For many people on the autism spectrum, a simple trip to the store or a ride on transportation can cause severe sensory overload – a painful condition due to overstimulation of the senses. Very often for children and adults with ASD, sensory overload is one of the most frustrating aspects of living with autism. However, those around them, and sometimes even autistic people themselves, do not always realize that certain behaviors are caused by sensory overload. Sensory overload manifests itself in different ways for each person: some people become extremely irritable, some start crying, others shut down and lose the ability to speak.
Sensory challenges for autistic people
Here are a few environmental factors that can negatively affect people with autism:
- Daylight bulbs that flicker and/or buzz.
- Odors from cleaning products, new carpets, perfumes, certain foods, and cologne.
- Fluttering curtains, posters, and other wall objects.
- Constant sounds: cars mowing lawns or blowing leaves, children crying or even babbling, dogs barking outside, clocks ticking, water dripping from the faucet, traffic noise, etc.
- Food and materials with certain textures (varies from person to person, but it is often problematic to eat slippery, soggy food, use materials such as glue, gels, etc.).
Surprisingly, the opposite can also be true: some people on the autism spectrum are “hypersensitive”. This means they have a poor response to incoming sensory information and, in some cases, need physical sensations.
Sensory overload can lead to stimming (e.g., hand waving, walking back and forth, etc.).
Even more surprisingly, many people with autism are hypersensitive to some stimuli (e.g., can’t tolerate loud noise) but hypo-sensitive to others (e.g., they need movement or a physical sensation to find calm).
Sensory “regulation” is the feeling that the right amount of sensory information is being received; it is important for physical and psychological comfort.
According to many studies, impaired sensory processing is one of the main reasons why people with autism, who are able to cope with many forms of stress, tend to have breakdowns or become helpless in completely ordinary situations.
How sensory overload can manifest itself
Sensory overload can cause a variety of behavioral reactions such as:
- Irritability – children may become irritable when faced with intense sensory stimulation.
- Aggression – aggressive self-defense reactions may occur due to overload.
- Self-stimulation – children may begin to perform repetitive movements (e.g., hand waving, rocking) to cope with the tension.
- Hysteria – when a child cannot cope with overwhelm, it can lead to panic and hysteria.
- Unwanted behavior – actions to avoid sources of sensory stress, such as covering ears, running away, may be exhibited.
- “Switching off” – the child may “switch off” by refusing to participate in the world around them, ignoring the conversations and actions of others.
- Avoidance of touch – children with autism may avoid physical contact if they feel unpleasant sensations.
- Overexcitement – overexertion can lead to increased activity and an inability to calm down.
- Covering eyes and ears with hands – protection from external stimuli to minimize sensory load.
- Poor eye contact – the child may avoid eye contact to reduce stress level.
- Complaining about noises that do not affect others – the child may complain about sounds that others around them do not notice, such as quiet background noises.
- Sweating – when overwhelm increases, physical manifestations such as profuse sweating may occur.
- Muscle tension – stress can manifest as tension in the muscles, which can be accompanied by pain.
Why do we need sensory awareness?
If a mild sensory overload does not in itself lead to dangerous consequences such as breakdowns or complete disorientation, why would it seem necessary to be aware of it? But there are important reasons, namely:
- Sensory overload can still fatigue and increase the tendency to have breakdowns (meltdowns). This is because in such a state it is more difficult to keep track of one’s emotions and the development of social situations.
- If a person does not understand the nature of their sensations, sensory overload can frighten and lead to a panic attack.
- Being aware of one’s sensory sensitivities can facilitate self-control and help one to adapt the environment (e.g., home or workplace) to one’s needs and thereby increase one’s personal effectiveness.
What to do if your child is experiencing sensory overload
In situations where your child is experiencing sensory overload, there are several methods you can use to help manage the situation:
1. Warn in advance: If you know that loud noises or other stimuli are coming, warn your child in advance so that he or she is prepared.
2. Use noise-canceling headphones: this will help your child reduce exposure to unpleasant noises and feel calmer in a noisy environment.
3. Introduce your child to a new place beforehand: if a new or noisy place is to be visited, try to do it at a quiet time or without your child so they know what to expect.
4. Teach to ask to turn down the volume: teach your child to ask others to turn down the volume if they have difficulty tolerating loud noises such as music or talking.
Additional tips and techniques to help overcome sensory overload
- Create a calm environment: Make sure that the room or other place the child frequents has few stimuli that can cause sensory overload. Use dim lighting, remove unnecessary noises and stimuli.
- Physical relaxation: engaging in physical activity, such as light stretching or swimming, can help your child relax and manage the tension caused by sensory overload.
- Deep pressure: some children with autism find soothing in forms of pressure such as weighted plaid, compressing pillows, or cuddling.
- Regimen and predictability: predictability is very important for many children with autism. Create a clear routine so your child knows what to expect during the day and can prepare in advance for possible sensory overload.
- Use visual or sensory cards: Children can use cards or pictures to express their needs and help adults recognize when a stimulus is frustrating.
Conclusion
Sensory overload is an important aspect of the lives of children with autism that can significantly affect their behavior and daily activities. Understanding the nature of these overloads and taking timely action helps to reduce stress and avoid unpleasant situations. Creating a calm, predictable environment and using special methods and tools to manage sensory overload can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and help them better adapt to the world around them.
