Understanding how sensory processing affects 96% of autistic children, from hypersensitivity to seeking behaviors, and practical strategies for support.
If your child with autism covers their ears in noisy environments, seeks out intense physical input, or has meltdowns over clothing textures, you’re witnessing sensory processing differences in action. These aren’t simply “behavioral issues” or signs of being “difficult” – they’re neurological differences in how your child’s brain receives, processes, and responds to sensory information from their environment.
Understanding sensory processing disorder (SPD) is crucial for parents because it affects an estimated 96% of children with autism spectrum disorder. By learning to recognize and support your child’s unique sensory needs, you can significantly improve their comfort, behavior, and ability to engage with the world around them.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder refers to difficulties in the way the nervous system receives sensory messages and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Think of it as the brain’s “traffic control system” for sensory information not working as efficiently as it should.
While everyone processes sensory information differently, children with SPD experience significant challenges that interfere with their daily functioning. What might be a minor annoyance to a neurotypical child – like the tag in a shirt or the hum of fluorescent lights – can be overwhelming or completely unnoticed by a child with sensory processing differences.
The Seven Senses: Beyond What You Learned in School
Most people are familiar with the five traditional senses, but sensory processing actually involves seven sensory systems:
1. Visual (Sight)
How we process what we see, including light sensitivity, visual tracking, and depth perception.
2. Auditory (Hearing)
Processing sounds, including volume, pitch, and the ability to filter background noise.
3. Tactile (Touch)
How we process touch, including texture, temperature, pressure, and pain.
4. Olfactory (Smell)
Processing different scents and odors, which can trigger strong emotional responses.
5. Gustatory (Taste)
How we process different flavors, textures, and temperatures of food and drink.
6. Vestibular (Balance and Movement)
Located in the inner ear, this system helps us understand our body’s position in space and maintain balance.
7. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness)
Understanding where our body parts are in space and how much force to use in movements.
Types of Sensory Processing Differences
Children with autism may experience sensory input very differently from their neurotypical peers. These differences typically fall into four main categories:
1. Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsiveness)
Children who are hypersensitive experience sensory input more intensely than others. They may:
- Cover their ears or become distressed by everyday sounds
- Refuse to wear certain clothing textures or fabrics
- Become overwhelmed in bright lights or visually busy environments
- Have extreme reactions to unexpected touch
- Avoid playground equipment or activities involving movement
- Have very limited food preferences due to texture or taste sensitivities
2. Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsiveness)
Children who are hyposensitive may not notice or respond to sensory input that others would. They might:
- Not respond when their name is called
- Seem unaware of injuries or pain
- Have difficulty recognizing when they need to use the bathroom
- Not notice when their face or hands are dirty
- Appear clumsy or have poor coordination
- Have a high tolerance for extreme temperatures
3. Sensory Seeking
These children actively seek out intense sensory experiences. They may:
- Constantly touch objects, people, or surfaces
- Enjoy loud music or making loud noises
- Seek out spinning, swinging, or bouncing activities
- Put non-food items in their mouth
- Enjoy rough play or deep pressure
- Prefer very spicy or strongly flavored foods
4. Sensory Avoiding
These children actively avoid certain sensory experiences. They might:
- Refuse to try new foods or textures
- Avoid messy play activities like finger painting
- Dislike having their hair washed or teeth brushed
- Prefer to stay in familiar, predictable environments
- Avoid crowded or noisy places
- Resist trying new physical activities
How Sensory Processing Affects Daily Life
Sensory processing differences can impact virtually every aspect of a child’s daily life:
At Home
- Difficulty with personal hygiene routines
- Challenges during mealtimes due to food textures or smells
- Sleep problems related to clothing, bedding, or environmental factors
- Meltdowns during transitions or unexpected changes
At School
- Difficulty concentrating due to sensory distractions
- Avoidance of art projects or science experiments involving touch
- Challenges during lunch or snack time
- Problems with playground activities or physical education
In the Community
- Difficulty in grocery stores, restaurants, or shopping centers
- Challenges during medical or dental appointments
- Problems attending community events, movies, or parties
- Transportation difficulties (car seats, seatbelts, motion)
Recognizing Sensory Overload
