Sensory Issues

Helping someone with autism-related sensitivities

Awareness and accommodation can help ease related discomfort. Remember—each person with autism is unique, and this includes their personal sensitivities.

Examples of accommodations for hyper-sensitivities

• Dimmed lights
• Incandescent versus fluorescent lighting
• Sunglasses or visor to block overhead fluorescent lighting
• Ear plugs or headphones in noisy environments
• Closed door or high-walled work areas to block distracting sights and sounds
• Avoidance of strongly scented products (perfumes, air fresheners, soaps, etc.)
• Food options that avoid personal aversions (e.g. intensely spicy, textured, cold, hot, etc.)
• Clothing that accommodates personal sensitivities (e.g. to tight waistbands and/or scratchy fabric, seams and tags)
• Request for permission before touching

Examples of accommodations for hypo-sensitivities

• Visual supports for those who have difficulty processing spoken information
• Sensory-stimulating toys (e.g. safe chewies and fidgets)
• Opportunities for rocking, swinging and other sensory stimulating activities
• Strong tasting and/or textured foods, cold beverages, etc.
• Firm touch (according to preference)
• Weighted blankets
• Fun opportunities to practice physical skills (catching, dancing, jumping, running, etc.)
• Furniture arrangements that reduce chances of bumping into sharp or hard surfaces

Therapies for sensory issues

• Occupational therapy uses physical activities and strategies to help each person meet their sensory needs and better process sensory input in everyday environments
• Autism feeding programs can address aversions to tastes and food textures, as well as under- and over-sensitivities that can hamper chewing and swallowing.
• Speech therapy can include both sensitivity-reducing and sensory-stimulating activities that improve speech, swallowing and related muscle movements.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy can help gradually increase tolerance to overwhelming sensory experiences.