10 Proven Techniques for Managing Autism and Sensory Issues
Our senses get a workout on a daily basis. In a world overflowing with inputs to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch, these sensory experiences can become overwhelming for anyone.
But autism and sensory issues are especially common and can be particularly challenging.
Although people commonly think of of autism sensory processing disorder being hypersensitivity and autism sensory overload, that’s not always the case. There is also hyposensitivity as well.
Hypersensitivity is an over-responsiveness to things like bright lights or ones like strobe or LED variations, certain sounds like police sirens or fireworks, smells, textures, and tastes.
The resulting response to hypersensitivity is typically sensory avoidance.
Examples of sensory avoidance found with autism sensory overload can include covering ears, closing eyes, running away to a quiet place, and in extreme cases, screaming or making other noises to drown out the bothersome sounds.
In other words, it pretty much means getting away from or extracting oneself from situations that cause discomfort.
On the opposite side is hyposensitivity, which is also common with sensory issues and autism conditions.
Hyposensitivity can be described as sensory seeking vs. hypersensitivity being sensory avoidance.
It can present itself with a constant need for movement and being drawn to loud or extreme noises, bright lights, and being attracted to bright colors and extreme tastes.
Reactions from someone with hyposensitivity are the constant desire to stimulate or heighten senses, like shrieking, excessive touching, or stimming. While people often assume autism sensory processing disorder occurs in children, it’s important to know that sensory issues in adults are common as well.
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As part of autism and sensory issues, sensory overload is the reaction that often occurs when the intensity of the senses becomes overwhelming and the person develops challenges in being able to cope with it all.
It occurs when the brain receives more sensory information than it can effectively process, leading to feelings of physical and/or mental discomfort, anxiety, and even meltdowns.
Understanding Autism Sensory Overload and Overstimulation
Sensory overload commonly occurs with autism and sensory issues and refers to an excessive amount of sensory information that bombards the senses all at once, making it difficult for individuals to filter and prioritize relevant stimuli.
Each person with autism may have different triggers and sensitivities. Beyond lights and sounds, triggers can include certain smells, environments, or tactile preferences (such as with clothing).
Sensory-seeking individuals may actively search for stimulation activities or items to provide gratification to specific sensory needs.
Overstimulation, on the other hand, occurs when an individual’s sensory system becomes overwhelmed due to prolonged exposure to intense sensory input.
This can happen in crowded spaces such as busy shopping malls, packed classrooms, or even during large social gatherings. Overstimulation can lead to exhaustion, heightened anxiety, irritability, and difficulties with concentration.
Strategies to Manage Autism Sensory Processing Disorder
Self-awareness and Recognition:
Developing self-awareness is a crucial step in managing autism and sensory issues.
Individuals with autism can benefit from recognizing their triggers and understanding how their bodies and minds respond to sensory input.
This awareness allows them to anticipate and plan for potentially overwhelming situations.
By identifying specific triggers, such as certain noises, textures, or visual stimuli, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize exposure or prepare coping strategies.
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Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment:
Creating a calm and comfortable environment can significantly help individuals with autism and sensory issues.
This may involve reducing unnecessary stimuli by dimming lights, using noise-canceling headphones, or keeping a designated quiet space where they can retreat when needed.
Experimenting with different sensory accommodations and identifying what works best for each person is crucial. Some individuals may find weighted blankets or pressure vests helpful, while others may benefit from using fidget toys or stress balls to redirect their sensory focus.
Some individuals with autism and sensory issues stim to balance themselves out, so to speak. Sensory issues in adults may manifest themselves differently, but since it is often a challenge that remains with an autistic for life, different coping mechanisms may be needed. The key is choosing which strategies work.
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Sensory Diet:
Developing a personalized sensory diet can be beneficial in regulating sensory input. A sensory diet involves incorporating activities that provide the right amount and type of sensory input for an individual’s specific needs.
This may include activities such as deep pressure techniques, rocking or swinging, listening to calming music, engaging in tactile play, or exploring nature.
Engaging in sensory diet activities can help individuals modulate their autism sensory issues and food responses and promote a sense of balance and well-being.
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Social Support and Communication:
Having a supportive network of family, friends, and professionals who understand sensory challenges can make a significant difference in managing sensory overload.
Clear communication about one’s sensory needs and limits can help others provide appropriate accommodations and support when necessary.
Educating those around you about autism sensory processing difficulties and how they can be supportive can foster a more inclusive and understanding environment.
