Autism and the Sensory Experience
People with autism often have hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity when it comes to different stimuli considered part of the sensory experience: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. If you are early in your family’s journey, autism testing and evaluation can help clarify support needs.
Hypersensitivity is when an individual is intensely aware of specific stimuli. For example, a child with hypersensitive hearing is likely to react more than others to sharp changes in volume or rhythm. Hyposensitivity, on the other hand, is when a person is less reactive relative to others when certain stimuli are present. A child with especially hyposensitive hearing might hardly notice sharp changes in volume or rhythm.
It’s debated how many senses there are, but autism commonly affects the five basic senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell) as well as the vestibular system (our sense of balance), proprioception (our sense of where our body parts are), and our sense of pain. Autism affects different people in different ways, and the way it affects sensory processing is no exception.
While one person with autism might be hypersensitive with regard to hearing and hyposensitive to sight, another child might have the complete opposite experience. This means that while we may highlight common sensory-friendly items, they may not work for everyone. Parents should observe closely to determine what is best for their child. Most often, sensory-friendly items are those that stimulate the senses to a moderate level, avoiding extremes whenever possible.
What Are Sensory Friendly Activities and Items?
Children with autism are often drawn to certain toys, clothing, food, and environments that help them regulate sensory input. Their experiences are most successful when sensory stimulation is not too extreme or abrupt. While many products are branded as sensory-friendly, many items already in your home can provide the same benefits.
Here are a few items to consider when providing your child with comfortable and pleasing sensory input:
- Soft blankets: Everyone enjoys the comfort of a soft blanket, and children with autism are no exception. Weighted blankets are especially valuable as they provide deep pressure stimulation and have been shown to release oxytocin in the brain, similar to hugs and cuddling.
- Rocking chairs or swings: Gentle rocking activates the vestibular (balance) system and can be calming for children who seek movement.
- Pillows and couch cushions: Creating a safe space for jumping and flopping encourages active play and sensory input. Crash pads used in ABA centers serve a similar purpose.
- Swings and trampolines: These activities help regulate the inner ear and provide rhythmic movement that many children find soothing.
- Creative play: Playdough, building a “pantry band,” or other hands-on activities can provide satisfying sensory stimulation.
Your child will often communicate their preferences through behavior rather than words. Items that cause distress when removed or are consistently sought out are likely providing desired sensory input. It is also important to be aware of hyposensitivity, as some individuals may seek intense stimulation and unintentionally hurt themselves due to reduced pain perception.
What Should I Do With Sensory Experiences My Child Avoids?
Some sensory experiences are not sensory-friendly and may cause children to become avoidant. When a child avoids certain stimuli, it is important not to force exposure. Instead, look for patterns to better understand which senses may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive. Creating a supportive environment may take trial and error, but doing so can greatly improve your child’s comfort and overall well-being. Many families pair sensory support with evidence-based services like ABA therapy or coordinated care that includes speech and occupational therapy.
If you are exploring treatment settings, a full-service center model can help address multiple developmental needs in one place, and Ally’s clinical excellence approach explains how progress is measured and supported over time.
For additional parent questions about getting started, you can review Ally’s FAQs.