Perceptual Experiences of Autistic People With an Intellectual Disability and People With Williams Syndrome: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autistic people without intellectual disabilities have increased perceptual capacity: they can process more information at any given time compared to non-autistic people. We examined whether increased perceptual capacity is evident across the autistic spectrum (i.e. for autistic people with intellectual disabilities) and whether it is specific to autism, or also experienced by people with Williams Syndrome (WS).

Methods

Five autistic adults with intellectual disabilities and five adults with WS took part in accessible, qualitative interviews. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Both groups expressed enjoyment of focussed attention, with autistic participants preferring multiple simultaneous inputs. Responses suggested increased perceptu

SUBMITTER: Elise F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11605499 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature