The Psychometric Properties and Clinical Correlates of the Mandarin Chinese Sensory Perception Quotient-10 in Autistic Adults

Background:Sensory hypersensitivity, a potential challenge in autistic individuals, has gained attention in recent decades. The Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ-10) was one of the tools developed for assessing sensory hypersensitivity in autistic adults, demonstrating adequate construct validity. However, it was unavailable in Asian languages. This study aimed to contribute to the autistic community by validating the Mandarin version of SPQ-10 to enhance the evaluation of sensory hypersensitivity in Mandarin-speaking autistic adults. Methods:We recruited 129 autistic adults (mean age 28.1 ± 7.68; female 35, 27.1%) in this study. Participants completed a comprehensive set of assessments, including the SPQ-10, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Empathy Quotient. Subsequently, we examined the psychometric properties and clinical correlates of the SPQ-10 thoroughly. Results:The Mandarin SPQ-10 total scores had satisfactory test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.762, df = 44, p < 0.001) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.877) and had significant correlations with AASP-overresponsivity (rs = 0.341), AQ subscale Attention to Details (rs = 0.424), and the SRS total scores (rs = 0.213). In terms of sex, autistic females exhibited significantly higher AASP-overresponsivity scores but comparable SPQ-10 scores to autistic males. The SPQ-10 total scores in autistic females significantly correlated with AASP-overresponsivity (r = 0.501), Attention to Details (r = 0.545), and SRS (r = 0.394). For autistic males, SPQ-10 total scores were only correlated with AASP-overresponsivity (rs = 0.249) and Attention to Details (rs = 0.320). Conclusion:The Mandarin SPQ-10 possesses satisfactory psychometric properties for effectively screening sensory hypersensitivity and overresponsivity in autistic adults. Sensory hypersensitivity measured by the SPQ-10 was correlated with various autistic features, including restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests and social communication difficulties. Autistic females may experience more emotional and behavioral reactivity to sensory hypersensitivity. Consequently, a more nuanced evaluation of sensory features in this population is necessary. With adequate support, sensory hypersensitivity could be a lesser challenge for emotional well-being and social adaptation.