Introduction
Autistic folks experience sensory processing differences, sometimes leading to overwhelming situations and meltdowns. This article delves into the connection between Autism and sensory perception, offering insights on managing sensory challenges.
Evolution of Understanding Sensory Differences
The exploration of sensory aspects in Autism has evolved significantly over time, with a shift towards recognising the importance of sensory experiences in understanding and supporting Autistic folks. Initially, sensory differences were overlooked, with cognitive theories dominating the field. However, in the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in the role of sensory experiences in Autism.
Over the years, research has increasingly highlighted the prevalence and impact of sensory differences in Autistic folks, leading to the development of various explanatory models to explain sensory processing differences in Autism. These models have contributed to a deeper understanding of how sensory differences manifest in Autism and their implications for individuals' daily lives.
Sensory differences play a significant role in the diagnosis and understanding of Autism. Research indicates that sensory differences are prevalent in Autistic folks, with estimates ranging from 45% to 95% in children aged 3 to 6 years (Sibeoni et al., 2022). These sensory differences are non-specific and can be observed in various situations, affecting all senses. Furthermore, sensory experiences are now recognised as core features of Autism, with early researchers like Kanner and Ornitz highlighting the importance of sensory aspects in Autism diagnosis.
Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is the way that our brains receive, organise, and respond to information from our senses. For most people, this process happens automatically and without much effort. However, for Autistic folks, this process may be disrupted or altered in some way. As a result, they may experience sensory input differently from non-Autistic folks. This can manifest in different ways, such as hypersensitivity/over-responsivity (overwhelm) and hyposensitivity/under-responsivity (underwhelm) to stimuli across various sensory domains: sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, interoception (internal sensations), proprioception (body position), and the vestibular system (balance and spatial orientation). It's important to understand that each Autistic person has their own unique sensory profile with various hyper and/or hypo sensitivities across all the sensory domains.
Biological Factors and Sex Differences
A large scale network of the human brain called the salience network appears to be involved in sensory processing differences in Autistic folks. The salience network plays a crucial role in determining which internal and external stimuli require attention. It helps individuals prioritise and focus on the most relevant information in their environment. The salience network is involved in detecting and filtering important sensory, emotional, and cognitive stimuli, directing attention towards them while suppressing irrelevant or distracting information. Differences in resting-state functional connectivity in the salience network have been observed in Autistic folks, which may contribute to difficulties in processing and responding to sensory stimuli, such as sensory over-responsivity (Cummings et al., 2020).
Autistic males and females show differences in the relationship between sensory over-responsivity and resting-state functional connectivity in the salience network. Autistic males exhibit a stronger association between sensory over-responsivity and between the salience and primary sensory networks, suggesting increased allocation to sensory information (Cummings et al., 2020). On the other hand, for Autistic females, sensory over-responsivity is more strongly related to increased connectivity between the salience network and prefrontal cortex (Cummings et al., 2020). These findings suggest that the underlying mechanisms of sensory over-responsivity in Autism are sex-specific.
Autistic Experiences of Sensory Differences
Autistic individuals describe their sensory experiences as a complex and holistic interaction between themselves and their environment (Sibeoni et al., 2022). Autistic folks experience sensory dimensions globally, combining physical, emotional, relational, and social aspects without a strict cause-effect association. This holistic experience contrasts with traditional analytical approaches that often separate sensory dimensions or view them in a cause-effect relationship.
In their own words, Autistic folks express a range of sensory experiences, including pain, physical discomfort, emotional responses like fear and joy, challenges in daily interactions, and desires for social connections (Sibeoni et al., 2022). These descriptions emphasise the interconnected nature of sensory experiences, where internal sensations and external stimuli merge seamlessly, shaping their overall perception of the world. Autistic folks often articulate their sensory experiences as inseparable from their environment, reflecting a dynamic interaction between their sensory processing and the world around them.
Qualitative research has been conducted to understand the individual experiences of sensory processing differences in Autistic children and adults (Kirby et al., 2015 MacLennan et al., 2022; Robertson & Simmons, 2015; Talcer et al., 2023). The main findings of the studies on sensory experiences in Autistic folks include:
Sensory Reactivity Differences: Autistic folks experience varying patterns of sensory reactivity differences, including sensory hyper-reactivity, hypo-reactivity, and sensory seeking across different sensory domains such as visual, auditory, and tactile.
Short-term Outcomes: Sensory reactivity differences can lead to physical responses and overwhelm in Autistic folks, causing them to become disengaged with their circumstances or themselves. Sensory overload may result from hyperfocusing differences, contributing to burnout characterised by chronic exhaustion and heightened sensitivity to environmental
stimuli.
Physical responses to stimuli: Autistic folks have physical reactions in response to sensory stimuli. These responses can range from discomfort, such as pain, headaches, or nausea, to enjoyment or comfort. Recognising and understanding these physical reactions is essential in providing appropriate support and accommodations for Autistic folks.
Sensory Seeking Behaviors: Autistic folks engage in sensory seeking behaviours such as looking at bright colours, listening to specific music repeatedly, seeking pressure or certain textures, and seeking out pleasant food tastes and odours. These sensory seeking behaviours play a role in how Autistic folks interact with their sensory environment.
