Sensory Issues and Autism
Many people who have autism experience sensory issues. The most recent criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in fact, includes sensory issues.
Just like all other signs and symptoms of autism, sensory issues are quite unique to each individual. Some people may experience over-sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, called hypersensitivity, while others might experience under-sensitivity, called hyposensitivity.
The issues that people with autism face in regard to sensory stimuli can cause them to react and behave in certain ways depending on the situation and what they’re experiencing.
While there isn’t anything that can be done to reduce the actual feelings that people on the autism spectrum experience with these sensory issues, there’s a lot of support that can be given to them on how to deal with it. That is one area where applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, focuses heavily on.
Below, we’ll discuss the different sensory issues and autism, and how ABA therapy helps to treat the responses.
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What are Sensory Issues in Autism?
As mentioned, people on the autism spectrum may experience different sensory issues with different stimuli.
Those who are hypersensitive may easily get overwhelmed when exposed to stimuli. For instance, they may have a severe reaction when they’re exposed to loud sounds, bright lights, strong odors or certain textures.
People who are hyposensitive, on the other hand, might face different challenges. They may not be able to easily recognize pain, illness or hunger. They may feel like it’s necessary to constantly move their bodies. And they actually could be attracted to things such as loud sounds, bright lights, strong odors or certain textures.
Again, each individual on the autism spectrum faces sensory issues in unique ways.
What Happens When a Person with Autism Faces Sensory Issues?
When many people with autism experience a sensory issue, they engage in what is known as self-stimulatory behaviors. Also known as stimming, these behaviors are a way for them to balance out their senses when they might be feeling overwhelmed or experiencing a sensory overload.
Examples of this include repetitive movements such as rocking back and forth or tapping their hands, making the same sounds over and over again, or staring at constantly moving objects such as ceiling fans.
Even if they aren’t harmful in nature, many of these stimming behaviors can be disruptive to a person’s daily life. It could make it hard to concentrate or attend school, or to hold a job in a professional environment where there are many sensory stimuli.
In response, some people with autism who face sensory issues try to suppress and/or hide the challenges they face and not stim, so as to not look out of place. In doing so, they could easily get overwhelmed in the moment, or feel burned out or exhausted in the long run.
How Can Sensory Issues and Autism Be Treated?
Autism is a life-long disorder that can’t be cured. As such, the best treatment plans seek to address the symptoms of autism, helping individuals who have ASD to cope better.
ABA therapy is known as the gold standard for treating individuals who have autism. The science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior utilizes positive reinforcement and repetition to teach patients different skills, such as coping mechanisms when they’re experiencing a sensory issue.
ABA therapists will design personalized treatment plans that will address the specific issues each patient is facing, as well as their unique strengths. Then, goals will be set for the treatment, with progress being tracked and recorded so that the plan can be modified over time.
In terms of sensory issues, ABA therapy can help people with autism better cope if they’re feeling overwhelmed. This may be figuring out different coping mechanisms that may not be as disruptive to their day as some of their current stimming behaviors.
Some basic examples include having a fidget toy or some other sensory tool handy in case the person begins to experience sensory overload.
ABA therapists and providers can also work with patients and their family members to get the appropriate accommodations for individuals with autism at school and work. This will ensure that they are better able to find ways to self-regulate if they’re ever experiencing a sensory issue.
Blue Gems ABA Helps Individuals with Autism Build Skills
Sensory issues are very common in people on the autism spectrum. Whether it’s hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, these issues can affect a person’s daily life significantly.
At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced BCBAs is dedicated to helping treat sensory issues with ABA therapy, teaching patients new and more effective ways to cope with whatever they might be experiencing.
For more information, contact us today.