Understanding the Role of the Senses in Autism
Many autistic individuals experience the world in a heightened or muted way due to differences in sensory processing. These sensitivities can affect daily life in subtle but significant ways—shaping comfort, energy levels, social experiences, and even learning.
At Equally Different Therapy, we see sensory differences as one of the key indicators we explore during a comprehensive autism assessment.
What Are Sensory Sensitivities?
Sensory sensitivities refer to how a person processes input from their environment through:
These senses may be either hypersensitive (over-reactive) or hyposensitive (under-reactive). For example:
- A hypersensitive child may find the hum of fluorescent lights overwhelming.
- A hyposensitive teen might constantly seek deep pressure, like tight hugs or jumping.
How It Shows Up in Daily Life
Here are a few real-life scenarios where sensory sensitivities might be impacting someone:
| Sensory Area | Common Signs | Everyday Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory | Distress from loud or unpredictable noises | Meltdowns in busy shops, covering ears at school assemblies |
| Visual | Difficulty with bright lights, fast motion | Avoiding eye contact, struggling in fluorescent-lit classrooms |
| Tactile | Strong dislike of certain fabrics or textures | Refusing to wear socks, avoiding messy play or hugs |
| Proprioceptive | Poor body awareness or coordination | Bumping into things, difficulty judging force when writing |
| Vestibular | Movement discomfort or thrill-seeking | Gets carsick easily or seeks spinning/rocking repeatedly |
These experiences can influence a person’s ability to focus, engage socially, or feel safe—all vital areas considered during an autism assessment.
Why It Matters in Autism Assessment
Understanding sensory processing is more than noting preferences—it helps paint a full picture of how an individual interacts with the world. Our gold-standard autism assessments include a detailed sensory profile to ensure we can:
- Identify patterns of regulation or overload
- Connect sensory needs with behaviour
- Recommend realistic, individualised support strategies
Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or trying to support someone who is already identified as autistic, paying attention to sensory needs can be transformative.
Support Strategies That Make a Difference
While everyone’s needs are different, here are some simple strategies that often help:
We also offer sensory assessments and follow-up guidance as part of our support services.
How We Can Help
If you or your child experience daily challenges that might be linked to sensory differences, we’re here to help. Our team specialises in autism assessments for children, teens, and adults, providing holistic insights and individualised advice.
