Understanding Sensory Sensitivity in Individuals with Autism or Neurodivergence

Have you ever walked into a very noisy room and immediately felt overwhelmed, or worn clothing that felt unbearably itchy? For many people, these feelings are temporary. However, for some individuals, especially many autistic children, these experiences may occur more often and with greater intensity.

What is Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity refers to the way a person’s nervous system responds to information from the environment (Aron & Aron, 1997). Our bodies constantly receive sensory input through our senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness. Most of the time, the brain organizes this information automatically so that we can function comfortably.

For individuals with sensory sensitivity, the brain may process these signals differently. As a result, everyday sensations such as noise, light, or touch may feel overwhelming, distracting, or uncomfortable.

Research shows that sensory processing differences are very common in autism. Studies suggest that more than 90% of autistic individuals experience some form of sensory sensitivity (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009). Understanding these differences is important because sensory experiences can strongly influence the individual's behavior, learning, and emotional regulation.

Types of Sensory Sensitivity

Generally, responses fall into two broad patterns: Hypersensitivity and Hyposensitivity.

Infographic comparing sensory over-responsivity (hyper) and under-responsivity (hypo).

Individuals who are hypersensitive react strongly to sensory input that others may find normal, such as covering their ears when hearing everyday noises or avoiding certain food textures. In these cases, the sensory system may treat ordinary sensations as too intense or overwhelming.

On the other hand, individuals who are hyposensitive show reduced responses to sensory input and may either seek stronger stimulation or appear unaware of ordinary sensory experiences, such as seeking strong intense movement or touching objects frequently. In these cases, the sensory system may not respond to sensory inputs unless they are intense.

How Sensory Sensitivity Affects Daily Life 

Sensory sensitivity can influence many aspects of a child’s daily routine (Costa-López et al., 2021), including:

• Learning and attention

  • A noisy classroom or bright lights may make it difficult for a child to focus on tasks.

• Emotional regulation

  • When sensory input becomes overwhelming, children may show distress through crying, withdrawal, or challenging behaviors.

• Social participation

  • Children may avoid certain activities such as group play, sports events, or crowded environments because the sensory experience feels uncomfortable.

• Daily routines

  • Tasks such as brushing teeth, dressing, or eating may become challenging if a child is sensitive to textures or touch.

Illustration depicting how sensory sensitivity affects daily life for neurodivergent or autistic individuals.

Importantly, it is imperative for us to understand that these reactions are not intentional misbehavior. Instead, they reflect how the nervous system processes sensory information.

Conclusion

Sensory sensitivity is a common and meaningful aspect of how some individuals experience the world. Rather than viewing these responses as problematic behaviors, it is important to understand them as differences in sensory processing.

By recognizing sensory needs and making supportive adjustments, caregivers, educators, and practitioners can help individuals feel more comfortable, regulated, and able to engage in everyday activities. Creating environments that respect sensory differences ultimately promotes greater participation, learning, and overall well-being.

References

Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality. Journal of personality and social psychology, 73(2), 345.

Ben-Sasson, A., Hen, L., Fluss, R., Cermak, S. A., Engel-Yeger, B., & Gal, E. (2009). A meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39(1), 1-11.

Costa-López, B., Ferrer-Cascales, R., Ruiz-Robledillo, N., Albaladejo-Blázquez, N., & Baryła-Matejczuk, M. (2021). Relationship between Sensory Processing and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(17), 3961. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173961

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Written by: Janice Ng, ABAT, Program Coordinator (Currently reading MCBA)

Edited by: Raja Nishah