What Are Sensory Differences?

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Research suggests that up to 95% of autistic people experience sensory differences. This article describes our eight sensory systems and explains the terms sensory processing, sensory overload, and sensory seeking. Some suggestions for managing sensory needs are included at the end of the article.  

Sensory Systems 

Most people are familiar with the five external senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. However, we have three other sensory systems that are just as important: 

• Balance and movement (vestibular): This system tells us about our body's movement and helps us keep our balance. 

• Body or spatial awareness (proprioception): This tells us where our body is in relation to objects without us having to look. 

• Internal awareness (interoception): This involves feeling what is happening inside our bodies, such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, or the need to use the toilet. 

Sensory Processing 

Sensory processing is the way our brain receives, organises, and responds to information from these eight systems. Because autism is a spectrum condition, how a person processes these signals varies significantly. An autistic person may be: 

• Hypersensitive (over-responsive): This means feeling senses intensely. For example, a regular overhead light in a room might feel uncomfortably bright. 

• Hyposensitive (under-responsive): This means feeling senses less than others might. An autistic person may have a high pain threshold or not realise they are cold. 

According to the National Autistic Society, some autistic people have a mixed and/or varying sensory experience, including both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Sensory sensitivity levels may vary over time, across environments, or due to other factors, such as the autistic person’s mental and physical health.

Sensory Overload and Sensory Seeking 

When an autistic person’s brain receives more sensory information than it can process at once, they may experience sensory overload. This can feel overwhelming and can lead to intense distress and anxiety. Sometimes the autistic person will experience a meltdown (an intense, involuntary response to being overwhelmed) or a shutdown (a period of internal exhaustion where the person may go quiet or appear to “switch off”). 

Conversely, some people engage in sensory seeking. This is when a person actively looks for more sensory input to help regulate their body. Common examples include: 

• Rocking or spinning (vestibular input). 

• Fidgeting or “stimming” (touch or visual input). 

• Seeking out strong flavours or firm pressure (proprioceptive input). 

Strategies to Help 

The best way for an autistic person to manage their sensory needs is to start learning what they are and identify what works for them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, some strategies that might help are listed below:  

• Change your environment: Relocate to somewhere quieter or turn the lights down.  

• Use sensory aids: For example, earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or dark glasses. 

• Take sensory breaks: Allow some time in a “quiet zone” to prevent overload.