Sensory Issues in Autism Explained

For many autistic individuals, the world can feel overwhelming – or not stimulating enough. Sounds that others barely notice might feel painfully loud, while some textures might be unbearable to touch. Understanding sensory processing differences is essential for supporting autistic children and adults.

A Family's Journey: Understanding Sensory Needs

"When our son was diagnosed at age 8, one of the biggest revelations was understanding his sensory experience. Things we hadn't connected – covering his ears in restaurants, refusing certain clothes, seeking constant movement – all made sense through a sensory lens. Learning to accommodate his sensory needs transformed our daily life and reduced so much stress for our whole family."

– The Monico Family, Founders of Buzz ABA in Concord, NH

What Are Sensory Processing Differences?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sensory differences are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder.

Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that up to 90% of autistic individuals experience some form of sensory processing differences.

These differences fall into two main categories:

Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsive)

The nervous system overreacts to sensory input, making ordinary stimuli feel intense or overwhelming.

Covers ears at normal sounds
Avoids certain textures or foods
Distressed by bright lights
Overwhelmed in busy environments

Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsive)

The nervous system underreacts, requiring more intense input to register sensations.

Seeks loud sounds or music
High pain tolerance
Seeks intense movement (spinning, crashing)
May not notice temperature extremes

Many autistic individuals experience both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity – being over-responsive to some inputs while seeking others.

The Eight Sensory Systems

When we think of senses, most people think of the five basics. But there are actually eight sensory systems that can be affected:

1. Visual (Sight)

How we process light, colors, patterns, and movement.

Hypersensitive: Bothered by fluorescent lights, avoids eye contact, distracted by visual clutter
Hyposensitive: Attracted to lights, stares at spinning objects, may not notice visual details

2. Auditory (Hearing)

How we process sounds and distinguish between them.

Hypersensitive: Covers ears, distressed by sudden sounds, hears sounds others don't notice
Hyposensitive: Makes loud noises, speaks loudly, seeks sound-making activities

3. Tactile (Touch)

How we process touch, temperature, and pain.

Hypersensitive: Avoids certain clothing textures, dislikes being touched, bothered by tags
Hyposensitive: Seeks touch, doesn't notice injuries, craves deep pressure

4. Gustatory (Taste)

How we process flavors and textures in the mouth.

Hypersensitive: Extremely picky eater, gags on textures, limited food preferences
Hyposensitive: Mouths non-food items, seeks intense flavors (spicy, sour)

5. Olfactory (Smell)

How we process and respond to odors.

Hypersensitive: Overwhelmed by perfumes/cleaning products, notices smells others don't
Hyposensitive: Doesn't notice strong odors, smells objects or people

6. Vestibular (Balance & Movement)

How we sense balance, movement, and spatial orientation.

Hypersensitive: Fearful of swings/heights, motion sickness, avoids physical activities
Hyposensitive: Constantly spinning, jumping, swinging; seeks fast movement

7. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness)

How we sense our body's position in space and use appropriate force.

Hypersensitive: Avoids activities requiring coordination, appears clumsy
Hyposensitive: Seeks crashing, pushing, squeezing; uses too much force

8. Interoceptive (Internal Sensations)

How we sense internal body signals (hunger, thirst, pain, needing the bathroom).

Hypersensitive: Overwhelming awareness of heartbeat, anxiety about body sensations
Hyposensitive: Doesn't notice hunger/thirst, delayed toileting awareness

Understanding Sensory Overload

Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more sensory information than it can effectively process. It's like a computer with too many programs running – eventually, it freezes or crashes.

Signs of Sensory Overload

Covering ears or eyes
Attempting to escape the situation
Increased anxiety or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms (headaches, nausea)

Increased stimming behaviors
Shutdown (becoming withdrawn, non-responsive)
Meltdown (loss of behavioral control)
Crying or emotional outbursts
Aggression or self-injury

Common Triggers

Crowded, noisy environments (malls, parties, restaurants)
Unexpected loud sounds
Bright or flickering lights
Strong or mixed odors
Being touched unexpectedly
Wearing uncomfortable clothing
Multiple people talking at once
Transitions or changes in routine

Sensory Seeking Behaviors

Sensory seeking is when someone actively pursues sensory input to meet their needs. This often indicates hyposensitivity – the nervous system needs more input to feel regulated.

