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In a 2026 survey study, Yamazawa investigated whether autistic traits in the general population are associated with sensory hypo- and hyper-reactivity, whether auditory hyper-reactivity is the most prevalent modality, and which of three models best explains links among autistic traits, hyperacusis, and misophonia. Autistic traits were positively associated with sensory hyper- and hypo-reactivity across all modalities, with auditory hyper-reactivity showing the highest scores but not stronger associations than other modalities. Autistic traits were also positively related to hyperacusis and misophonia, which were strongly correlated, and the hyperacusis-mediated model showed the best fit. The authors concluded that sensory traits parallel autistic traits along a continuum and that hyperacusis may function as an early risk factor contributing to later misophonia within a hierarchical framework (Yamazawa & Midorikawa, 2026).

Autistic Traits ↔ Hyperacusis / Misophonia

A 2026 survey study examining relationships among autistic traits, sensory reactivity, hyperacusis, and misophonia found that autistic traits were positively associated with both hyperacusis and misophonia, and that hyperacusis and misophonia were themselves strongly correlated. The authors interpret these findings as evidence that autistic traits are linked to sensory reactivity patterns that include both hyperacusis and misophonia within the general population. (Yamazawa & Midorikawa, 2026)

Hyperacusis-Mediated Model

A 2026 survey study testing competing structural models of the relationship between autistic traits, hyperacusis, and misophonia found that the hyperacusis-mediated model provided the best fit to the data. In this model, hyperacusis functions as an intermediate factor linking autistic traits to misophonia, suggesting that heightened auditory sensitivity may operate as an early risk factor contributing to the later development of misophonia. (Yamazawa & Midorikawa, 2026)