Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Differences

Imagine walking into a café where every sound feels too loud, every light too bright, and even the gentle brush of fabric against your skin feels overwhelming. For many people on the autism spectrum, this isn’t imagination; it’s daily life. Sensory experiences aren’t neutral; they can arrive louder, sharper, or quieter than expected. Recognising sensory processing differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) brings us from misunderstanding to empathy and helps us move from isolation toward connection.

Understanding sensory processing in autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by differences in communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, organises, and responds to information from the senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness. In autistic individuals, this system often functions differently, leading to increased or decreased sensitivity (Ben-Sasson et al., 2024).

Common sensory processing patterns include hyperresponsiveness, where everyday stimuli feel overwhelming or painful; hyporesponsiveness, where sensory input may go unnoticed; and sensory seeking, where individuals crave strong sensations such as movement or deep pressure (Ausderau et al., 2024). These differences are not flaws but natural variations in how the nervous system interprets the world.

Common sensory symptoms

Sensory processing differences often affect multiple senses at the same time. Commonly observed symptoms include sensitivity to loud or sudden sounds, discomfort with certain clothing textures or physical touch, visual overwhelm in bright or cluttered spaces, a strong preference for deep pressure or weighted objects, and avoidance of strong smells or tastes. Research shows that sensory symptoms are significantly more prevalent in individuals with ASD than in neurotypical populations and are closely linked to emotional and behavioural regulation (Maqsood et al., 2025).

Daily life and emotional impact

Sensory differences do not exist in isolation. They influence emotional wellness, stress levels, attention, and social participation. A crowded room may trigger anxiety, bright lighting may lead to withdrawal, and unexpected noise may cause distress or shutdown. Studies indicate that sensory over-responsivity is associated with higher levels of anxiety, internalised stress, and emotional dysregulation in autistic individuals (Ben-Sasson et al., 2024). When sensory needs are unmet, everyday routines can feel exhausting, not because of a lack of ability, but because the environment demands constant adaptation.

Gentle, home-based support strategies

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, many supportive strategies can be implemented at home to promote calm and emotional clarity. Creating sensory-friendly spaces with soft lighting, reduced background noise, and minimal clutter can lower sensory load. Calming sensory tools such as weighted blankets, fidget items, and deep-pressure tools may help regulate the nervous system. Predictable routines reduce uncertainty and make sensory input easier to manage. Mindful movement, including gentle stretching, yoga, or rhythmic motion, supports body awareness and emotional balance.

Research suggests that home-based sensory interventions, when applied consistently and thoughtfully, can reduce sensory distress and improve daily functioning (Schaaf et al., 2018).

Emotional wellness and conscious living support

Supporting someone with sensory differences involves emotional care as much as physical accommodation. Validation matters. Trust and resilience grow when discomfort is acknowledged without judgment, breaks are allowed, and boundaries are respected. Mindful living also plays a role. Quieter routines, calming environments, and eco-conscious choices support sensory needs while aligning with values of sustainable and intentional living. Even small changes can make spaces feel more humane and inclusive.

Community, tools, and shared experiences

Many individuals and families find comfort through community sharing experiences, strategies, and small victories. Occupational therapy, peer support groups, and sensory-informed tools can help make daily life feel more regulated and empowering. Ongoing research continues to highlight both the challenges and strengths associated with sensory processing differences, emphasising the importance of personalised support and respect for neurodiversity (Ausderau et al., 2024; Green et al., 2023).

A gentle call to action

Take a moment today to notice one sensory experience that overwhelms you and what soothes you. Whether you are autistic, supporting someone you love, or simply learning, awareness is the first step. By listening, adapting, and sharing, we can create a world where sensory differences are not something to be fixed, but something to be understood and respected.

References

AUsderau, K. K., Sideris, J., Furlong, M., Little, L. M., Bulluck, J., & Baranek, G. T. (2024). Sensory processing patterns in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(6), 2693–2709.

Ben-Sasson, A., Gal, E., Fluss, R., Katz-Zetler, N., & Cermak, S. A. (2024). Sensory processing differences and internalising and externalising problems in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Autism Research, 17(2), 245–260.

Green, S. A., Hernandez, L., Bookheimer, S. Y., & Dapretto, M. (2023). Salience network connectivity and sensory over-responsivity in autism spectrum disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 93(1), 45–55.

Maqsood, I., Afzal, E., Aftab, K., & Ahmad, M. (2025). Comparison of abnormal sensory symptoms in children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 41(4), 1181–1186.

Schaaf, R. C., Dumont, R. L., Arbesman, M., & May-Benson, T. A. (2018). Efficacy of occupational therapy using sensory integration for children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1), 7201190010.

Tavassoli, T., Miller, L. J., Schoen, S. A., Brout, J. J., Sullivan, J., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2023). Sensory reactivity, empathising, and systemising in autism spectrum conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(4), 1380–1392.

Uljarević, M., Carrington, S. J., & Leekam, S. R. (2023). Effects of sensory sensitivity on anxiety in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 691–698.

Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2023). Sensory processing in children with and without autism: A comparative study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(3), 7703205010.