Autism is as unique as the individual who has it. Each person with autism has their own set of strengths, challenges, and sensory needs.
Understanding these sensory differences is crucial in providing the best support and care for your loved one. This guide aims to help caregivers understand and address these sensory needs as well as offering a few tips from the We Talk Care community of carers following a similar path with a friend or family member.
Sensory Overload
Imagine being tuned into 40 TV channels at once. This is how sensory overload can feel for someone with autism.
They might experience stress, anxiety, or even physical pain when they are bombarded with too much sensory information. This can lead to withdrawal, distressed behaviour, or meltdowns.
Small changes in the environment can make a big difference.
Sensory Differences
Autistic individuals can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to various sensory inputs like sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, balance, and body awareness. Let's explore some common sensory differences and practical tips to support your loved one.
Hypersensitive vs. Hyposensitive
Autistic individuals may experience the world in ways that are either hypersensitive (over-sensitive) or hyposensitive (under-sensitive). Hypersensitive individuals are more likely to be overwhelmed by sensory input. For example, they might find normal lighting too bright, background noise too loud, or the texture of certain fabrics unbearable. This heightened sensitivity can make everyday environments stressful or even painful.
On the other hand, hyposensitive individuals may seek out sensory input to feel engaged with their environment. They might not notice strong smells, need to touch things to feel them properly, or enjoy loud, crowded places. Understanding whether a person is hypersensitive or hyposensitive can help tailor support strategies effectively.
Sight
Under-Sensitive
Objects may appear dark or lose some features. Central vision might be blurred, but peripheral vision is sharp. Poor depth perception can lead to clumsiness, making tasks like throwing and catching difficult.
Over-Sensitive
Bright lights and objects may appear to jump around, and images might fragment, making it easier to focus on details rather than the whole object. Sensitivity to light can also make it hard to sleep.
To help with visual sensitivities, reduce fluorescent lighting and provide sunglasses to minimise glare. Use blackout curtains to block out light, and create a workstation with high walls or divides to block out visual distractions, helping the individual focus better.
Sound
Under-Sensitive
Some autistic individuals may hear sounds in only one ear or not acknowledge certain sounds. They might enjoy noisy places or engage in activities like banging doors and objects to seek auditory input.
Over-Sensitive
Noise can be magnified and distorted, making it difficult to concentrate due to the inability to filter out background sounds. They may also hear conversations from a distance, adding to the sensory overload.
To support those with auditory sensitivities, use visual supports to complement verbal information. Prepare them for noisy environments by providing ear plugs or music to listen to, and create a quiet space if possible to minimise distractions.
Smell
Under-Sensitive
Some individuals may not notice strong odours, including their own body odour, and might lick objects to understand them better.
Over-Sensitive
Intense and overpowering smells can cause discomfort, leading to issues like toileting problems or disliking people with strong perfumes or shampoos.
Using unscented products and maintaining a fragrance-free environment can help. Establishing a routine for regular washing and hygiene, and using strong-smelling products to distract from inappropriate stimuli, can be beneficial.
Taste
Under-Sensitive
Individuals may prefer very spicy foods and might engage in pica, eating non-edible items like stones or dirt.
Over-Sensitive
Strong flavours can be overwhelming, leading to a restricted diet. Textures of certain foods can also cause discomfort, resulting in a preference for smooth foods like mashed potatoes.
Ensure dietary variety while respecting preferences. Gradually introduce new foods and textures to expand their diet without causing discomfort.
Touch
Under-Sensitive
They may hold others tightly to feel pressure and have a high pain threshold, sometimes leading to self-harm. Enjoying heavy objects like weighted blankets or smearing substances for texture can also be common.
Over-Sensitive
Touch can be uncomfortable for some individuals with autism, affecting relationships and daily activities. Sensitivity to clothing textures and food textures is also common.
Warn them before touching and always approach from the front. Allow them to choose comfortable clothing and gradually introduce new textures to reduce discomfort.
Balance (Vestibular)
Under-Sensitive
A need to rock, swing, or spin to gain sensory input is common, and encouraging such activities can help.
Over-Sensitive
They may struggle with activities requiring movement control, like sports, and are prone to car sickness.
Encourage vestibular activities like using swings or rocking horses, and break down tasks into manageable steps with visual cues to help them cope better.
Body Awareness (Proprioception)
Under-Sensitive
Standing too close to others, bumping into objects, and struggling to navigate spaces are common issues.
Over-Sensitive
Challenges with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes, and moving the whole body to look at objects can occur.
Use weighted blankets for deep pressure and position furniture to ease navigation. Visual boundaries and the 'arm's-length rule' can help them judge personal space better.
Every autistic individual is unique, and so are their sensory needs. By understanding and accommodating these differences, caregivers can create a more comfortable and supportive environment.
Small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for both the individual and their family.
