first, to see what evidence there is for the widely held belief that individuals with ASD are insensitive to pain or have a high pain threshold in the peer-reviewed literature and, second, to examine whether individuals with ASD react or express pain differently. Fifteen studies investigating pain in individuals with ASD were identified. The case studies all reported pain insensitivity in individuals with ASD. However, the majority of the ten experimental studies reviewed indicate that the idea that individuals with ASD are pain insensitive needs to be challenged. The findings also highlight the strong possibility that not all children with ASD express their physical discomfort in the same way as a neurotypical child would (i.e., cry, moan, seek comfort, etc.) which may lead caregivers and the medical profession to interpret this as pain insensitivity or incorrectly lead them to believe that the child is in no pain. These results have important implications for the assessment and management of pain in children with ASD.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Allely, Professor Clare
Authors: Allely, C.S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
Journal Name:Scientific World Journal
Publisher:Scientific World
ISSN:1537-744X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Author
First Published:First published in Scientific World Journal 2013:916178
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record