Learning to recognize the signs of sensory overload can help you intervene before a full meltdown occurs:
Early Warning Signs:
- Increased fidgeting or restlessness
- Difficulty following directions or appearing “spacey”
- Changes in voice volume or speech patterns
- Increased stimming behaviors
- Seeking isolation or hiding
Signs of Overload:
- Covering ears or eyes
- Verbal or physical aggression
- Complete shutdown or withdrawal
- Crying, screaming, or meltdowns
- Repetitive movements or self-injurious behaviors
Practical Support Strategies
Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
Modifying your child’s environment can significantly reduce sensory challenges:
Lighting
- Use soft, warm lighting instead of harsh fluorescents
- Provide dimmer switches for adjustable lighting
- Consider colored filters for computer screens
- Use natural light when possible
Sound
- Reduce background noise when possible
- Use noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments
- Provide white noise or soft music for concentration
- Create quiet spaces for sensory breaks
Touch and Texture
- Remove clothing tags and choose soft, seamless fabrics
- Provide fidget toys and textured objects for exploration
- Use weighted blankets for calming deep pressure
- Offer choices in textures for activities and materials
Sensory Tools and Equipment
Various tools can help support your child’s sensory needs:
- Noise-cancelling headphones: For reducing auditory input
- Weighted lap pads: For providing calming pressure during seated activities
- Fidget toys: For providing tactile input and helping with focus
- Compression clothing: For providing proprioceptive input throughout the day
- Sensory bins: For safe tactile exploration
- Balance boards: For vestibular input and body awareness
Developing a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a personalized activity plan designed to help your child get the sensory input they need throughout the day. It might include:
Morning Activities (Alerting):
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Cold washcloth on face and hands
- Listening to upbeat music
- Crunchy breakfast foods
Calming Activities:
- Deep pressure activities (weighted blankets, bear hugs)
- Slow, rhythmic activities like swinging
- Soft music or white noise
- Warm baths or showers
Organizing Activities (Focusing):
- Heavy work activities (carrying books, pushing chairs)
- Proprioceptive activities (wall pushes, chair dips)
- Chewing gum or crunchy snacks
- Fidget tools during focused work
Working with Professionals
Several types of professionals can help assess and support your child’s sensory needs:
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Conduct comprehensive sensory evaluations
- Develop individualized sensory diets
- Provide sensory integration therapy
- Train families in home strategies
Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Address gross motor and movement challenges
- Work on balance and coordination
- Provide vestibular and proprioceptive interventions
Behavioral Therapists
- Help with desensitization programs
- Teach coping strategies for sensory challenges
- Address behaviors related to sensory issues
School Collaboration and Accommodations
Working with your child’s school team is essential for consistent sensory support:
Possible School Accommodations:
- Preferential seating away from distractions
- Sensory breaks built into the school day
- Alternative seating options (stability balls, standing desks)
- Modified physical education activities
- Lunch accommodations for food sensitivities
- Use of noise-cancelling headphones during testing
Long-Term Outlook and Development
While sensory processing differences are lifelong, many children show significant improvement with appropriate support:
- Children often develop better coping strategies as they mature
- Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes
- Many adults with SPD lead fulfilling, independent lives
- Understanding sensory needs helps build self-advocacy skills
Supporting Your Child’s Self-Advocacy
Teaching your child to understand and communicate their sensory needs is crucial for long-term success:
- Help them identify and name their sensory preferences
- Teach simple strategies they can use independently
- Practice asking for sensory breaks or accommodations
- Create visual supports to help them communicate their needs
Remember
- Every child’s sensory profile is unique and may change over time
- What works for one child may not work for another
- Sensory differences are not behavioral choices – they’re neurological realities
- Small environmental changes can make big differences
- Professional evaluation can provide valuable insights and strategies
- Your child’s sensory needs are valid and deserve accommodation
Understanding and supporting your child’s sensory processing needs is one of the most powerful ways you can help them succeed and feel comfortable in their world. By recognizing that sensory differences are a neurological reality rather than behavioral choices, you can approach challenges with compassion and effective strategies. Remember that with the right support, tools, and understanding, children with sensory processing differences can thrive in all areas of their lives.