A cascading effects model of early sensory development in autism.
Natalie Russo, Carissa J. Cascio, Grace T. Baranek, Tiffany G. Woynaroski, Zachary J. Williams, Shulamite A. Green, Roseann C. Schaaf
Abstract
was published, sensory features were added as one of the polythetic restricted and repetitive behavior diagnostic criteria of autism, though it has remained understudied. Here, we summarize theory and research to provide support for the perspective that early sensory functions and experiences play a primary role in autism and have downstream effects on social communication and repetitive behavioral features of autism. The goals of this article are to provide an understanding of the current sensory research landscape over the early developmental period; to contextualize our knowledge autism within a developmental framework; to delineate a cascading developmental model that provides testable hypotheses; and to identify current gaps in research that would allow us to further our understanding of the role, and primacy of sensory differences in the development of the autistic phenotype. We close by offering a set of recommendations for the field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).