Autism And Sensory Processing: Understanding The Sensory Differences Of Individuals With ASD
Although we understand more about autism and what signs of the spectrum can look like than ever, there is still often an underlying stigma surrounding Autism. That’s because so many people still don’t understand the sensory challenges of individuals with autism or how they might present themselves.
If someone in your life is on the spectrum, understanding what they’re going through can make a big difference. You’ll learn more about how Autism can impact people’s lives and what you can do to support those with it.
Let’s take a closer look at the sensory challenges people with Autism face and the impact those challenges can have on their daily lives.
Hypersensitivity
One of the most common sensory challenges people with Autism face is hypersensitivity. It’s so common because it’s hard to avoid or ignore the loudness of life.
Hypersensitivity refers to an overreaction to any kind of stimuli that triggers the senses. It could be bright lights, loud noises, or even specific textures. These issues can make it difficult for people on the spectrum to be in many public places or even wear certain types of clothing. If you’ve ever seen individuals with ASD wearing noise-canceling headphones in public, it’s to avoid the sensory overload of too much noise.
The overreaction to stimuli isn’t something people with Autism can control, and it’s more than just an annoyance. Getting overstimulated can actually cause pain and discomfort, making it feel nearly impossible to keep dealing with whatever is causing the overload.
Hyposensitivity
While it’s more commonly known that some people with ASD deal with hypersensitivity, it’s important to recognize that hyposensitivity can be an issue for others.
As you might expect, hyposensitivity is an under-reaction to stimuli. This can vary in severity. Some Autistic people might not be able to notice things like visual or auditory details. Others might have such hyposensitivity that they aren’t even aware when they’re hungry or experiencing pain.
It’s not uncommon for people on the spectrum dealing with hyposensitivity to be sensory seekers. They might be attracted to loud noises and bright colors or need to move constantly. They might even rock back and forth as a way to stimulate their senses.
Fragmented Perceptions
We live in a world that constantly surrounds us with sensory information. Some people on the spectrum have difficulty integrating that information if it’s coming from different sources.
For example, someone with ASD might have a hard time processing information that is both visual and auditory. That can cause them to feel overwhelmed.
The Problem With Sensory Challenges
Sensory challenges of any kind can make everyday experiences feel negative and overwhelming. It makes it difficult for people with Autism to respond appropriately to the information they’re being given in certain environmental situations, which can not only exacerbate symptoms but also lead to issues with anxiety and depression.
What Can You Do?
How you can help someone with ASD depends on the sensory issues they find most challenging. For example, someone with hypersensitivity may benefit from headphones, sunglasses, or working in spaces with high walls. They may also benefit from specific kinds of clothing, blankets, and towels that won’t overstimulate them.
Fidget toys, weighted blankets, or calming scents can help people with ASD feel more relaxed, enabling them to respond appropriately to certain stimuli without being overloaded.
If someone you know is on the spectrum and you want to know more about how you can support them, feel free to reach out. Also, feel free to reach out with questions or to learn more about Autism Testing if you're seeking clarity through a formal clinical diagnosis. Understanding the sensory challenges of these individuals is an important step. Together, we’ll explore what you can do to offer support and how you can take care of yourself along the way.
