Understanding Sensory Differences

Autistic people can experience sensory information differently. Sounds, lights, smells, tastes, textures, touch, movement and even sensations from inside the body may feel more or less intense than they do for other people.

Someone may find an everyday sound extremely uncomfortable while barely noticing another sensation. Sensory experiences are individual and can also change depending on factors such as stress, tiredness, environment and how overwhelmed someone already feels.

Understanding sensory differences can help us create environments where autistic people feel more comfortable, safe and able to be themselves.

Sensory Differences Can Affect More Than Five Senses

  • Sound

    Background conversations, alarms, machinery, music or sudden noises may feel distracting, uncomfortable or overwhelming.

  • Sight

    Bright lights, fluorescent lighting, busy environments, certain colours or lots of visual information may become difficult to process.

  • Touch

    Clothing, labels, particular materials, physical contact, temperature or unexpected touch can create strong sensory responses.

  • Taste & Smell

    Certain tastes, textures or smells can feel particularly intense and may affect things such as food choices and eating.

  • Movement & Balance

    Some people may seek movement such as rocking or spinning, while others may feel uncomfortable with particular movements or changes in balance.

  • Internal Body Signals

    Recognising signals such as hunger, thirst, tiredness, needing the toilet or changes in body temperature can also be different for some autistic people.

Seeking & Avoiding Sensory Input

Sensory differences aren’t always about being overwhelmed by sensations. Some autistic people actively seek particular sensory experiences because they feel enjoyable, calming or help with regulation.

This might include movement, listening to the same music repeatedly, touching particular textures, using weighted objects or seeking certain sounds.

Someone can also be sensory-seeking in one area while being highly sensitive in another. There isn’t one sensory profile that applies to every autistic person.

What Is Sensory Overload?

Sensory overload can happen when the amount or intensity of sensory information becomes too much for someone to process comfortably.

A busy supermarket, for example, can involve bright lighting, music, conversations, people moving in different directions, smells, queues and unexpected physical contact all at the same time.

Someone experiencing overload might need to leave the environment, become quieter, struggle to communicate, feel distressed or need time somewhere calmer to recover.

These responses should not simply be viewed as someone being difficult. Understanding what is causing the distress can be far more helpful than focusing only on the behaviour others can see.

Supporting Sensory Needs

Sensory support should be based on what helps the individual rather than assuming everyone needs the same adjustments.

Helpful changes might include reducing unnecessary noise, changing lighting, providing access to a quieter space, allowing headphones or other sensory tools, considering clothing and food preferences, and giving someone the opportunity to step away from an overwhelming environment.

Most importantly, sensory experiences should be taken seriously. Something that seems minor to one person can feel completely different to somebody else.

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