Patrick Dwyer (La Trobe University)

Presenter: Patrick Dwyer (La Trobe University)

Title: Sensory Experiences and Attention in Autism

Abstract:

Sensory differences in autistic and neurodivergent populations are known to be common and impactful, but these experiences remain poorly understood.  One understudied factor that may be involved in such experiences is attention, which has long been known to be atypical in autism.  With a primary focus on autism and a secondary focus on ADHD, this presentation will discuss neurodivergent attention patterns such as hyper-focus, monotropism, and hypervigilance, and present data on how these may relate to sensory responsiveness patterns (especially sensory discomfort) as well as mental health and quality of life.  Three seeming paradoxes will be described and discussed: how sensory hypo-responsiveness and hyper-responsiveness tend to converge with one another, how hyper-focus and inattention are likewise positively associated, and various ways in which hyper-focussed attention is both good and bad.