Understanding sensory sensitivities

Autistic people process the world around them in a different way, particularly when it comes to sensory information.

Some people may be overly sensitive, perhaps to loud noises or bright lights, while others may be under-sensitive and will engage in sensory-seeking behaviour, such as listening to loud music on repeat. Children with autism require support from their families and educators to navigate their sensory sensitivities safely so they can participate in their learning and other activities.

Understanding sensory sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities, or sensory processing issues, refer to how some individuals perceive sensory input differently from others. Autistic people are typically over-sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive) to sensory information.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitive individuals may find that certain sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, background noise or scratchy clothing very overwhelming. This overstimulation can lead to discomfort or pain, causing the individual to avoid certain stimuli. They might cover their ears to block out sound, squint or retreat from bright lights, or remove clothes made from certain materials.

Hyposensitivity

Hyposensitivity is where an individual is under-responsive to sensory information. This might mean they seek out intense sensory experiences, such as putting their ear next to a speaker playing music or staring directly at bright lights. They might also enjoy jumping or bumping against objects. Some people who are hyposensitive may enjoy extreme heat or cold or have a high pain threshold, which can create safety issues (e.g., wanting to touch a hot stove). 

Sensory sensitivities impact autistic children's safety, learning experiences and interactions with places and other people. Changes to an autistic person’s environment or emotional state can influence how severe these sensitivities are; when an autistic person is anxious or overwhelmed, they usually have heightened sensitivity to their environment. It’s also uncommon for autistic children to ‘grow out of’ their sensory sensitivities; rather, they and their families become better at navigating them as they age. 

Here is how the different senses might be impacted by sensory sensitivities: 

The overlooked senses

Vestibular

The vestibular system helps control balance and spatial orientation. Children with autism might have a hypo-reactive vestibular sense, allowing them to spin or swing for many minutes without dizziness. They might also be hyper-reactive, making them prone to motion sickness even in short car rides. 

Proprioceptive

Proprioception involves being able to sense the position of your body parts. Children who struggle with proprioceptive processing might have difficulty with fine motor skills or experience a constant need to exert pressure on their joints and muscles, often through jumping, bumping, or crashing into objects.

Impacts of sensory sensitivities

Sensory processing typically occurs without us thinking about it; our sensory systems process and adapt to our environment without conscious effort. However, for people with autism, sensory processing can be challenging or require significant effort and attention to stay regulated. Certain sensory information can impact how an autistic person processes information, responds to requests, participates in social and physical activities, and maintains calm.

Understanding the impact of sensory sensitivities on an autistic child’s behaviour is crucial. Behaviours that might appear disruptive or inappropriate, such as meltdowns in public spaces or refusal to participate in seemingly simple activities, are often direct responses to sensory overload. These reactions might seem irrational from the outside looking in, but they are often the child’s attempt to manage or escape from overwhelming sensory input. 

If appropriate accommodations aren’t made to help autistic children navigate sensory sensitivities, particularly in school settings, they will struggle to learn, socialise, and participate in the classroom or playground. This can lead to learning gaps, social isolation, and behavioural issues, which, without proper awareness among school staff, can be misinterpreted as ‘bad behaviour.’ 

Safety is a particular concern for children who may be under-sensitive to sensory information. For example, a child might touch a hot surface and burn themselves if they crave warmth and have a low pain threshold.

Support for sensory sensitivities

Supporting a child with sensory sensitivities begins with understanding and recognising the unique ways they experience their environment. Parents, educators, and others who support the child can use various strategies to accommodate sensory needs:

Environment

Adapting an environment to reflect a child’s sensory needs at home, school or elsewhere is an important first step. This might include dimming the lights, creating designated quiet spaces, or creating opportunities for sensory play that allow the child to engage with sensory stimuli safely.

Educators and school staff must have an awareness of potential sensory issues a child may experience at school to modify the environment accordingly. Simple adjustments, such as encouraging the use of noise-cancelling headphones or using unscented whiteboard markers, can make an enormous difference. 

Seating arrangements and social interactions also need to be considered carefully. Seating students with autism in quieter areas of the classroom or with quieter students can help them remain engaged in their learning without separating them from their peers.

Routines

Creating activities specifically designed to provide the sensory experiences that an autistic child craves can help them manage their sensitivities. This could involve scheduled time for pressure exercises, tactile play, or listening to specific types of music. These activities should be approached consistently at school and home. 

Peers and siblings

Educating other children who interact with the child about sensory sensitivities in an age-appropriate way can encourage understanding and empathy, reduce stigma, and create a more supportive social environment (e.g., encouraging children to use ‘inside voices’ in the classroom can reduce noise levels). 

Professional support

Occupational therapists play an important role in helping families and educators support autistic children with sensory sensitivities. They can offer evidence-based interventions, sensory processing techniques and guide families and educators with creating environments that reduce sensory overload and behaviours of concern.