Table 3.

Sensory Response Patterns and Modalities: Qualitative Codes and Examples

Code	Description	Example quote
Low Neurological Threshold	Indication that the autistic person is highly sensitive to sensory input during sexual or romantic experiences	“I am unfortunately sensitive to the sounds of repetitive squeaking sounds”
High Neurological Threshold	Indication that a great deal of sensory input is needed for the autistic person's sensory needs to be met during sexual or romantic experiences	“I am not particularly sensitive so I need more friction to achieve orgasm”
Tactile	Sensory experiences related to touch sensations during sexual or romantic experiences	“I'm very sensitive to touch, which usually heightens my sexual experiences”
Auditory	Sensory experiences related to sound during sexual or romantic experiences	“High-pitched electronic sounds (from anything like smoke detectors to adult toys) can be extremely painful”
Visual	Sensory experiences related to sight during sexual or romantic experiences	“If a light bulb is turned on and catches my eye, it is like my eyeball is being burned”
Gustatory	Sensory experiences related to taste during sexual or romantic experiences	“Kissing and sex sometimes involves too much texture, bodily smells, tastes, heat and intimacy that I get overloaded and frightened” [emphasis added]
Olfactory	Sensory experiences related to smell during sexual or romantic experiences	“I don't always like the odour of body fluids”
Proprioceptive	Sensory experiences related to pressure or body position during sexual or romantic experiences	“I prefer a firm touch. I like to be held tightly and sometimes bound”