Addressing Sensory Challenges in Athletes with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Commentary.
Kelly D Pagnotta, Natalie R Schianom, Kevin Bernabe, Jonas Jean-Claude, Nikki Toole, Rosie Martin, Allison Barrett, Kiki Lawlor, Rachel Dumont, Roseann Schaaf
Author Information
Kelly D Pagnotta: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Exercise Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Natalie R Schianom: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States natalie.schiano@richmond.edu.
Kevin Bernabe: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Exercise Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States Personal Email: kevinbernabe99@yahoo.com.
Jonas Jean-Claude: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Exercise Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States jonas.jean-claude@students.jefferson.edu.
Nikki Toole: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States nicola.toole@students.jefferson.edu.
Rosie Martin: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States rosanne.martin@students.jefferson.edu.
Allison Barrett: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States allison.barrett@students.jefferson.edu.
Kiki Lawlor: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States kathleen.lawlor@students.jefferson.edu.
Rachel Dumont: Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States rachel.dumont@jefferson.edu.
Roseann Schaaf: Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States roseann.schaaf@jefferson.edu.
Athletes with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience lesser care for injuries and athletic trainers (ATs) report feeling unprepared to provide care competently for this population. Provision of sports-related care can be impacted by sensory differences associated with ASD such as hyper-reactivity to sensation or poor integration of sensory information. An in-depth review of the literature using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) guidelines was used to identify articles that address the sensory features of autism for athletic trainers with the purpose of informing athletic trainers about the sensory features of ASD and to present the most current evidence-based recommendations for providing care to athletes with ASD and other neurodivergent individuals who present with sensory differences. Relevant articles were reviewed by four independent researchers and organized by theme. Key themes included use of sensory friendly or adapted environments, sensory kits, and informed communication strategies that acknowledge sensory differences. Providing individualized care for athletes with ASD and sensory features can improve the quality of and participation in sports for autistic persons.
