Temporal resolution relates to sensory hyperreactivity independently of stimulus detection sensitivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

This article investigates the relationship between temporal resolution of vibrotactile stimuli and sensory hyperreactivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using psychophysical tasks, researchers compared 20 ASD and 22 typically developing (TD) participants on their ability to detect stimulus duration and temporal gaps between stimuli, alongside self-reported sensory reactivity measured by the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP). Results showed no group differences in temporal resolution or detectable stimulus duration, nor a correlation between these two measures; however, higher temporal resolution was associated with greater sensory hyperreactivity in the ASD group, while sensitivity to stimulus duration was not. The findings suggest that atypical temporal processing, potentially linked to neural oscillations and inhibitory neurotransmitter function, may underlie sensory hyperreactivity in ASD, distinct from simple sensory detection sensitivity.