Effectiveness and efficiency on quality of life of an awarenessprogram on sensory processing Issues for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders and a normal or high IQ.

The past decade has seen reports citing an increase in the prevalence of Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Sensory modulation symptoms are common in persons
with ASD, with a heterogenous presentation. Studies indicate however a
significant high difference between ASD and typical groups in the presence and
frequency of sensory symptoms. The ability of a person to respond to unexpected
stimuli in their environment is a fundamental characteristic of human beings
and necessary for functional performance. So there is a link to be expected
between sensory processing problems that a person with ASD experiences,
difficulties in managing daily life, wellbeing and quality of life. In this
research the effectiveness and efficiency of an awarenessprogram on sensory
processing Issues is investigated. The expected result of this intervention is
better copingmechanisms with sensory processing problems. The
interventionmethod consists of four sessions of one hour and information on
paper and is offered besides the Care As Usual.

The objective of this study is evaluation of an awarenessprogram on sensory
processing Issues on effectiveness and efficiency with regard to quality of
life.
The central researchquestion is: what are the effects on experienced quality of
life of the awarenessprogram on sensory processing Issues as offered by R95 on
individuals with ASD (18 years and older with a normal or high IQ), besides
Care As Usual?

Primary outcome is quality of life. Secundary outcome:
1) physical and psychological complaints;
2) degree of sensory problems;
3) psychosocial functioning, including;
4) social participation (dependancy, living situation, work);
5) social costs.

Extra points of attention during the proces in this study are:
1) Is this intervention an efficient treatment for individuals with ASDin
comparison with CAU?.
2) Which recomendations are to be made for improvement of this intervention?
3) What are the possibilities for further implementation?
4) What theoretical model fits the best with these problems and this
intervention?

This pilot study is a randomised controled trial in one centre with a
intervention- and a controlgroup. Patients who want to participate will ne
randomised in two groups. The controlgroup gets Care As Usual (CAU) and the
experimental group gets CAU plus the new intervention. Both groups will be
asked to fill in a baseline questionnaire (T0). After the intervention (two
months after) both groups fill in the second questionnaire (T1) en six months
later the third.

The awarenessprogram on sensory processing Issues consists on five sessions
with a participant, is conducted before CAU and spread on a period of two
months. The intervention is aimed at prevention of sensory processing problems
(problem focused coping) and on learning what to do when sensory problems arise
(emotion focused coping). Furthermore the specific sensory processing issues of
the individual are systematically evaluated and the participants get
information about these problems on paper.

Not applicable.