The importance of having control over sensory stimuli: Autistic folks value having control over their sensory experiences. They find it less distressing when they can manage or regulate the sensory stimuli around them. Control over the environment can help reduce discomfort and improve their wellbeing.
Bidirectional relationship between sensory stimuli and emotional/mental states: There is a complex and bidirectional relationship between emotions, mental states, and sensory experiences in Autistic folks. Discomfort from sensory stimuli can exacerbate negative emotions, leading to a cycle of heightened sensory reactivity and emotional distress. Conversely, managing emotions and mental states can help modulate sensory responses and improve overall wellbeing.
Long-term Outcomes: Sensory reactivity differences are associated with mental and physical health outcomes in Autistic adults. While sensory hyper-reactivity and hypo-reactivity may be risk factors for mental health challenges like anxiety and eating issues, sensory seeking behaviours may also be linked to self-harm and eating issues. These findings highlight the importance of addressing sensory reactivity differences for overall wellbeing.
These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex sensory experiences of Autistic folks, emphasising the need for tailored support and interventions to address their unique sensory reactivity profiles.
Hypersensitivity/Overstimulation
Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the senses are overstimulated. This can cause an overwhelming experience that may lead to distress, panic or physical discomfort. While triggers for sensory overload can vary from person to person, there are some common situations where Autistic folks might experience this overwhelming feeling.
Some examples include:
Loud Noises: Many Autistic folks are sensitive to loud or sudden noises. This can include everyday sounds, such as a dog barking, a door slamming or even someone sneezing.
Bright Lights: Bright lights can be overwhelming, especially fluorescent lighting which can appear flickering or pulsating.
Strong Smells: Some Autistic folks may have a heightened sense of smell, making strong odours overwhelming and unpleasant.
Crowded Places: Busy or crowded places can be overwhelming as they are filled with different sights, sounds and smells that can be difficult to process.
Tactile Sensations: Autistic folks may have sensory sensitivities when it comes to touch. This can make certain textures, fabrics or physical contact uncomfortable and overwhelming.
Sensory Overload at Home
For many Autistic folks, sensory overload can occur within the comfort of their own homes.
Common triggers may include:
Noise from Household Appliances: Everyday household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines or blenders can be overwhelming.
Electronic Devices: Screens and electronic devices emitting bright lights and sounds can be overstimulating.
Cooking Smells: Strong smells from cooking can be overwhelming, especially when combined with other sensory inputs, such as loud noises or bright lights in the kitchen.
Sensory Overload in Workplace and Educational Settings
In addition to home, sensory overload can also occur in work or school environments for Autistic folks.
Some common triggers may include:
Open Office Spaces: Open office spaces can be overwhelming due to constant noise and visual distractions.
Classroom Activities: Group activities or presentations in a classroom setting may involve too much sensory input for Autistic folks to process, leading to overwhelm.
Hyposensitivity/Understimulation
Sensory understimulation refers to the lack of stimulation or input from the environment through our senses. In particular, Autistic folks with co-occurring ADHD often have trouble focusing on tasks that do not provide enough external stimuli. This is because the lack of sensory input can lead to restlessness and boredom. They may seek out movement or stim to compensate for this under stimulation. Stimming is self-regulatory behaviour that helps to manage sensory input. It is essential to understand that sensory understimulation is not the same as being bored. Boredom refers to a state of mind, while sensory understimulation is a physical experience. Sensory understimulation is an essential aspect that can affect an individual's ability to focus and function in daily life. By understanding this aspect and implementing appropriate strategies, Autistic folks can learn to manage their sensory needs and improve their overall wellbeing.
Stimming
Sensory sensitivities and stimming behaviours are more prevalent in Autistic adults compared to non-Autistic adults (Charlton et al., 2021; Cummings et al., 2020). While sensory sensitivities and the benefits of stimming are milder for non-Autistic folks, some non-Autistic folks experience severe negative effects similar to those in Autistic folks (Charlton et al., 2021). This suggests that there may be a spectrum of sensory sensitivities and stimming behaviours present in both Autistic and non-Autistic populations.
Autistic individuals have reported several benefits of stimming (Charlton et al., 2021):
Self-regulation: Stimming is seen as a self-regulatory mechanism used when faced with sensory overload, overwhelming environments, thoughts, or emotions. It helps individuals to calm themselves, organise their thoughts, and deal with excess energy or anxiety.
Positive emotions: Stimming may also be related to positive emotions such as excitement or pleasure. While stims related to negative emotions are more commonly described, stimming can also be a source of joy and satisfaction for Autistic folks.
Social stigma: Autistic adults describe stimming as being viewed negatively by others and not socially acceptable. Despite social stigma, understanding and acceptance of stimming have been reported as positive, liberating, and reducing anxiety about stimming.
Desire for acceptance: Autistic folks express a desire to behave as they want, stim without judgment, and be accepted for who they are. Acceptance of stimming is seen as crucial for reducing anxiety and promoting wellbeing.
