Autism and Sensory Sensitivities: Understanding the Connection
Autism, officially known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by differences in social interactions, communication, and behavior. One of the most prominent features of autism is the experience of sensory activities. These sensitivities have range, and they can affect how individuals with autism perceive and respond to their environment.
What Are Sensory Sensitivities?
Sensory sensitivities refer to how a person processes and reacts to certain sensors, including sounds, smells, textures, sights, or any other environmental stimuli. The way an individual processes these sensors is atypical, meaning they may be overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under sensitive (hyposensitive).
Hypersensitivity: This means an individual can be extremely sensitive to stimuli. Everyday sounds like a vacuum cleaner, bright, florescent lighting, and textures of their clothes may feel overwhelming, or even painful. A person with hypersensitivity may cover their ears, avoid touching things, or become emotionally distressed in situations that are too stimulating.
Hyposensitivity: Some individuals with autism may desire more intense sensory input because they are not as sensitive to stimuli. This may look like excessive touching, listening to loud music, or doing repetitive behaviors such as jumping, rocking, or body tapping.
The Connection Between Autism and Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are one of the main features of autism. In fact, they are included in the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The exact reason sensory sensitivities are so common is still being studied. However, there are several theories that exist:
Neurological Differences: The brains of individuals with autism may process sensory information differently. Brain imaging has shown that people with autism have atypical responses to sensory stimuli. This means that sensory processing areas of the brain may either be overactive or inactive, which explains the sensitivities.
Brain Processing Challenges: Another hypothesis is that people with autism may have a hard time taking in sensory information from multiple places. For example, they may struggle to process a combination of sights, sounds, and touches in a busy environment, which leads to sensory overload.
Emotional Responses: Sensory sensitivities play a role in emotional regulation. A person who is hypersensitive to sound may become anxious or irritable in loud environments. This is not because of the sound itself, but because their brain is interpreting the noise as overwhelming or threatening. Similarly, hyposensitive individuals may engage in high sensory-seeking behaviors to regulate their emotions and feel more secure.
The Impact of Sensory Sensitivities
For individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities significantly impact daily life. Activities that many people find normal, such as grocery shopping, going to school, or attending social gatherings, can feel incredibly overwhelming. Sensory overload leads to meltdowns, which are intense emotional or physical reactions to certain situations. These reactions are the body's way of coping with too much sensory input.
Additionally, sensory sensitivities can affect an individual's ability to engage in social interactions. Children may avoid touching or playing with others due to sensory overload, but the behavior may be seen as a disinterest in making friends. This can lead to issues of social isolation and loneliness.
Supporting Individuals with Sensory Sensitivities
Creating a supportive environment for individuals with autism involves understanding their needs and making appropriate accommodations.
Sensory-Friendly Environments: Reduce the amount of unnecessary sensors by limiting loud notices, bright lights, or obnoxious smells. Include rooms or spaces for the individual to go if they feel overwhelmed.
Sensory Tools: Items like noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys can help individuals regulate themselves. These tools can provide comfort and control.
Communication: Talk with individuals to fully understand their preferences and needs. Get to know their triggers so that way you can try to limit them as much as you can.
Sensory Integration Counseling: For some individuals, working with an autism counselor can help with developing coping strategies for managing their sensory sensitivities. Schedule a consultation today!
