Sensory processing disorder
Like all autism parents, I’m continually learning new things about autism and came across the term “sensory processing disorder”. I am well aware of the sensory issues kids on the spectrum face as I see it in my own kids but was unaware that there was a term to define the condition. It definitely helps to have a definition to clarify these issues and reference for understanding.
Sensory processing disorder is defined as a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information (stimuli). These senses could include what you see, hear, taste, touch or smell. The condition can affect all your senses or just one. It also means you’re overly sensitive to stimuli that other people are not.
There are two types of responses to stimuli: hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. This would mean either over-responsive or under-responsive. Hypersensitivity often results in sensory avoidance – such as pulling away from physical touch, covering ears to avoid loud sounds or avoiding certain types of clothing. Hyposensitivity, on the other hand, often results in sensory seeking – stimulating the senses by making loud noises, touching people or objects or rocking back and forth.
When a sensory stimulus results in an overwhelming inability to cope, the condition is called sensory overload. This can be triggered by a single event or build up over time such as a single loud noise or the elongated attempts to cope with sensory sensitivities over time. Sensory overload can feel like intense anxiety. Since the brain has to put all its resources into sensory processing, it can shut off other functions like speech, decision making and information processing.
Sensory issues can present themselves in many different ways. Some of the common behaviors include:
– jumping, spinning or crashing into things
– stimming – such as hand flapping or rocking back and forth
– talking faster and louder or not talking at all
– covering ears or eyes
– refusing or insisting on certain foods or clothing items
– frequent chewing on non-food items
– frequent touching of others or playing rough
– difficulty communicating or responding
– escalating, overwhelming emotions
There are various accommodations that can be put in place to assist with both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity.
Hypersensitivity accommodations may include: using light covers or sunglasses, wearing earplugs or headphones, working in spaces with a closed door, avoiding strongly scented products, choosing foods that avoid aversions, wearing soft comfortable clothing and avoiding crowds.
Hyposensitivity accommodations may include: visual supports, fidget toys and chewies, taking frequent movement breaks, eating foods with strong flavors or mixed textures, and utilizing weighted blankets or clothing that provides deep pressure.
Most importantly is utilizing self-advocacy for one’s sensory issues. Asking for reasonable accommodations at both school and work is an important right for those on the spectrum. Children enrolled in school would share these accommodation requests with their IEP team or request a 504 plan. Working adults will need to self-advocate with their employer and may find they encounter an adjustment period of trial and error until their needs are met.
Various therapies are also recommended to assist with one’s sensory response including: occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. It is important to note, however, that each autistic person is unique, including their personal sensory sensitivities. It’s been trial and error with both my kids growing up, learning what works and doesn’t work to assist with their sensory needs. I also found psychiatric medication helpful in calming the anxiety that comes with the sensory response. Now teenagers, it’s been a long road dealing with this condition but I do feel with time, maturity and medication they have learned to adapt and adjust according to their environments.