Overall, stimming is recognised by Autistic folks as a valuable tool for self-regulation, coping with sensory overload, managing emotions, and finding comfort and relief in challenging situations. Understanding and accepting stimming is essential for promoting the mental wellbeing and autonomy of Autistic folks.
Sensory Support & Accommodations
Society can better support and accommodate Autistic folks with sensory differences and individuals who engage in stimming by promoting understanding, acceptance, and creating inclusive environments (Charlton et al., 2021; MacLennan et al., 2022). Here are some ways to achieve this:
Education and Awareness: Increase awareness and understanding of the general public, including educators, employers, healthcare professionals, and the community at large. Providing education about the purpose and benefits of stimming can help reduce stigma and misconceptions. Training programs can help individuals understand how sensory reactivity differences impact daily functioning and how to provide appropriate support and accommodations.
Promoting Acceptance and Reducing Stigma: Encouraging acceptance of stimming as a natural and beneficial behaviour for Autistic folks. Emphasising the importance of respecting individual differences and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion. Promoting positive portrayals of Autism in media and advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals who stim.
Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments: Designing sensory-friendly spaces in schools, workplaces, public areas, and homes to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. This can include providing quiet areas, sensory tools, and allowing for breaks to help individuals regulate their sensory experiences. This may involve adjusting lighting, sound levels, textures, and smells in various settings to reduce sensory overload and promote comfort.
Supporting Self-Advocacy: Empowering individuals who stim to self-advocate for their sensory needs and preferences. Encouraging open communication and dialogue about stimming to ensure that individuals feel comfortable expressing their needs and preferences.
By implementing these strategies, society can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals who engage in stimming, promoting their well-being, autonomy, and sense of belonging.
Sensory Strategies & Self Soothing
Understanding Autistic folks sensory reactivity profiles aids in developing personalised interventions for their specific needs. Support services can address sensory hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and sensory seeking behaviours for better wellbeing. A holistic approach considering sensory needs and overall wellbeing and integrating sensory support into support plans enhances quality of life and independence.
Given the associations between sensory reactivity differences and mental health challenges such as anxiety and eating issues, support services should prioritise mental health interventions for Autistic adults (MacLennan et al., 2022). Providing coping strategies and therapeutic interventions that address sensory triggers can help in managing mental health challenges.
Coping Strategies for Sensory Overload
While it may not always be possible to avoid triggers of sensory overload, there are some strategies that can help manage these overwhelming situations such as:
Self-Awareness: Being aware of one's own sensory sensitivities and triggers can help individuals prepare for potential overwhelming situations.
Sensory Breaks: Taking regular sensory breaks can help Autistic folks regulate their senses and prevent overload.
Escape Plan: Having a designated safe space or escape plan can provide a sense of security for Autistic folks when experiencing sensory overload.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: Wearing noise-cancelling headphones in loud or busy environments can help reduce overwhelming auditory inputs.
Coping Strategies for Sensory Understimulation
There are various strategies that can help Autistic folks cope with sensory understimulation:
Create a sensory-friendly environment: Set up spaces with a variety of stimulating activities and sensory tools. This can help Autistic folks to stay engaged and focused on tasks.
Incorporate sensory and movement breaks into daily routines: These can include short periods of physical activity or engaging in a preferred sensory activity, such as listening to music or playing with textured objects.
Conclusion
By promoting understanding, acceptance, and creating inclusive environments, society can better support and accommodate Autistic individuals with sensory differences. Additionally, providing sensory support and accommodations, promoting self-advocacy, and incorporating coping strategies for sensory overload and understimulation can enhance the wellbeing and autonomy of Autistic individuals. It is crucial to recognise the individual differences and needs of Autistic folks and provide personalised support to promote their overall quality of life.
References
Charlton, R. A., Entecott, T., Belova, E., & Nwaordu, G. (2021). “It feels like holding back something you need to say”: Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults accounts of sensory experiences and stimming. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 89, 101864-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101864
Cummings, K. K., Lawrence, K. E., Hernandez, L. M., Wood, E. T., Bookheimer, S. Y., Dapretto, M., & Green, S. A. (2020). Sex Differences in Salience Network Connectivity and its Relationship to Sensory Over‐Responsivity in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Research, 13(9), 1489–1500. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2351
Kirby, A. V., Dickie, V. A., & Baranek, G. T. (2015). Sensory experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder: In their own words. Autism : The International Journal of Research and Practice, 19(3), 316–326. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361314520756
MacLennan, K., O’Brien, S., & Tavassoli, T. (2022). In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(7), 3061–3075. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05186-3
Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2015). The Sensory Experiences of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis. Perception (London), 44(5), 569–586. https://doi.org/10.1068/p7833
Sibeoni, J., Massoutier, L., Valette, M., Manolios, E., Verneuil, L., Speranza, M., & Revah-Levy, A. (2022). The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis. Autism, 26(5), 1032–1045. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221081188
Talcer, M. C., Duffy, O., & Pedlow, K. (2023). A Qualitative Exploration into the Sensory Experiences of Autistic Mothers. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 834–849. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05188-1
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