Basic and advanced knowledge on autism - Module 1

3.4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input

Altered sensory processing is an important feature of the clinical picture of ASD. Different forms of behavior indicate altered processing of sensory input (smelling objects; fascination with texture, sound, smell, vibration, and other sensory aspects of toys; avoiding clothing and food of a certain texture, etc.). Sensory processing disorder covers the entire autism spectrum and is present in all age groups. It can have a significant impact on everyday life activities, school achievements, work efficiency, social relations and quality leisure time. People with autism may be overly sensitive to some sensory stimuli. It is relatively common for a child to be afraid of the sounds of household appliances, vehicles and environmental noise, trying to achieve sensory regulation by covering the ears. On the other hand, some children are hyposensitive, which is manifested, for example, in their reduced sensitivity to heat, cold or pain. It should be borne in mind that different people with autism may react to sensory overload in completely different ways. Some people will completely "shut down", which from the observer's point of view may seem as hyporeactivity, rather than as excessive sensitivity. In others, the "struggle" with sensory stimulation will take the form of self-stimulating and repetitive behavior, and there are those who will focus all their attention only on some stimuli, blocking access to all other, less desirable stimuli (Crespi, 2021).