Many people with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a sensory information processing disorder. This means that they perceive information from the senses differently than most other people. In some, this manifests itself in hypersensitivity: sensory experiences are too distracting for them, perceived as painful, and cause overwhelm.
Sensory hypersensitivity can extend to one sensory organ or to different senses at the same time. For example, one person may be overly sensitive to touch, while another may be overly sensitive to touch, sound, and smell.
Sensory hypersensitivity: examples of behaviors
Tactile hypersensitivity
- Strong aversion to certain fabrics, tight-fitting clothing, labels on clothing;
- frequently removes shoes and socks;
- can’t stand it when other people accidentally touch him or stand very close to him;
- fear of getting his hands dirty;
- refusal to brush teeth;
- preference for food of only a certain temperature or texture.
Visual sensitivity
- Squinting, closing eyes, or complaining in response to standard indoor lighting;
- a desire to wear sunglasses indoors;
- preference for cool colors (green, blue) or aversion to bright warm colors (red, yellow);
- complex visual design can cause confusion and stupor.
Auditory hypersensitivity
- Strong aversion to the sound of a toilet flushing;
- covers ears with fingers or palms in response to noises and sounds that seem normal to others;
- fear of vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, or other appliances that make loud noises;
- perceiving car horns and other loud street sounds as painful and frightening;
- prolonged loud noises, such as a fire siren, can cause a nervous breakdown;
- prefers headphones with favorite music over environmental sounds.
Taste sensitivity
- Very limited diet, aversion to new foods;
- prefers “simple” food without a distinct flavor;
- cannot tolerate the taste of toothpaste.
Olfactory hepersensitivity
- Aversion to the odor of perfume, deodorant, food;
- notices odors in the environment that others do not notice;
- gagging in response to certain odors.
Vestibular and proprioceptive sensitivity
- Fear of exercise, participation in sports games;
- avoidance of activities in which the feet are not on the ground;
- aversion to swings, swinging toys, or long car rides;
- there may be a delay in the development of motor skills.
Interoception
- Frequent complaints of pain and malaise;
- overreactions to minor injuries (e.g., a small scratch or bruised toe);
- hypersensitivity to temperature changes;
- has poor tolerance for body sensations during exercise and vigorous play.
Emotional consequences of sensory hypersensitivity
When even the smallest sensory stimuli are noticed, it can cause a person to perceive the world as too stressful and chaotic due to hypersensitivity. As a result, he or she may have difficulty concentrating, shifting attention, and may become hyperactive.
Very often, people with sensory hypersensitivity are characterized by violent emotional reactions. When they encounter certain sensory stimuli, they may have automatic “run, fight, or freeze” stress reactions. As a result, people have emotional outbursts in response to seemingly “small things.” These emotional reactions can lead to a variety of behaviors. For example, such people may:
- be irritable, constantly “on edge” due to excessive sensory load;
- often protest and refuse to do tasks because many activities are sensory overloading and they are used to avoiding them;
- try to run away from the room or other place where they encountered an unpleasant sensory experience;
- resist change and demand certain rituals as this allows them to feel in control of the chaotic outside world.
Sensory overload can deplete the nervous system, which can cause these individuals to have nervous breakdowns or “blackouts”. Both of these reactions are attempts to protect themselves from extreme discomfort and overload.
How to support a child with sensory hypersensitivity
Step 1: CONSENT
Recognize that a child’s sensitivities are not their choice. These traits may upset us, but for the child they are a source of real suffering. Support him to make it easier for him to cope.
Step 2: SEARCH
Observe your child’s reactions to see what triggers sensory overload. Record his reactions to specific triggers to better help.
Step 3: MONITOR
Keep track of what triggers cause your child stress, pain, or irritation. This will help you understand his behavior and deal with problems more effectively.
Step 4: FIND A SOLUTION
After gathering information, find ways to alleviate your child’s sensory distress – headphones, sunglasses, weighted vests, etc.
Step 5: TEACH
Explain to your child the solutions you offer using social stories. Teach him/her to understand triggers and cope with overwhelm through self-regulation.
Conclusion
Sensory hypersensitivity in children with autism is a real problem that can make everyday life much more difficult. Understanding these characteristics and accepting them as part of the child’s individuality plays a key role in supporting and helping them. Empathy, observation and gradually finding solutions help to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Teaching the child to self-regulate and understand their triggers promotes adaptation and development. With support from parents and professionals, children with sensory hypersensitivity can learn to cope effectively with overwhelm and live a fulfilling life.
