How to Manage Sensory Sensitivities in Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide
By Chiemeka Anunkor
Many parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) notice that their children have heightened sensory sensitivities. This means that things like loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or even specific smells can overwhelm or distress them. Sensory sensitivities are one of the most common features of autism, but the good news is that there are strategies you can use to help your child navigate these challenges.
This article will explore what sensory sensitivities are, why they occur, and practical tips for managing them at home, at school, and in the community.
What Are Sensory Sensitivities?
Sensory sensitivities in children with autism refer to heightened or diminished responses to sensory input. This can include:
Hyper-sensitivity: Overreacting to sensory input, such as loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures. For example, your child may cover their ears in response to a vacuum cleaner or refuse to wear clothes with seams.
Hypo-sensitivity: Underreacting to sensory stimuli, which may lead to seeking out strong sensory experiences, such as spinning objects or excessive touching.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): This is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and responding to information received through the senses. Many children with autism also experience SPD, which can intensify sensory sensitivities.
Understanding your child’s unique sensory profile is key to helping them manage these sensitivities effectively.
Why Do Sensory Sensitivities Occur in Autism?
The brain processes sensory information differently in children with autism. This can result in them either over- or under-reacting to stimuli. Some common reasons for sensory sensitivities include:
Neurological Differences: The brain of a child with autism may not filter sensory input in the same way as a neurotypical brain. This means they might be more sensitive to certain stimuli or less aware of others.
Difficulty with Filtering Sensory Input: Children with autism may struggle to block out irrelevant sensory information, leading to sensory overload.
Past Experiences: Traumatic or overwhelming sensory experiences in the past can cause a heightened sensitivity to similar experiences in the future.
Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Sensory Sensitivities
Children with autism may express sensory overload or sensitivities in different ways. Watch for signs such as:
Covering ears, eyes, or face
Meltdowns or crying in response to loud noises or bright lights
Avoiding certain textures (e.g., clothing tags, certain foods, or materials)
Difficulty in crowded or noisy environments
Engaging in repetitive behaviors (e.g., rocking, hand-flapping)
Seeking or avoiding certain sensory experiences (e.g., seeking deep pressure or avoiding touch)
If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, they may be struggling with sensory sensitivities.
Tips for Managing Sensory Sensitivities
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Reduce Overstimulating Sensory Input: At home, minimize sensory overload by keeping lights dim, reducing background noise, and providing quiet spaces for your child to retreat to.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can help block out loud, jarring sounds and allow your child to feel more at ease in noisy environments.
Texture-Friendly Clothing: Choose soft, seamless clothing and avoid clothing with tags or other textures that might irritate your child’s skin.
Develop Sensory Breaks
Routine Breaks: Help your child manage sensory overload by introducing regular sensory breaks throughout the day. This could include stretching, jumping on a trampoline, or using a weighted blanket.
Calming Activities: Activities like deep pressure massage, squeezing stress balls, or listening to calming music can help your child self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed.
Use Visual Supports and Schedules
Visual Timers: Use a visual timer to help your child anticipate when sensory overload will end (e.g., the timer goes off when it’s time to leave a loud, crowded space).
Social Stories: Create social stories to explain sensory experiences and how to manage them. For example, explain that wearing noise-canceling headphones can help when going to the grocery store.
Offer Choices and Control
Give Your Child a Sense of Control: Allow your child to make choices about their environment, such as selecting a quiet space or choosing a calming toy to carry with them.
Let Them Choose Sensory Tools: Introduce a variety of sensory tools, like fidget toys, chewy necklaces, or weighted blankets, and allow your child to choose what works best for them.
Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Teach Coping Strategies: Simple deep breathing techniques, counting, or focusing on a calm image can help your child manage sensory overload. Practice these techniques at home so your child can use them in public places when needed.
When to Seek Professional Support
If sensory sensitivities are significantly impacting your child’s daily life, it may be helpful to seek support from professionals:
Occupational Therapy (OT): OTs are trained to help children with sensory processing issues. They can work with your child to develop coping strategies and make daily activities easier to manage.
ABA Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists can help your child learn strategies to cope with sensory sensitivities and reduce behaviors that may result from sensory overload.
Speech Therapy: If your child has difficulty with sensory processing related to communication, a speech therapist can help develop strategies to improve verbal and nonverbal communication.
Tips for Managing Sensory Sensitivities in Public
Plan Ahead: If you’re heading to a public space, be prepared with sensory tools (headphones, sensory toys, snacks) and know when to leave if your child becomes overwhelmed.
Use Calming Techniques in Advance: If you know a situation might be overwhelming (like a loud party or a crowded store), practice calming techniques beforehand to reduce anxiety.
Prepare Others: When attending events or social gatherings, consider sharing your child’s sensory needs with the host or others involved to ensure they are accommodating and understanding.
Final Thoughts
Sensory sensitivities are a common challenge for children with autism, but with the right strategies, parents can help their children navigate these challenges and improve their quality of life. Creating a sensory-friendly environment, practicing coping strategies, and seeking professional support can make a world of difference for both your child and your family.
By understanding and supporting your child’s sensory needs, you’re fostering an environment where they can thrive and feel comfortable in the world around them.