Autistic and Non-Autistic Experiences of Decreased Sound Tolerance and Their Association with Mental Health and Quality of Life

Background: Decreased sound tolerance (DST) is an increased sensitivity to sound at levels that would not bother most people. DST is highly prevalent in autistic adults; however, the extent to which DST differs across autistic and non-autistic adults is uncertain. This study explores multiple domains of DST symptoms and the severity of DST symptoms, as well as the behavioral reactions and coping strategies adopted to manage DST in both autistic and non-autistic adults. Lastly relationships between DST, autism characteristics, mental health, and quality of life were explored.