The neurotransmitter GABA is heavily involved in sensory integration, and reduced GABA levels have been observed in children with ASD compared to children without ASD

This could be a key reason for sensory issues in ASD, with sensory processing issues having a prevalence rate of 90% in people with ASD

Ithaca College

The DSM-5 criteria for children with ASD includes deficits in sensory processing, specifically sensory modulation. Any sensory modality may be affected but some evidence suggests that individuals with ASD have a greater frequency of sensory deficits in the domains of taste and smell, as well as tactile sensitivity. 

- neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD

Sensory Processing Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Afif, I. Y., et al. (2022). Effect of Short-Term Deep-Pressure Portable Seat on Behavioral and Biological Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study. Bioengineering, 9(2), 48. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9020048

Effect of Short-Term Deep-Pressure Portable Seat on Behavioral and Biological Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study

While children with ASD may also have deficits in sensory processing, the behavioral profiles of sensory processing in children with ASD and children with SPD may differ. 

Differentiating between Sensory Processing Disorder and Austism Spectrum Disorder

Since more than half of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display sensory over-responsivity, are there differences in brain response, habituation, and connectivity during exposure to sensory stimuli between children with ASD and sensory over-responsivity, compared to neurotypical children?

Neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD (research question)

Treatment (and possible treatment) for Sensory Integration Dysfunction/Sensory Processing Disorder

Role of GABA Neurotransmitter in Sensory Processing and ASD

Strategic use of deep pressure (defined as the sensation provided when an individual is hugged, squeezed, stroked, or held), often used by occupational therapists when working with patients with ASD

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