Are Sensory Features a Subdomain of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors? Evaluating Empirical Support for the DSM-5 Autism Criteria

Following calls to formally recognize sensory differences in the autism diagnostic criteria, the DSM-5 introduced sensory features as a subdomain of restricted and repetitive behaviors. However, this categorization was developed based on expert consensus, rather than being empirically derived.

Citation:
Spackman E, Chetcuti L, Leekam SR, Whitehouse A, Krueger RF, ……. Uljarević M. Are Sensory Features a Subdomain of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors? Evaluating Empirical Support for the DSM-5 Autism Criteria. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2026;10.1016/j.jaac.2026.07.1224.

Keywords:
Autism assessment; factor analysis; restricted and repetitive behavior; sensory features

Abstract:
Following calls to formally recognize sensory differences in the autism diagnostic criteria, the DSM-5 introduced sensory features as a subdomain of restricted and repetitive behaviors. However, this categorization was developed based on expert consensus, rather than being empirically derived.