Understanding Sensory Processing in the World of Individuals with Autism
Understanding sensory processing in autism is crucial for providing effective support. Individuals with autism may experience heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli, leading to challenges in daily life. Autism coping strategies include creating a nurturing sensory world in autism through sensory tools, and fostering clear communication. Discover practical tips to enhance the well-being of those with autism and create a supportive environment tailored to their unique needs.
Understanding and Nurturing the Sensory World of Individuals with Autism
People with Autism process light, sound and texture differently to those who are neurotypical. Typical sensory issues in autistic individuals might include sensitivity to certain environments or experiences, which can cause them to feel overwhelmed and distressed. Understanding and accommodating sensory processing in autism can greatly affect their quality of life.
When sensory overload in autism occurs due to overwhelm, a person might experience a ‘meltdown’ and struggle to regulate their behaviour, causing them to lose focus and concentration or continue to engage in an activity.
Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism
There are five main senses, and they can each cause sensory overload in autism in the following ways:
- Smell: have a very weak sense of smell or find certain smells overwhelming
- Touch: struggles with certain types of clothing or not want to have anything on their feet
- Taste: find certain food types or textures unpleasant
- Sight: objects might appear fragmented, blurred or distorted
- Hearing: crowded spaces might be a challenge, and background noise might make concentration difficult
Effective Sensory Coping Methods
All of the sensory processing in autism challenges we’ve listed above will have a big impact on an Autistic person’s well-being and their friends, family and colleagues.
Awareness of the different sensory issues in autistic individuals is always the first step. There are lots of practical autism coping strategies that will help somebody manage their sensory processing in autism:
- Changes to the environment, such as less bright lighting or workstations that block out visual distractions.
- Earplugs to help reduce noise, especially in workplaces, classrooms and crowded areas.
- Reducing strong smells such as fragrances, detergents and shampoos.
- Adapting food choices so that the food is bland (while maintaining the correct nutritional values).
- Asking if they are comfortable shaking hands or having a hugMaking sure they are able to wear comfortable clothing, which may mean adaptations to school uniforms or workwear.
Autism Support For Sensory Issues
There are many ways that employers, schools, and families can adapt a person’s environment to provide a nurturing sensory world that will minimise the impact of sensory overload.
However, suppose this is not enough, and the person is still experiencing a high degree of distress and extreme sensory overload in autism. In that case, it might be wise to consider sensory integration therapy for autism.
Support Methods
Sensory interventions such as sensory integration therapy for autism (or sensory interventions) are structured exposure to sensory input. The aim is for an individual to reduce the sensory overload in autism and the dysfunctional behaviour due to sensory overwhelm. Exposure to different senses aims to remedy the underlying nervous system issues. Not only does it help the individual with day to day activities, it is highly effective at managing sensory issues in autistic individuals.
A qualified practitioner or allied health professional will create a programme of sensory-friendly activities for autism that are tried out within the therapy sessions. Extending these activities to home, school, or work is a great way to develop autism spectrum disorder coping strategies and provide individuals with effective support techniques for sensory challenges.
Creating a Nurturing Sensory World
Over the past few years, more and more people have asked themselves how they can design buildings to minimise sensory overload in autism. Architects have written about designing autism-friendly buildings, and families have remodelled rooms to provide positive sensory experiences.
It is clear from listening to people who have an autistic spectrum condition that they need support to create effective sensory coping methods. This can be both debilitating and empowering. In creating an autism-friendly environment, we must try to reduce the negative effects of sensory processing in autism and enhance the positive effects.
Support Techniques for Sensory Challenges
The National Autistic Society has some great sensory-friendly activities for autism, which will be invaluable for parents, educators and caregivers to help Autistic people.
1. Protect people from sensory overload in autism: Think about the situation such as lights, music and background noise. Is there an alternative such as a different activity or a quieter time to visit? Look out for signs of sensory overload in autism and leave if they are becoming overwhelmed.
2. Keep the environment safe: Try to think about a ‘sensory assault’ for an Autistic person. Make sure there is a warning about any sudden change to lights or noise. Can you create a routine to help them to navigate this environment?
3. Identify the triggers: Think about whether an event is enjoyable for the person, such as fireworks or a trip to a crowded shopping centre.
4. Understand the person: If they listen better without making eye contact, let them know you understand that. Do they learn by watching, listening, or doing?
Final Thoughts
Understanding the sensory issues in autistic individuals is a great way to improve their overall well-being. Sensory overload in autism will vary for each individual, so understanding their triggers and making sensible adaptations will help them live a life full of rich experiences.
Sensory processing in autism cannot be ‘treated’, but there are lots of techniques and therapies that can help an Autistic person feel more comfortable in their environment.
Understanding the challenges for people who find sensory processing more difficult than neurotypical people is the first step and it means that schools, workplaces and leisure facilities can create a nurturing sensory world in autism.
The first step to understanding sensory processing in autism starts with a diagnosis for Autism
Our expert team at The ADHD & Autism Clinic can understand your unique needs and provide comprehensive support.
Take the first step towards a tailored approach that empowers individuals with ADHD and autism to thrive. Contact us today to start a journey towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.