Sensory Sensitivity and Autism

Some autistic people with autism appear to sense the world in different ways to other people.

Some seem to be hypersensitive and some appear to be hyposensitive.

They misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement.

So some individuals may find certain sounds or colours disturbing, while other individuals may not even hear the sound or notice the colour at all.

Alternative terms

Some people use the term Sensory Processing Disorder or (SPD) or Sensory Integration Dysfunction to describe sensory sensitivity.

The Sensory Processing Disorder Network, describes SPD as follows:

'a complex disorder of the brain. People with SPD misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. This can lead to behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination, and many other issues.'

Sub Types

Hypersensitive

People who are hypersensitive receive too much information via their senses, so their brains becomes overloaded.

This means they may see, hear, feel, smell or taste the world in a more extreme manner than other people. For example, they may

• find certain noises disturbing or frightening
• not like to look at things if they are a certain colour or shape
• not like to taste or smell certain things

Hyposensitive

People who are hyposensitive receive too little information, so the brain struggles to make sense of what little information there is.

This means they may see, hear, feel, smell or taste the world in a more muted way than other people. For example, they may

• not be able to hear certain sounds, including other people
• not feel pain the same way as other people

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Personal Accounts

"I have always known that the world was fragmented. My mother was a smell, my father a tone, and my older brother was something which moved about. Nothing was whole except the colours and sparkles in the air." (Donna Williams)

“Do you hear noise in your head? It pounds and screeches. Like a train rumbling through your ears.” (J, Powell)

“I was also very touch sensitive; scratchy petticoats felt like sandpaper ripping off my skin. There is no way a child is going to function in a classroom if his or her underwear feels like it is full of sandpaper.” (Temple Grandin.)

Statistics

We have yet to identify how many autistic people suffer from sensory sensitivity.

Kern et al (2007) believe that because sensory processing dysfunction is common in autism it should be considered as part of the disorder.

Causes

We have yet to identify any research which demonstrates what the causes of altered senses may be.

Effects

Sensory sensitivity can lead to behavioural problems, difficulties with coordination, and many other issues.

Hypersensitive

Hypersensitive individuals may react in two main ways

• Inactivity, because their brain can’t make sense of what it is receiving
• Hyperactivity, because the brain doesn’t like what it is receiving

In either case, they may become anxious and frustrated

Hyposensitive

Hyposensitive individuals may react in two main ways

• Inactivity, because their brain can’t make sense of what it is receiving
• Hyperactivity, because the brain wants more information. This may result in self-stimulation or inattention.

In either case, they may become anxious and frustrated

Studies and Reviews

This page provides details of some of the most significant scientific studies and reviews on sensory sensitivity in autistic people.

You can find more studies and reviews on sensory sensitivity in our publications database.

If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org

Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.

Related Studies and Reviews

• Baranek G. T. (2002) Efficacy of sensory and motor interventions for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 32(5), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Ben-Sasson A. et al. (2009) A meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 39(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Carvill S. (2001) Sensory impairments, intellectual disability and psychiatry. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 45(6), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hazen E. P. et al. (2014) Sensory symptoms in autism spectrum disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 22(2), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Hodgetts S., Hodgetts W. (2007) Somatosensory stimulation interventions for children with autism: literature review and clinical considerations. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapies. 5(75), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Iarocci G., McDonald J. (2006) Sensory integration and the perceptual experience of persons with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 36(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Marco E. et al. (2011) Sensory processing in autism: a review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric Research. 69(5), Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Mazurek M. O. et al. (2013) Anxiety, sensory over-responsivity, and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 41(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Moore D. J. (2015) Acute pain experience in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A review. Autism. 19(4), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• O'neill M., Jones R. S. P. (1997) Sensory-perceptual abnormalities in autism: a case for more research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 27(3), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Ornitz E. M. (1974) The modulation of sensory input and motor output in autistic children. Journal of Autism and Child Schizophrenia. 4(3), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Piek J., Dyck M. J. (2004) Sensory-motor deficits in children with developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic disorder. Human Movement Science. 23(3),
  
  
• Reynolds S., Lane S. J. (2008) Diagnostic validity of sensory over-responsivity: A review of the literature and case reports. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 38(3), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Rogers S. J., Ozonoff S. (2005) Annotation: what do we know about sensory dysfunction in autism? A critical review of the empirical evidence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines. 46(12), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Schaaf R. C., Lane A. E. (2015) Toward a best-practice protocol for assessment of sensory features in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 45(5), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Suarez M. (2012) Sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders and impact on functioning. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 59(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  

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Other Reading

This page provides details of other publications on sensory sensitivity, autism and related issues. 

You can find more publications on sensory sensitivity in our publications database.

If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org

Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.

Related Other Reading

• Autism and Practice group (Learning Disability Services) (2007) Sensory issues in autism. Lewes: East Sussex County Council Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Autism West Midlands Autism and sensory differences. Birmingham: Autism West Midlands Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Davis K., Dubie M. Sensory integration: Tips to consider Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Issacs P. Sensory issues and autism: an insider guide. SEN Magazine. Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• National Autistic Society (2020) Sensory differences. London: National Autistic Society Read Full (New Window)
  
  
• Raising Children Network (2014) Sensory sensitivities and ASD. Raising Children Network Read Full (New Window)
  
  

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Updated

16 Jun 2022