Sensory Differences as a Sign of Autism in Children

Noticing sensory over-responsiveness (over-reacting to stimuli) and under-responsiveness (under-reacting to stimuli) in your child is important because they can be significant signs of autism. These responses can involve any of the senses: touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, vestibular (sense of body’s balance and movement through space), and proprioception (awareness of movements of different parts of the body, as well as the body’s position relative to its surroundings). Recognizing and understanding these sensory challenges helps families and caregivers support their children effectively.

 

Understanding Sensory Response Styles

Understanding how children respond to sensory stimuli is crucial for parents of autistic children. Sensory response styles can vary widely. For instance, children may experience sensory over-responsiveness, where they react strongly to stimuli, and sensory under-responsiveness, where they may not notice stimuli as much. For example:

Sensory Over-Responsiveness:
Children react strongly to sensory stimuli. For example, they might become distressed by certain clothing textures or cover their ears in response to loud noises.

Sensory Under-Responsiveness:
Children might not notice sensory stimuli as much as others. They might not react to a soiled diaper or may seek out intense sensory experiences, such as watching water spin in the toilet, chewing on items, or crashing into objects.

 

7 Examples of Sensory Responsiveness

Here are seven specific examples across different types of sensory input, including responses to auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, vestibular, and proprioceptive input:

1. Responses to Auditory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Covering ears or becoming upset in noisy environments like classrooms or playgrounds.
Under-Responsiveness: Frequently seeking out sounds by pushing buttons on toys or appliances.
 

2. Responses to Visual Input

Over-Responsiveness: Squinting or becoming dysregulated in environments with fluorescent lighting.
Under-Responsiveness: Peering at items from different angles or watching objects spin.
 

3. Responses to Tactile Input

Over-Responsiveness: Refusing to wear certain fabrics or becoming upset when touched unexpectedly. Distressed by tasks that involve touch (e.g., brushing teeth, washing hair) or changes in temperature.
Under-Responsiveness: Not noticing touches or pain.
Enjoys touching a variety of textures or surfaces (e.g., baby powder, hair, liquid soap).
 

4. Responses to Gustatory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Rejecting certain foods based on texture or taste, which may result in difficulties trying new foods and having a limited diet.
Under-Responsiveness: Mouthing non-food items or enjoying foods with strong flavors.
 

5. Responses to Olfactory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Overwhelmed or distressed by powerful smells or everyday scents (e.g., perfumes, candles).
Under-Responsiveness: Enjoying a variety of smells or not noticing smells that others find offensive.
 

6. Responses to Vestibular Input

Over-responsiveness: Becoming distressed or ill in response to activities that involve body movement or balance (e.g., carsickness). Problems with activities that require body control or balance (e.g., sports).
Under-Responsiveness: Seeks out movement by swinging, spinning, or rocking.
 

7. Responses to Proprioceptive Input

Over-Responsiveness: Fear of colliding with objects or people and more passive behavior Problems applying appropriate pressure to complete fine motor tasks.
Under-Responsiveness: Not noticing when leaning or bumping against another person, frequently seeking out pressure through rough play.

 

Impact of Sensory Response Patterns

Sensory response patterns can significantly impact various aspects of a child's life. These patterns can lead to participation difficulties in everyday activities, affect emotional regulation, and influence behavioral responses. For example, sensory challenges might make it hard for a child to engage in social situations, regulate their emotions, or communicate their needs effectively.

Here are some specific ways these sensory response patterns can manifest.

• Participation Difficulties: Sensory challenges can make it hard for children to participate in everyday activities. A child distressed by loud noises might struggle in a noisy cafeteria, missing out on social opportunities. Sensory issues can also limit family outings and prevent children from enjoying places they might like.
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• Emotional Regulation: Children with sensory sensitivities may struggle to regulate their emotions. For instance, they might become irritable or anxious when overwhelmed by sensory input.
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• Behavioral Responses: Children might display behaviors like withdrawal or agitation when avoiding sensory stimuli or impulsive behaviors when seeking out sensory input. Examples include running to escape a crowded setting or wandering off to watch moving water.
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• Communication Challenges: Sensory overload can make it hard for children to express their needs or discomfort. They might become non-verbal or use repetitive phrases (echolalia) in response to sensory stress.

 

Strategies for Managing Sensory Sensitivities

Managing sensory sensitivities in children with autism involves implementing effective strategies to create supportive environments and promote well-being.

Here are 5 key approaches that can help parents and caregivers:

1. Communicate Acceptance and Compassion: Everybody is different, and everybody’s sensory system will be different, too. Children may engage in unusual sensory behaviors to feel more comfortable in their bodies and environments and process sensory information. Try to understand this and help your child meet their sensory needs in ways that do not interfere with their participation in age-appropriate activities.

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Modify environments to reduce sensory triggers and provide calming spaces. For example, use soft lighting and offer quiet areas for breaks.

3. Offer Sensory Tools and Supports: Provide tools to help regulate sensory input. Noise-canceling headphones can manage auditory sensitivities, and wiggle seats can help provide proprioceptive input.

4. Establish Predictable Routines: Predictable routines provide a sense of security and control. Visual schedules can outline daily activities and transitions, helping children feel more comfortable. When possible, talk to your child about the environments they will be entering. You may be able to find solutions to uncomfortable sensory experiences prior to entering the situation.

5. Seek Professional Guidance: Collaborate with occupational therapists or sensory integration specialists to develop personalized strategies. A therapist can help create a sensory diet—a set of sensory experiences tailored to a child's needs.

Recognizing and understanding sensory challenges is vital in supporting autistic children. By being patient, empathetic, and using tailored interventions, families can help their children navigate sensory differences. Remember, even small adjustments can make a big difference in a child's comfort and happiness.

 

AZA United's Family Support Team provides support and guidance for families facing any number of challenges as they navigate the Autism journey. This service is available at no charge to all members of the autism and developmental disability community. You may make a phone appointment that works with your schedule by visiting azaunited.org/supportcall

 

 

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