- Intro
- T1
- T2
- T3
- T4
- T5
- End
Topic 3: Sensory
Learning Goal
Understand that sensory differences in persons with autism can shape life’s challenges, behaviour and emotional regulation.
Key Learning Points
- People with autism may experience sensory input more intensely or less intensely than others.
- Sensory differences can affect how a person behaves or responds to their environment.
- Repetitive movements or sounds can help a person regulate their sensory experience.
- Behaviours that seem unusual may be ways of coping with sensory overload or seeking sensory input.
- Responding with understanding and patience helps create a more supportive environment.
For some people with autism, everyday environments can feel like too much. Lights, sounds, movement, and touch may feel much more intense.
This is not a preference. This is also not something they can ignore or “switch off”.
It is how the brain processes sensory information.
Understanding Sensory Differences
People with autism may experience sensory information differently from others. For some, sights, sounds, or touch can feel much more intense and overwhelming. For others, the opposite may happen. Sensations may feel muted or harder to notice.
When this happens, a person may seek stronger input to help their body feel more aware and grounded. This is why some individuals may jump, spin, press against surfaces, or move in ways that seem unusual to others.
These behaviours are not meant to disturb others. They are often ways of helping the body regulate and make sense of the environment.
2. The Sensory Spectrum
Over-Sensitive
Some people experience sensory input very intensely.
Examples:
- fluorescent lights feel painfully bright
- overlapping sounds are hard to filter
- clothing seams or tags feel irritating all day
When this happens, the world can feel overwhelming.
Under-Sensitive
Some people experience too little sensory input. They may have difficulty sensing where their body is in space.
Examples:
- slamming doors without realising their strength
- sitting or standing in unusual positions
- seeking strong movement like jumping or spinning
These behaviours help the body feel more aware and grounded.
Additional Point:
Sometimes, we may witness a meltdown. What might look like “acting out” is often a total loss of control due to being overwhelmed by the environment. The individual isn’t being “fussy”; they cannot ‘just stop it’and it is not a temper tantrum. What they need is a little more understanding and patience from you, for their body and nervous system to return to a state of regulation.
3. The Compass in the Storm
When the sensory world feels confusing or overwhelming, some people with autism use repetitive movements or sounds to help their body calm down and stay focused.
These self-stimulating or what we see as repetitive behaviors can serve different purposes.
A Perspective from someone with autism
What’s the reason you jump?
When I’m jumping it’s as if my feelings are going upward to the sky. Really, my urge to be swallowed up by the sky is enough to make my heart quiver. When I’m jumping, I can feel my body parts really well, too–my bounding legs and my clapping hands–and that makes me feel so, so good.”
― Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump: the Inner Voice of a Boy with Autism
Multiple Choice Quiz
Learners answers Q&A based on real examples to reinforce understanding.
Question 1 of 3
You see someone on the spectrum slam a door or bump into objects. What might be happening?
#1. Question 1
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Some people with autism experience reduced sensory awareness. Strong movements or pressure can help them feel more grounded and aware of their body.
Question 2 of 3
You notice someone rocking or humming repeatedly while sitting in a busy place. What might be the most helpful way to think about this?
#2. Question 2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Repetitive movements or sounds, often called stimming, can help a person regulate their emotions or sensory experience.
Question 3 of 3
You see someone covering their ears in a crowded area. What might be happening?
#3. Question 3
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Some people with autism experience sound much more intensely. Covering their ears may help reduce sensory overload.