Kaboom Kaboom! Sensory Sensitivities in Children with Autism
Happy Tuesday Readers!
With everyone winding down from celebrating a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be best to discuss the many sensory issues that can impact one with autism.
More often than not many families who have a child with autism need to take a variety of stimuli into consideration before participating in an activity because it can impact their kiddo. For example, the loud booms of fire works, the foreign smells of BBQ, and the funny texture of a brand new bathing suit are just some ways an individual with autism can be impacted on a busy summer weekend. Sensory sensitivities can even be used to diagnose an individual with autism.
Usually these sensory issues can present themselves in two ways: hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) and hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) to a variety of stimuli such as:
Sounds
Sights
Smells
Tastes
Touch
Balance
Body awareness
While those are just some of the sensitivities, each person with autism will have their own unique experiences.
So what can you do for someone that experiences sensory overload? Ear plugs or headphones can be used to reduce sound sound in noisy environments. It could be beneficial to limit scented products that could be overwhelming. Likewise, it is also helpful to provide food options that align with personal aversions. Many also find it helpful to provide clothing that is autism friendly (e.g. less scratchy fabric, no seams and tags).
Each child with autism is unique and everyone will experience their senses in a personal way. Families concerned with sensory overload are encouraged to interact with their child in ways that encourage both a sensitivity-reducing and sensory-stimulating environment to gradually increase a tolerance to overwhelming sensory experiences.
Cheers,
Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS
As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.