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Time Management and Planning:
Planning and managing daily activities to avoid excessive sensory input can help prevent sensory overload.
Autism and sensory issues in adults can benefit from scheduling breaks, limiting exposure to challenging environments, and allowing time for self-regulation.
Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable segments can also help prevent becoming overwhelmed.
Additionally, incorporating calming and grounding techniques like deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices can aid in maintaining a sense of balance.
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Occupational Therapy:
Occupational therapy is a valuable resource for individuals with autism to develop sensory processing skills.
Occupational therapists can help identify specific sensory difficulties, provide strategies tailored to individual needs, and support the overall development of sensory regulation abilities.
Through occupational therapy, individuals can learn techniques to self-regulate their sensory responses, improve sensory integration, and enhance their ability to engage in daily activities with greater ease.
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Visual Supports:
Visual supports can play a vital role in managing sensory overload for individuals with autism.
Visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues can help individuals understand what to expect in various environments and guide them through daily routines.
Visual supports provide predictability, which can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control.
These supports can be particularly helpful in transitioning between activities or navigating new or unfamiliar situations.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be effective in managing sensory overload. This technique is especially helpful when talking about how to cope with sensory issues in adults.Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, which can help individuals with autism and sensory issues stay grounded and focused.
Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and meditation are techniques that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Engaging in these practices regularly can enhance self-regulation and provide individuals with valuable tools to cope with autism sensory overload.
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Sensory Breaks and Self-Care:
Taking regular sensory breaks and practicing self-care are essential components of managing sensory overload.
Sensory breaks involve stepping away from overwhelming environments or stimuli and engaging in activities that provide a sense of calm and reset.
This can include activities such as listening to calming music, taking a walk in nature, engaging in hobbies, or practicing deep pressure techniques. Additionally, incorporating self-care activities such as getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and participating in enjoyable activities can contribute to overall well-being and better sensory regulation.
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Collaborating with Professionals:
Seeking support and guidance from professionals who specialize in autism and sensory processing can be highly beneficial.
Working with psychologists, occupational therapists, and other experts can help individuals with autism and their families develop personalized strategies for managing sensory overload.
These professionals can offer assessments, interventions, and ongoing support to ensure the most effective strategies are implemented.
There are numerous types of therapies associated with autism and sensory issues, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, to name some key ones.
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My Experiences with Autism and Sensory Issues
I have had some problems with autism overstimulation growing up.
When I was younger, my dad would take me to a monster truck rally because I was obsessed with them, and it was incredibly loud. I knew it would be noisy beforehand, but I didn’t know it would feel like it was making your ears bleed.
I remember walking into the stadium with my dad to grab our seats, and when my dad opened the entrance door I could hear the massive roaring of the engines, which made me take a step back and jolt. I didn’t know anything could be this loud.
I remember feeling a little scared, but I walked in anyway, and luckily my dad came prepared and had some earplugs for me. I’m really glad he did because I might have suffered hearing damage.
I wasn’t the only one either; it was so loud they were selling earplugs in the concession stands.
I got used to the extreme sounds pretty fast after this and it became our tradition to go to the monster truck rally every year for a number of years.
I’ve also had a few of these problems of hypersensitivity to sound after this event, such as when I went to a concert and the music was really loud but I didn’t have any earplugs, so I had to cover my ears with my hands the whole time.
But after this, I never really had any problems with loud noises, at least none more so than anyone else. It was good to get some exposure so I could get used to it, as the only way to face a challenge is to face it head-on.
Sensory Issues in Adults
Sensory overload and over or under-stimulation can pose significant challenges for adults with autism and sensory issues, and not just in children. In more severe cases, it can negatively impact a person’s overall well-being and daily functioning.
By understanding these experiences and implementing effective coping strategies, autistic individuals of all ages can gain better control over their sensory environment, reduce anxiety, and enhance their quality of life.
It is crucial to remember that all autistics are unique, and finding personalized strategies that work best for them is essential.
With increased awareness, support, and appropriate accommodations, autism sensory processing disorder challenges can be managed so individuals can navigate the world with greater ease and comfort.
By embracing their unique sensory profiles, individuals with autism can thrive and contribute their incredible talents to the world around them.
Other Common Autistic Behaviors
There are many behaviors associated with having autism. Keep in mind that everyone presents differently, which is why it is caused a spectrum disorder. However, there are common autism behaviors. Learn more about them.
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