Common sensory seeking behaviors include:

Movement Seeking

Spinning in circles
Jumping or bouncing constantly
Crashing into furniture/people
Rocking back and forth
Running instead of walking

Oral Seeking

Chewing on non-food items
Putting things in mouth
Biting fingernails or objects
Seeking crunchy or chewy foods
Grinding teeth

Touch Seeking

Constantly touching objects/people
Seeking tight hugs or squeezes
Playing with textures
Enjoying messy play
Pressing against walls/floors

Sound Seeking

Making loud noises or vocalizations
Listening to loud music
Banging objects together
Enjoying noisy environments
Repeating sounds or words

Sensory seeking is not "misbehavior" – it's the nervous system trying to get what it needs. The goal is to provide appropriate outlets for these needs, not to stop them. Learn more about stimming and self-regulation.

Strategies for Supporting Sensory Needs

1. Create Sensory-Friendly Environments

Use dimmer lighting or natural light when possible
Reduce background noise or use white noise
Minimize visual clutter
Create a calm "sensory retreat" space
Consider the sensory impact of cleaning products and air fresheners

2. Provide Sensory Tools

For sound sensitivity: Noise-canceling headphones, earplugs
For visual sensitivity: Sunglasses, hats with brims
For movement needs: Wobble cushions, therapy balls, trampolines
For touch needs: Fidget toys, weighted blankets, compression clothing
For oral needs: Chew jewelry, crunchy/chewy snacks

3. Build in Sensory Breaks

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day
Allow movement breaks between activities
Provide access to calming activities when needed
Teach self-advocacy for asking for breaks

4. Prepare for Challenging Situations

Visit new places during quieter times first
Use visual schedules to prepare for what's coming
Bring sensory tools to outings
Have an exit plan if overwhelm occurs
Practice gradually building tolerance when appropriate

5. Work with Professionals

Occupational therapists specializing in sensory integration
ABA therapists who can incorporate sensory strategies
Speech therapists for oral sensory/feeding issues
Consider a comprehensive sensory evaluation

Sensory Issues and Food

Many autistic children are described as "picky eaters," but food selectivity often stems from sensory processing differences, not defiance. According to Autism Speaks, feeding challenges are extremely common in autism.

Sensory Factors in Eating

Texture: May avoid mushy, slimy, or mixed textures
Temperature: May only eat foods at specific temperatures
Color: May avoid certain colors or prefer "white" foods
Smell: Strong-smelling foods may be overwhelming
Taste: May prefer bland foods or seek intense flavors
Appearance: Foods touching may cause distress

Supportive Strategies for Mealtime

Don't force foods – this increases anxiety around eating
Offer preferred foods alongside new options
Allow food exploration without pressure to eat
Keep meals calm and predictable
Consider working with a feeding therapist if needed

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Issues

What are sensory issues in autism?

Sensory issues in autism refer to atypical responses to sensory input. Autistic individuals may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to stimuli like sounds, lights, textures, tastes, smells, and movement. This is called sensory processing differences or sensory processing disorder.

What is sensory overload?

Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or distress. Common triggers include loud noises, bright lights, crowded spaces, strong smells, or multiple sensory inputs at once. It can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns.

How can I help my child with sensory sensitivities?

Strategies include creating sensory-friendly environments, providing sensory tools (noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets), establishing predictable routines, allowing sensory breaks, working with occupational therapists, and respecting your child's sensory preferences rather than forcing exposure.

What is sensory seeking behavior?

Sensory seeking is when someone actively pursues sensory input to meet their sensory needs. Examples include spinning, jumping, crashing into things, touching textures, making loud sounds, or seeking deep pressure. It often indicates the person is hyposensitive (under-responsive) to certain sensory inputs.

Is sensory processing disorder the same as autism?

No, they are different conditions, though they often co-occur. Sensory processing differences are extremely common in autism (affecting up to 90% of autistic individuals), but SPD can also occur without autism. Not everyone with sensory issues is autistic, and sensory differences are just one aspect of autism.

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